Let me begin with the words of the Apostle Paul as found in his letter to the Galatians 3: 26-29. Scholars opine that Paul wrote this letter from Ephesus (in modern day Türkiye) in about 53 CE to the members of the congregation he had founded in the territory of Galatia, in Asia Minor…
Gathering With Purpose by Calee Loughran
Earlier this week, Australia Mission Centre staff gathered in Sydney, and as always, it was a joy to be together in person. While we connect regularly online, there is something special about sharing meals, conversations, laughter, and the occasional side story that simply doesn't fit into a Zoom meeting…
Share Your Story by Bill Gillard
More Than a Disco: Creating Community, Connection and Belonging
Asleep On the Job? by Bill Gillard
This amusing notice was posted on the bulletin board in a business office:
“IT HAS COME TO MANAGEMENT’S ATTENTION THAT WORKERS DYING ON THE JOB ARE FAILING TO FALL DOWN. THIS PRACTICE MUST STOP, AS IT BECOMES IMPOSSIBLE TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN DEATH AND THE NATURAL MOVEMENT OF THE STAFF. ANY EMPLOYEE FOUND DEAD IN AN UPRIGHT POSITION WILL BE DROPPED FROM THE PAYROLL.”
We Will Be Seeds - an Easter Practice
Easter reminds us that God brings new life from places that seem hidden, broken, or still. The poem below by Katie Harmon-McLaughlin offers a beautiful picture of surrender, renewal, and resurrection in Christ, and in us. As you read, may it open space for reflection, hope, and the quiet promise of becoming, with an invitation to linger a little longer through the reflection and guided spiritual practice that follow…
Easter - The Main Event by Bill Gillard
The Gift of the Open Door by Jeannine Lewis and Hannah Mills
Belonging is a powerful human need. It is the quiet assurance that we are known, welcomed, and not alone. Yet even in busy lives and crowded rooms, many of us quietly carry a sense of isolation.
My daughter, Hannah Mills, is a gifted writer, and in her story she invites us to remember a simpler time — when homes and hearts were open, and hospitality was a way of life. She shows us that belonging can begin with small, intentional acts: a door opened, a table set, and the courage to invite others in.
Learning Music Takes a Village by Emma Ghazarian
Many of us in the church love music. We value it. It plays a major role in our gatherings and worship. Yet many of our congregations and ministries are currently feeling a shortage of musicians. Fewer pianists. Fewer guitarists. Fewer people are confident enough to lead, accompany, or even try. (What would we do without the Beyond the Walls choir?)
This has made me wonder whether it is less a problem of willingness, or a shortage of people, and more a question of who had access to learn. Recently, I’ve found myself asking:
How many of us received some form of formal music education?