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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
Rev. Andrew Collis
Mobile: 0438 719 470
Homily
Blessing of the Animals
Thanksgiving for Creation, Year B
South Sydney Uniting Church
September 30, 2018
Genesis 2:18-20; Psalm 148; Matthew 6:25-29
‘Do not fret’
Our reading from Genesis 2 is about common ground – human and nonhuman “people” created from the same soil. In some important way language, too, is identified as a place of encounter, mystery. An early biblical picture of the kindom of God.
So it’s no surprise to find Jesus the poet (the Word of God) teaching on common ground between disciples, birds and wildflowers. He makes an imaginative appeal, employing poetic exaggeration to teach an attitude to God. Seek first the kindom. Do not fret about food or clothes. Do not be preoccupied with food and clothes. Give radical priority to the kindom, and experience every ordinary thing as the gift of a loving God.
In other words, Jesus invites attunement to natural beauty, connectedness – what some religious thinkers call the “symbiotic real” or “inter-
There are so many ways to receive and understand this teaching.
There are some coloured pencils on each pew that you might colour the image of St Clare, perhaps highlighting her habit, hands, face, halo, book of gospels or background …
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.
Local healthy food. Subscribe & Pick Up Right Here At The Church
Tuesdays 5:30-
This 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-
Contemplation/Meditation: Sunday, October 14, 12-
Bible Study: Thursday, October 11, 7-
Art Class: Saturday, October 13 & 27, 12-
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.
Next month – November
Wordplay Poetry Group: Saturday, November 3, 12pm meet at the Church. Bring along a favourite piece of writing and/or something you’ve written. All welcome.
Children's Activities: Sunday, November 4 & 18, 10am. During church services, activities for children.
Gospel Conversation: Sunday, November 4, 12-
Contemplation/Meditation: Sunday, November 11, 12-
Bible Study: Thursday, November 8, 7-
Art Class: Saturday, November 10 & 24, 12-
Church Council: Tuesday, November 20, 6 for 6:30pm at the Church.
Pastoral Care: Saturday, November 17 for Elders.
Birthday Celebrations and Informal Lunch: Sunday, November 18, 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, November 25, 12pm at the Church.
