South Sydney Uniting Church is ecumenical (e.g. supporting the National and World Council of Churches) and inclusive,
affirming the gifts of people of all ages, cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations and identities. We seek peace with justice,
and the integrity of creation. We celebrate a service of Word and Sacrament (Eucharist) each Sunday at 10am.

"We acknowledge the traditional owners of this land: the Gadigal people of the Eora nation."

56a Raglan Street
Waterloo NSW 2017
Phone/Fax: 02 9319 1373

Map

Rev. Andrew Collis
Mobile: 0438 719 470

Homily
Christmas 1, Year C
South Sydney Uniting Church
December 30, 2018

1 Samuel 2:18-20,26; Colossians 3:12-17; Luke 2:41-52

‘A holy (extended) family’

One of the myths informing the Santa Claus story is that of Thor, god of the hearth, the home and the home-fires. It can have a very insulating influence. An uncritical acceptance of this “meaning” of Christmas sees many a family gathered at the “fireplace” for gift-giving rituals (Thor, like Santa, is depicted with a long white beard and dressed in red). On this sixth day of Christmas, God be with them, and God be with you …

Santa Claus, à la god of the home-fires, is readily a patron of our modern Western family – the nuclear family: parents and children living together and more or less independent of wider family members and neighbours – and the hearth becomes a site where hurts resurface, tensions explode, and expectations of harmony go up (the chimney) in smoke.

Who’s been a good boy? Who’s been a good girl? Difficult (potentially enlightening) realities beyond this kind of binary moralism often induce panic and hostility (active or passive). All this pressure on the nuclear family can be very intense.

We have the Orthodox Icon of the Nativity before us today. It shows the theological meaning of Christmas.

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All Welcome
The church, hall and garden are accessible by way of paths and ramps. The toilets, sinks and shower, located in the hall, are wheelchair accessible. Please ask if further assistance is required.

The Orchard Gallery (artist run space) invites applications for exhibitions

Local healthy food. Subscribe & Pick Up Right Here At The Church
Tuesdays 5:30-6.30pm.

The South Sydney Herald Independent Newspaper

This month – January

Children's Activities: Sunday, January 6 & 20, 10am. During church services, activities for children.

Gospel Conversation: Sunday, January 6, 12-1pm at the Church.

Bible Study: Thursday, January 10, 7-9pm at the manse. A light supper will be served, all welcome!

Art Class: Saturday, January 12 & 26, 12-4pm in the Church Hall. Gold coin donation.

Contemplation/Meditation: Sunday, January 13, 12-1pm in the Church.

Church Council: Tuesday, January 15, 6 for 6:30pm at the Church.

Pastoral Care: Saturday, January 19 for Elders.

Birthday Celebrations and Informal Lunch: Sunday, January 20, following the church service. After church during morning tea enjoy cake and celebrate with everyone having a birthday this month and then stay for an informal and affordable lunch. There is a "lunch box" for donations to help facilitate – your contribution is much appreciated.

Worship Planning: Sunday, January 27, 12pm at the Church.

Next month – February

Wordplay Poetry Group: Saturday, February 2, 12pm meet at the Church. Bring along a favourite piece of writing and/or something you’ve written. All welcome.

Children's Activities: Sunday, February 3 & 17, 10am. During church services, activities for children.

Gospel Conversation: Sunday, February 3, 12-1pm at the Church.

Art Class: Saturday, February 9 & 23, 12-4pm in the Church Hall. Gold coin donation.

Contemplation/Meditation: Sunday, February 10, 12-1pm in the Church.

Bible Study: Thursday, February 14, 7-9pm at the manse. A light supper will be served, all welcome!

Pastoral Care: Saturday, February 16 for Elders.

Birthday Celebrations and Informal Lunch: Sunday, February 17, following the church service. After church during morning tea enjoy cake and celebrate with everyone having a birthday this month and then stay for an informal and affordable lunch. There is a "lunch box" for donations to help facilitate – your contribution is much appreciated.

Church Council: Tuesday, February 19, 6 for 6:30pm at the Church.

Worship Planning: Sunday, February 24, 12pm at the Church.