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
Sky Sunday
Season of Creation, Year B
South Sydney Uniting Church
September 16, 2018

Psalm 19; Philippians 2:3-13; Mark 15:33-39

‘And ask the sky …’

Paul writes: “… work out your salvation with fear and trembling … It is God at work in you that creates the desire to do God’s will” (Philippians 2:12-13). The good news: cooperation with God. The good news: gift and task. The good news: grace perfects nature (Thomas Aquinas). There is a promise built into nature, including human nature – salvation, wholeness and wellness, continues, each and every day, as we turn from meanness and acknowledge goodness, as we exercise moral virtues and spiritual gifts. 

If grace perfects nature, as C.S. Lewis writes, it must expand all our natures into the full richness of the diversity God intended … In other words, while evil shrivels into meanness, goodness expands. I picture the wide skies – the full-colour spectrum of light and air. “The sky proclaims the glory of God,/ and the firmament announces the work of God’s hands” (Psalm 19:1). There is a (rainbow) promise built into nature, woven into the very fabric of nature, including human nature. Grace does not destroy but perfects nature. God be with you …

Read More

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 – September

Wordplay Poetry Group: Saturday, September 1, 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 2 & 16, 10am. During church services, activities for children.

Gospel Conversation: Sunday, September 2 & 30, 12-1pm at the Church.

Contemplation/Meditation: Sunday, September 9, 12-1pm in the Church.

Bible Study: Thursday, September 13, 7-9pm at the manse. A light supper will be served, all welcome!

Art Class: Saturday, September 8 & 22, 12-4pm in the Church Hall. Gold coin donation.

Pastoral Care: Saturday, September 15 for Elders.

Birthday Celebrations and Informal Lunch: Sunday, September 16, 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, September 18, 6 for 6:30pm at the Church.

Worship Planning: Sunday, September 23, 12pm at the Church.

Next month – October

Wordplay Poetry Group: Saturday, October 6, 12pm meet at the Church. Bring along a favourite piece of writing and/or something you’ve written. All welcome.

Children's Activities: Sunday, October 7 & 21, 10am. During church services, activities for children.

Gospel Conversation: Sunday, October 7, 12-1pm at the Church.

Contemplation/Meditation: Sunday, October 14, 12-1pm in the Church.

Bible Study: Thursday, October 11, 7-9pm at the manse. A light supper will be served, all welcome!

Art Class: Saturday, October 13 & 27, 12-4pm in the Church Hall. Gold coin donation.

Church Council: Tuesday, October 16, 6 for 6:30pm at the Church.

Pastoral Care: Saturday, October 20 for Elders.

Birthday Celebrations and Informal Lunch: Sunday, October 21, 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, October 28, 12pm at the Church.