Talking about Holy communion while in lockdown gives us a unique opportunity to consider what is the symbol and what is the substance, and how do we make sure we keep the two fully integrated. This sermon is preached from home while in a deep lockdown in which Rev Margaret is not supposed to enter the church building.
How do you speak truth to power? Well, non-violent activists for 2,500 years have followed the lead of a prophet who was no doubt quaking in his books as he. TOLD A STORY ABOUT CRAZY RECKLESS LOVE. and a cold stone heart.
Do you remember the 90's Michael Douglas movie Falling Down? I guess most people don't, but the last scene stuck in my mind - where Michael Douglas is confronted just before he would have committed murder/suicide and he says "I'm the bad guy?" People don't usually set out to be the bad guy. They just blindly walk a path of privilege until it destroys the people around them. You think that's a modern observation? Nah. The authors of the Old Testament knew all about it.
How would you choose?
What a week this has been! Throughout Australia we have been starkly reminded that Covid has not gone away. Politicians have shown just how much a crisis can divide. We have each faced our individual tragedies and challenges. NAIDOC week is beginning. And in some ways these either make us wonder where God has gone - or confirm that God was never with us. So this week lets grieve with the people of Nazareth and then seek some deep wisdom for truly experiencing the presence of God who never left us. At the end I quote from national treasure and senior Australian of the Year, Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr. I encourage you to interact with her work for yourself and donate to her foundation: https://www.miriamrosefoundation.org.au/dadirri/
This sermon looks at how Jesus reverses the polarity of shame and empowers us to do the same. It would be helpful to read 2 Samuel 1 and Mark 5 first
Rev Pam Hynd's sermon for Pentecost 4
Rev Pam Hynd's sermon for Ascension 2021 - 16 May.
Double value today! Rev Margaret's Ascension sermon is below - see "Is this the Time?"
As Rev Margaret will be away for a few weeks, and to take some pressure off the locum, we have included last year's Trinity sermon here. Our situation has changed a little since then but the beauty of our invitation to join in the eternal dance of Trinitarian love has not diminished.
As Rev Margaret will be away for a few weeks, and to take some pressure off the locum, we have included last year's Pentecost sermon here. Our situation has changed a little since then but the hope we have in the God's presence with us by the Holy Spirit has not diminished.