It is with great joy and thankful hearts that we celebrated two great anniversaries on Sunday 24th June.

Thirty years of the Uniting Church in Australia was marked across the nation and certainly at Warragul.  What began as a recognition of our oneness in Christ (John 17) early last century became an institutional reality in June 1977.  This step of faith has had its difficulties and uncertainties because this is the nature of faith, trusting God for our future.  While the U.C.A. has addressed significant issues in our society, particularly around the unpopular areas of injustice, striving for fair treatment of all people, there has also been a great cost for some people in terms of traditional practices and places of worship and church life.

Warragul has not been immune from these demands and achievements and has probably had as much unrest as any.  However, we can look back now and acknowledge the reality of the journey and know that this has been a journey that has called for faithfulness and has helped us grow in faith (trusting God).  The present reality builds on this past experience and the experience of the whole church and the scriptures.  This present reality, thirty years of the U.C.A. and twelve months in our new home, helps us to trust God for the future and in our experience of this God, we hope for the future as God’s people in Warragul.  Our hope is based upon what God has already done in our lives.  The past, that produces faith, and the future, given to hope in God, are now held together and given life through love.  The love that we receive from God, the love that we show each other and the love that we try to offer to the world around us is what makes our present life worthwhile and “Christian” or “Christ like”.

So it has been encouraging and rewarding to witness the way many people give so generously of their time, energy, skills and love which benefit us all and those beyond our church family.  The reality is, however, that there is also a need for each of us to consider carefully and prayerfully our financial giving because we are falling behind.  The Gospel of Jesus Christ needs generous financial stewards to ensure it continues to offer hope and comfort, challenge and growth in the church and the wider community.  I hope you will help.

Finally, I would ask you to pray regarding a matter close to my heart and experience.  Recently the Prime Minister announced a response to the situation of abuse of women and children in aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory.  I witnessed this first hand over thirty years ago and have heard and seen promises and emotional responses from politicians and others since that time that have come to little but talk.  I would ask you to pray for the victims of this abuse, for those who exercise this abuse, for their communities, for the leaders of the aboriginal community in Australia, for those who will work in areas of law enforcement, health, rehabilitation and education.  Please pray for the political will to save this generation of children and women.  Thank you.

May you continue to find the Spirit of God active in your life.

Your friend in Christ,