A few weeks ago, on January 15th, Americans celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Day in commemoration of his birthday. Dr. King was the chief spokesman for non-violent activism in the civil rights movement, which successfully protested racial discrimination in federal and state law. The campaign for a federal holiday in King's honour began soon after his … Continue reading Dr. Martin Luther King Jr
Australia’s Defining Traits
As a nation, there are traits that have defined Australia for decades, but as the times shift and trends emerge McCrindle Research takes a look at the extent to which these are still relevant in defining us today. 1. The Lucky Country Statistics show that Australia is doing better than ever when it comes to … Continue reading Australia’s Defining Traits
Should We Move Australia Day?
On Monday, the 26 of January, we celebrate 'Australia Day' - the official national day of Australia. I love Australia. I have travelled to around 30 countries in my short time on earth and I love different cultures and places ... but there is no place like home. Amidst the fireworks and BBQs we remember … Continue reading Should We Move Australia Day?
Christ’s Christmas Gift – Peace
Today is Christmas and people all around the world will be giving and receiving gifts of all kinds. Jesus offers us a gift today - something incredibly valuable that he alone can give. John 14:27. I am leaving you with a gift — peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift … Continue reading Christ’s Christmas Gift – Peace
Essence: What is Most Important?
It is important in every aspect of life to understand what is essential/central and what is peripheral/unessential. Only by knowing what is essential can you truly make sense of life and live it to the full. As we begin a New Year, we step into the future. As we do so, we want to ask … Continue reading Essence: What is Most Important?
Dealing with Grief at Christmas Time
Christmas is a joyful time for most people. But for some it can be a difficult time, especially for those who have lost a loved one. Christmas reminds them of what or who is gone. The pain of that grief can be quite unbearable. I had my first major encounter with grief when I lost … Continue reading Dealing with Grief at Christmas Time
Christmas JOY
Luke was a doctor who lived in the first century. Like most doctors, Luke valued facts and obtaining accurate information. That's why he spent so much time interviewing people and talking to eye-witnesses when he prepared to write his Gospel record of the life of Jesus Christ. Let's read some of the Christmas story as … Continue reading Christmas JOY
Halloween – Trick or Treat?
I remember attending my first Halloween party as a kid (not long after our family moved to the USA back in the 1970s), with its eerily lit pumpkins, freaky dress-up costumes and the scary dark room we were all dared to navigate ourselves through, kind of like a pseudo-haunted house. It was a lot of fun. … Continue reading Halloween – Trick or Treat?
Indigenous Awareness Trip (October 2013)
In October 2013, my wife and I participated with a number of other church pastors in an Indigenous Awareness Trip, sponsored by the Concilia organisation. We began by flying from Melbourne to Alice Springs. It was my first visit to this iconic Australian town. It was not as big as I thought it would be … Continue reading Indigenous Awareness Trip (October 2013)
Les Miserables
Two weeks ago, my family and I attended the Les Miserables stage production at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Melbourne. It is one of our favourite productions. We have watched the 25th annviersary edition DVD recorded at the London O2 arena a dozen or so times and it never fails to move us (the finale, which is … Continue reading Les Miserables
Australian Christian Book of the Year 2014
The shortlist for Australian Christian Book of the Year 2014 has been released. Join us at the 2014 SparkLit awards event.Come and celebrate the power of words with Simon Smart of the Centre for Public Christianity and performance poet Jessica Santosa. The 2014 Australian Christian Book of the Year, Young Australian Christian Writer and Teen Writer awards will be … Continue reading Australian Christian Book of the Year 2014
100th Anniversary of World War 1
The first week of August 2014 marks the 100th anniversary of the beginning of World War I and the formal commencement of the Anzac Centenary. The war was one of the most destructive events in history, with almost all the countries of the world involved and affected. The Veteran's Affairs Brnach of the State Government … Continue reading 100th Anniversary of World War 1
Mother’s Day
This coming Sunday is Mother's Day. I realise that this can be a difficult day for some people. Maybe your mother passed away recently, or you don’t have a good relationship with your mum, or maybe you always wanted to become a mum and it hasn’t happened. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. … Continue reading Mother’s Day
Jesus is ALIVE! (Easter 2014)
Easter is here again and with it a holiday weekend, chocolate eggs and enough shopping sales to tempt any credit-card carrying buyer. What’s it really all about? All around the world, around two billion Christians will take time this weekend to reflect on and give thanks for the work that Jesus Christ accomplished through his … Continue reading Jesus is ALIVE! (Easter 2014)
Advent: Lighting the Fourth Candle – Our Waiting is Over!
Christmas Eve or Christmas Day [Re-light the three purple candles and the pink candle] We Celebrate the Birth of Christ In the season of Advent we have used the Advent wreath and its candles to help us get ready for this great celebration of the birth of Christ. When we lit the first purple candle, … Continue reading Advent: Lighting the Fourth Candle – Our Waiting is Over!