35 | thunder point | peek whurrong country #Lent 2023

Two perspectives.

1. O God, what are we that you should care for us? mere mortals, that you should think of us? We are like a puff of wind; our days are like a passing shadow. (Psalm 144:3-4)

I have walked along the cliffs for years.
They absorbed my lonely thoughts, inspired exhilarating breaths,
and the coastal tracks created a path for my plodding, non-eventful days.
Hearing the deep rumble of the surf tumbling, soothed me at night. Continue reading “35 | thunder point | peek whurrong country #Lent 2023” →

Matthew | Walking with fabulous friends and strangers against the forces of death

Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem resembles a pride parade, and our guy is a clown. (Listen.)

I know I’m not the only person here who finds the palm parade a little awkward, a little cringe-worthy. We look ridiculous, waving jackets and branches as we sing our way into the building. But compared to Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, it’s very tame indeed. Because in that story, you have a bloke on a wacky ride surrounded by a bunch of shirtless guys waving stuff and singing in public. It’s joyful, vulnerable, disruptive; and the modern equivalent which comes to mind is a pride parade. Continue reading “Matthew | Walking with fabulous friends and strangers against the forces of death” →

33 | picnic cove | peek whurrong country #Lent 2023

If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: see! everything old is passed away and everything has become new! (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Picnic Cove is in between Pickering Point and Thunder Point, on the coastline in Warrnambool. Spending time there I marvel at the way the sea moulds the coastline and shapes rocks. The coastline with softer composition is eroded faster than that with a solid composition. Continue reading “33 | picnic cove | peek whurrong country #Lent 2023” →

Where your treasure is …

Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:21)

From Sanctuary’s leadership team: At our recent leadership meeting we looked at Sanctuary’s finances and budget. Sanctuary’s main expense is our pastor’s wage. She is paid for three days a week, but puts in at least another day on top of that. Despite this being our primary expense, our finances are severely strained. The budget specifically shows that our congregational giving is down $15,000 on our projected income for this financial year. We are currently plugging that hole with $320 a week from our Job Keeper treasure chest! Continue reading “Where your treasure is …” →

31 | mount noorat | kirrae whurrung country #Lent 2023

Those who trust in the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall soar on wings like eagles. (Isaiah 40:31)

I took myself up Mt Noorat, one of the many sleeping volcanoes dotted around the landscape. Most of you know this walk: the stroll past eucalyptus trees; the short stiff climb to the first lookout for a quick breather. Then the scramble up the next slope and over the stile, and a longer pause at the top to catch your breath and look to Terang, Mt Leura, the plains stretched out like a vast undulating blanket. Then the rolling walk around the rim, as peeping birds flit around the grassy slopes and the wind whistles and sings. Continue reading “31 | mount noorat | kirrae whurrung country #Lent 2023” →

Ezekiel | Dem dry colonial bones

A reflection for white settlers living on stolen land. (Listen.)

It’s tempting to reflect on the bones. The massacre site that is now a fast food restaurant just a couple of blocks from Sanctuary. The bones which still wash up from time to time on the beach near Peterborough. The babies’ bones buried six feet under at the missions. The bones which were scattered throughout the landscape, left to rot in every lake, valley and hollow, left lying in the paddocks to dry out in the sun. It’s tempting to focus on the bones: because our history and geography are studded with other people’s bones. Continue reading “Ezekiel | Dem dry colonial bones” →

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