Holidays and Home
by Rev Chris Cohen
(Published in News First, April 2006 - monthly church newsletter of the Warragul Uniting Church)
It was with great pleasure on our return from holidays that we felt we were coming home. In ministry, the constant moving can be very unsettling and it is good to feel at home. It is good to discover that worship in our absence was well received and appreciated, thanks to those who prepared and conducted worship and those who exercised pastoral care in that time.
Our time at sea was very enjoyable, travelling along the south and west coast of Australia, then through Indonesian waters, the Malacca Straits ending at Singapore. We took day trips into Adelaide, Albany, Fremantle, Kuala Lumpur and Malacca, this last trip being very interesting and “different”.
Time at sea was both active and relaxing, as we were able to choose from a wide variety of activities or just rest and read. There were floor shows and movies every day and the constant supply of well presented and tasty food all added to a very pleasant time.
We made good friends with our table companions and others; most people being prepared to enjoy the trip together. However, there were some who were never happy and full of complaints, often trying to jump lines and verbally fight with others. I felt both annoyed and sorry for such unhappy people. It always seems to me we make our choices about attitudes to life and in particular to other people.
A special highlight of the cruise was the Sunday morning worship conducted by the Captain. This was a simple service, read from a set order, however to experience several hundred people from all sorts of religious traditions worshiping our one Lord was very inspiring.
Upon leaving the ship at Singapore we boarded a ferry which took us to Bintan, a small Indonesian island 75kms from Singapore. Here we spent four nights in chalet style accommodation on the beach facing the South China Sea. This proved to be very relaxing and pleasant. From there we returned to Singapore for four nights to enjoy what was a new city for us. We saw the “sights”, enjoyed the markets and special shopping before joining Qantas to return home.
We enjoyed our travelling holidays, renewed our appreciation of the variety of God’s good creation, made new friends and were pleased to return “home”. To discover that life in Warragul Uniting Church continued well in our absence is also rewarding. We look forward to Ordinations, Baptisms, Confirmations, Fete, Easter soon and a Church opening on June 25th.
This is both an exciting and expectant time for us as we continue to move forward into this part of God’s history.
Yours in Christ,
Chris