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
Ordinary Sunday 19, Year A
South Sydney Uniting Church
August 13, 2017

Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28; Matthew 14:22-33

‘Three in the morning’

How does it feel to be on your own? That simple refrain will serve to draw together some of what’s taking place in our readings today. How does it feel to be on your own? Feeling the absence of love – “at three in the morning” – vulnerable to discrimination, persecution? Lonely, vulnerable to paranoia and despair? God be with you …

Matthew’s Messianic-Jewish proto-Christian community is on its own, no longer (after the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple in the year 70) a part of the Jewish institution, no longer enjoying the security of belonging to Judaism proper, vulnerable to forces of chaos and violence within and without. Economically, physically, spiritually. Including waves of state-sanctioned persecution (in the late 90s).

Matthew’s story likens the situation to that of a boat and its crew tossed about in a storm (a familiar predicament for biblical readers/hearers, familiar predicament for coast-dwelling people). The church as a boat (the Latin word for boat is navis, as in nave) is a prominent symbol in early Christian art. The anchor was one of the first symbols of Christian faith – long before the cross came to symbolise the religion.

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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 – August

Wordplay Poetry Group: Saturday, August 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, August 6 & 20, 10am. During church services, activities for children.

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

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

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

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

Pastoral Care: Saturday, August 19 for Elders.

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

Birthday Celebrations and Informal Lunch: Sunday, August 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, August 27, 12-1pm at the Church.

Next month – September

Wordplay Poetry Group: Saturday, September 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, September 3 & 17, 10am. During church services, activities for children.

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

Bible Study: Thursday, September 14, 7-9pm in the Church Hall. Topic: "Friends and Enemies". A light supper will be served, all welcome! Read More

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

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

Pastoral Care: Saturday, September 16 for Elders.

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

Birthday Celebrations and Informal Lunch: Sunday, September 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.

Worship Planning: Sunday, September 24, 12-1pm at the Church.

Orchard Gallery Exhibition: Fantastic Creatures. Opening, Saturday
August 26, 5-6:30pm