Reflection for the Service of Thanksgiving for the end of the Fire Season

Romsey Uniting Church, 27^th of March 2011

Psalm 121; Mark 12:28-34; ‘My Country’ by Dorothea MacKellar

Psalm 121, which we just heard read, is one of my favourite psalms. Living in the Macedon Ranges, I spend a lot of my time lifting my eyes to the hills, and appreciating the incredible beauty of God’s creation. And I love the reassurance that “The Lord will defend you from all evil: it is he who will guard your life.” It’s a beautiful affirmation. But sometimes, like this summer, it’s hard to believe.

Sermon: Do not be afraid

Sermon for Riddells Creek and Mount Macedon

Transfiguration, 6^th of March 2011

Exodus 24:12-18

Matthew 17:1-9

This is the last Sunday that we’ll observe before Lent begins on Ash Wednesday.  Easter’s late this year, so we’ve had a long Epiphany, in which we’ve been able to celebrate the revelation of God in Jesus, and listen to his teachings from the mountain. But there’s no way of stopping the trajectory of the church year; inevitably we must prepare for Good Friday and the cross.