Category: Lent Event

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Lenten Reflection Opportunities

In all of the change that happens around us, one of the constant aspects of our faith journey at St Luke’s is the annual cycle of the liturgical calendar, marking the seasons of Jesus’ journey on earth.

Tomorrow we commence the period of Lent – 40 days of reflection and sacrifice as we imagine the time spent by Jesus in the desert, grappling with fears and temptations.

If you are looking for some resources to use as part of your devotional time during Lent, here are some suggestions:

Common Grace

Every year at Easter, Common Grace brings a Lent series based on the central teachings of Jesus. In 2021 they’ve put together a compilation series from Christian teachers, who show us what it looks like when justice overflows from following Jesus.

To sign up to their weekly Lenten emails, click here.

Uniting World’s Lent Event

UnitingWorld is the part of the Uniting Church with the privilege of nurturing relationships with our global church family, and we love the season of Lent! Through Lent Event, we provide a Bible Study series to help you think through what it means to be a global neighbour, and encourage you to take action with a 40-day challenge to give or take up something that helps make the world a better place. With stories that show how your prayers and gifts are building hope and ending poverty around the world, we aim to cultivate generosity, compassion and awareness of others.

If you’re ready to take a new look at Lent, go for a deep dive online to find resources, and check out www.lentevent.com.au for simple ways to get involved.

 

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Sunday 19th April: Easter 2 – Online Worship

Grace and Peace to you all, in the name of Jesus.

Heartfelt thanks to Linda Salamy for editing this week’s worship service so that I could catch up on some very behind university study!  Thanks to Paul and Sue for presenting our worship today.

We also have many families from our Messy Church community who celebrate Orthodox Easter this weekend as part of their traditions – here are some special greetings from some of them!

If you are wanting to sing today, you might enjoy this favourite – “Be Thou My Vision”:

We also have some multi-sensory activities for you to do at home:

Easter 2 Resources

You might like to try dyeing your own eggs with Costa and friends:

 

Please keep in your prayers our partners in the Pacific, particularly Vanuatu, as they deal with the aftermath of Cyclone Harold.    Here is an update from UnitingWorld about the impact of COVID19 on our partners from poorer nations:

Above all, we urge you to continue to uphold one another in prayer, and we pray that you and your loved ones stay safe and well, and know the transforming presence of Jesus through these challenging and uncertain times.

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Sunday 5th April 2020 – Online Worship – Palm Sunday

Hello friends!

You can find our Palm Sunday worship on Youtube here:

In our second episode of Worship online, Paul shares a reflection on what Jesus’ entry to Jerusalem says about the kind of leader he is – a servant leader. In the turmoil of the COVID19 pandemic, what kind of service are you called to?

Linda leads us in prayers of the people and gives thanks for the people serving our community now, despite the risk to themselves and their families.

We meet Shaghek Qassabyan, our new Community Ministry Worker for St Luke’s.

Shaghek (R) pictured here with Rae Anderson and friend at the Garage Sale in 2018.

For some music listening, please enjoy “From a Still Small Voice” performed by Leigh Newton, with thanks to Craig Mitchell for sharing!

Lent event

As the COVID19 pandemic ripples through our UnitingWorld’s partner countries, we are more conscious than ever of the need to support our neighbours who have much less than we do.

The future of our world depends on people of all faiths and backgrounds being able to work together for good. In Maluku, Ambon, Rev Jeny is working with high school students to train up leaders for our region who embrace difference, respect each other and have a passion for peace.

Today we’ll meet the students and hear about Rev Jeny’s inspiring work.
Please visit www.lentevent.com to help it continue.  UnitingWorld continues to stand alongside people in Ambon and far beyond, and they need our help.

Please keep praying for Rev Jeny and her team, Mary, Attika, Petrus and Nyoman.

Resources for home

Linda Salamy has gathered some multi-sensory activities you can download and do from home in your devotional time.

Palm Sunday craft resources

Karen from Western Heights Uniting Church shows us how to fold our own  paper palm crosses:

We hope you have a peaceful and reflective Holy Week – may God give you the wisdom and insight to discern how you might continue to bring light and hope in troubled times, and may you be well, may you be happy, may you be safe in Christ’s love.

Stay tuned later today for a special Kid’s Church edition of online worship!

 

 

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Sunday 29th March – Worship online

Hello friends,

Here is our first completely socially-distanced online worship service:

We hope that you are safe at home and feeling connected even though we are physically distant.  If you are looking for something to sing along to, you might enjoy this version of the Hymn “In Christ Alone”:

Lent Event

2 weeks ago, New Zealand commemorated the first anniversary of the Christchurch Massacre – a tragic reminder of the hatred, intolerance and misunderstanding in our communities, but also of the beauty of people pulling together to bring solace and solidarity. Today we meet three old friends – a mix of Muslim and Christian women for whom friendship across faith boundaries has proved rich and lifegiving. Do you know people of other faiths with whom you could have a (physically distant) meal and develop stronger relationships?

Next week: Blessed are the peacemakers

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