Jon is ministry leader at St Matthew ‘s Uniting Church Baulkham Hills. He has been in placement since October 2023. He is passionate about creative ways of engaging with God. Jon was the National Advocate for the UCA Assembly’s Transforming Worship Circle of Interest until the Assembly in July this year. He also has a passion for wellbeing and flourishing. His favourite way to look after his wellbeing and recharge his spirit is to go kayaking.
The message celebrates the spiritual gift of hospitality—rooted in childhood lessons, cross-cultural encounters, and deep human connection.
Through personal stories from Australia to the Holy Land, Rev Dr Helen Richmond shows how welcoming others can reflect God’s love in simple yet powerful ways.
After instigating a report on poverty and disadvantage, the Bishop of Liverpool was described as a Maxist, a socialist and a communist. He responded by saying that he was simply reading the gospel of Luke.
Luke emphasizes the compassion of Jesus highlighting mercy, equality and inclusion and showing bias towards the poor and disadvantaged.
‘Armour’ was well known in Biblical times, and used by people for enforcing the peace of Rome.
Today is not about people fighting but about fighting stuff that is spiritual.
Making us want to live well and the qualities needed as followers of Jesus.
What we need to cut through all the stuff in life that directs us away from Living the Jesus way.
Carrying burdens can make us very tired and weary.
Focusing on the way of Christ in love, grace and forgiveness is a better burden for us all to carry. Forget passing ugly rocks around!
As we celebrate Pentecost our prayer may be that the Spirit may come and set us alight anew.
Then people will see God through us as we ‘shine’ in the world around us.
A thought…. Charging our batteries too long may be at the detriment of being the people of God
