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

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Rev. Andrew Collis
Mobile: 0438 719 470

Homily
Easter 2, Year B
Reaffirmations of Baptism
South Sydney Uniting Church
April 8, 2018

John 20:19-31

‘The Belief of Thomas’

Today’s gospel invites us to consider doubts and deep questions – our struggles to believe in Jesus as the embodiment of God’s love. It’s not really such a controversial topic. Of course, doubt and faith work together. There is no pure faith devoid of questions or the need of discernment. We should be wary of any such “faith”. Likewise, a persistent disbelief or cynicism is tedious – closed-minded, closed-hearted. “Don’t persist in your unbelief,” says Jesus, “but believe!” (v. 27).

It is one of the fourth gospel’s delightful paradoxes that its climactic statement of faith should be drawn out of doubt/disbelief and, if we recall earlier statements of Thomas, a pronounced tendency to the negative (11:16; 14:5). Thomas the Twin says/prays: “My Saviour and my God!” God be with you …

So, we can consider doubt in concert with faith. Coming-to-believe as a matter of sense and sensitivity, interpretation, “paschal testimonies”, again and again. “In concert” entails practice and performance, engagement with tradition, at a certain place and time. “In concert” also means with others (as illustrated by Thomas reuniting with the other disciples).

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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 – April

Children's Activities: Sunday, April 1 & 15, 10am. During church services, activities for children.

Wordplay Poetry Group: Saturday, April 7, 12pm meet at the Church. Bring along a favourite piece of writing and/or something you’ve written. All welcome.

Gospel Conversation: Sunday, April 1 & 29, 12-1pm at the Church.

Bible Study: Thursday, April 12, 7-9pm in the Church Hall. Topic: "Friends and Enemies". A light supper will be served, all welcome! Read More

Art Class: Saturday, April 14 & 28, 12-4pm in the Church Hall. Gold coin donation.

Contemplation/Meditation: Sunday, April 8, 12-1pm in the Church.

Pastoral Care: Saturday, April 21 for Elders.

Birthday Celebrations and Informal Lunch: Sunday, April 15, 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, April 17, 6 for 6:30pm at the Church.

Worship Planning: Sunday, April 22, 12pm at the Church.

Next month – May

Wordplay Poetry Group: Saturday, May 5, 12pm meet at the Church. Bring along a favourite piece of writing and/or something you’ve written. All welcome.

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

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

Bible Study: Thursday, May 10, 7-9pm in the Church Hall. Topic: "Friends and Enemies". A light supper will be served, all welcome! Read More

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

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

Pastoral Care: Saturday, May 19 for Elders.

Birthday Celebrations and Informal Lunch: Sunday, May 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.

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

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

Orchard Gallery Exhibition: Flower Power. Open until April 27.