Progressive, affirming, questing in Warrnambool, Victoria
Moses lives; Moses dies: but God’s story of liberation goes on. We are all called to participate in this story in our inner world, in our families and neighbourhoods, in our workplaces, and in the wider world. So where have you glimpsed the Promised Land of justice, mercy and shalom? And what is your next step towards it? Continue reading “Cartalk / Tabletalk 20: We die, but God’s story goes on”
Moses asks questions and makes demands on God. To each question and demand, God promises one thing: to be present. What questions and demands do you bring to God? When have you glimpsed God’s presence? How has this presence addressed your questions and demands? Continue reading “Cartalk / Tabletalk 19: God’s answer”
Sabbath is at the heart of the Ten Commandments. It asks us to step aside from the economic system each week; and it asks us to provide this opportunity to everyone. Yet very few of us take it seriously. What makes it so hard to stop? How does your household rest? What strategies could you use to ensure you rest more often? Continue reading “Cartalk / Tabletalk 18: Time to stop and do nothing”
Our economic system assumes scarcity: that is, that there is never enough to go round. The anxiety generated by this idea leads us to hoard what we have, and to always seek more. But God’s abundance, seen here as manna, shows that there is enough for everyone. What do your household’s habits of working, shopping, saving, investing and giving reveal about your faith? Do you hoard money, clothes, whatever? Or do you trust God to provide what you need when you need it? How does this story challenge your economic behaviour? Continue reading “Cartalk / Tabletalk 17: God’s economy: Enough for all”
The Israelites are famous for their grumbling, questioning, testing ways. Mostly, God doesn’t mind one bit, and just gets on with sustaining the people. How have you tested God? What questions do you ask? How has God sustained you? Talk about it! Continue reading “Cartalk / Tabletalk 16: Testing God”
As we’ve read through Exodus, we’ve switched switching between Egyptian and Israelite identities – but it all comes to a head in this story. The Egyptian army is destroyed; and when the Israelites see their bodies washed up on the shore, they sing and dance for joy. If we don’t celebrate when justice is done, we don’t care enough; but if we celebrate when people suffer, we lose our humanity. How can we celebrate when hurtful people receive justice without losing our humanity? Continue reading “Cartalk / Tabletalk 15: Celebrate justice, grieve suffering”
It takes many dramatic events for Pharaoh to let God’s people go, and the final catalyst becomes a significant ritual in Jewish life. So, is God violent? How does your image of God affect how you live in the world? And what do our rituals say about the God we worship? Today’s cartalk / tabletalk covers some of the biggest questions of faith. Continue reading “Cartalk / Tabletalk 14: Let my people go”
God speaks to Moses through a burning bush. Is this a once-off, or does God regularly speak through creation? Today’s cartalk / tabletalk covers the first half of last night’s longer congregational reflection; if you missed it, a summary is here. Continue reading “Cartalk / Tabletalk 13: God speaks through creation”
Two amazing women defy the most powerful person in the land. They are slaves, yet they refuse to do what pharaoh demands. When they are questioned, they make up a cheeky story which makes pharaoh look ridiculous. When have you seen people stay true to their God and their culture? Have you ever seen someone risk their life to protect others? Talk about it! Continue reading “Cartalk / Tabletalk 12: Two brave women”
Sanctuary has just turned 4! And so this week’s cartalk / tabletalk is going off lectionary as we reflect on how Sanctuary is a gift to the world: ‘salt’ and ‘light’ in Jesus’s terms. When we wondered about this during the service, people observed that Sanctuary is a place to be authentic, to be accepted, to be yourself. It’s a place to share the journey and nourish each other; it’s a place of protection and refuge; a place to be loved. And it’s a place with challenging Bible teaching! Continue reading “Cartalk / Tabletalk 11: Being a gift”
Sanctuary 