Since being ordained to Elder in 2022, I’ve often returned to one of Jesus’ stories, “The Parable of the Bridesmaids” (Matthew 25:1-13). In this parable, ten bridesmaids wait for the bridegroom to arrive. Five are wise and keep their lamps filled with oil, ready for the moment, while five are caught unprepared and miss out…

25 years ago, as part of a learning and sharing experience, members of the Frankston Congregation were invited to record their testimony including a brief outline of their life story.  The project proved more challenging than many had first thought.  However, they also found it was much more rewarding than they had anticipated…

This week it was a joy to be on the Mid North Coast, where I found space to pause and consider what it means to belong. I spent time in Tiona Chapel, where stillness and simplicity invited prayer and self-reflection. I worshipped with the Taree congregation and again with the people of Tuncurry. In all of these moments, I began to imagine what it might mean to call this place home.

Preamble: This was my first World conference. What prompted me to go to World Conference this year after so many decades as a member of Community of Christ? There is no single reason but many.

This past weekend, I found myself in the midst of something profoundly sacred. In Sydney, a retreat brought together people whose paths do not often cross in-person. Despite the distance and demands, they made their way. They travelled across miles and responsibilities, answering the quiet pull of belonging, choosing connection over convenience. With intention and care, they carved out time, rearranged calendars, and came to be with one another. In their coming together, I glimpsed the kind of community to which we are called: a place of belonging, support, and Spirit-led growth…

This week offered a beautiful glimpse of our Enduring Principle, Unity in Diversity. From sitting at kitchen tables during home visits, to gathering on screen for board meetings, to joining in worship and ministry with both small and larger groups, I saw how different settings and voices can come together in harmony…

As far back as I can remember, every Sunday morning Betty and I have played sacred music to prepare us for whatever the day will bring to us either through worship at church, or meeting and visiting with friends or our family.  We also watch and enjoy the TV show Songs of Praise on the ABC that brings us sacred music and messages of hope.  On Sunday mornings, we escape from the troubles of this world for the day and try and concentrate on holier things…

The July 2025 issue of Peninsula Essence magazine features the story “So Few Souls to Save “ which explores the early beginnings of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Hastings, Victoria…

From 14 to 16 August, our Mission Centre staff gathered for a time of retreat. These days gave us the opportunity to step away from the steady rhythm of daily work and to be fully present with one another. We shared meals around the table, prayed together, wrestled with difficult policies, laughed during team-building, and entered into honest conversations about the realities of work, life and ministry. There was a broad space to step back and remember why we do this work…

It was a surprise when it grew to be such a commanding presence in my backyard. With generous leaf and broad shade, its potential had been previously pruned back—its identity unknown, planted in our absence by a gardener. But as life changed, so too did the tree, and I allowed it to grow into what it was meant to be…