At the Table With Tim Costello by Robert Thompson

Going! Going! Gone! These words signal that you’re at an auction. And if they’re directed at you, there’s a good chance you’ll be smiling. Jennie Lonsdale was indeed smiling as the successful bidder at a fundraising auction, winning an invitation for herself and two friends to have lunch with Tim Costello at Dromana Estate Restaurant. I was fortunate to be one of those friends, along with Ben Smith, invited to join Jennie and Tim…

The Spirit of Home by Meredith Carr

It wasn’t much, but Woolcott Avenue has been home since we first landed in Australia, wide eyed, filled with anticipation, and ready to embrace the biggest adventure of our lives. Having made our arrangements from the other side of the world, I felt an enormous wave of relief when I walked through the door and discovered a space that was clean, comfortable, and wonderfully located. It was going to work just fine…

At Home in New Landscapes by Meredith Carr

Last week, Sydney became a place of joyful connection. A group of youth from the United States traveled all the way across the world to attend camp with young people here in Australia. I was grateful to gather with them in the city before they continued on to Victoria for camp. Their journey is a reminder that faith often leads us beyond what is familiar, across distance and difference, so that we might discover the Spirit moving in new ways.

Ministry Reflection - "Ghosted" by Anita Staaden

At last year’s Woodlands branch AGM, we were about to abolish the position of Earth Stewardship Co-ordinator when I was inspired to volunteer. In that instant I knew exactly what I needed to do, so when another member asked, a little skeptically, “That’s fine, but are you actually going to do anything?” I was able to reply, “Yes—we are going to create a large-scale community art project to promote climate awareness and action.”

The Spirit That Weaves Us Together by Meredith Carr

On my recent trip to Victoria, I experienced hospitality woven together with generosity and care. I noticed it in the simple kindness of a cup of tea offered before I even thought to ask, in the generosity of meals that drew us into fellowship, in the quiet space provided when work needed attention, and in the unhurried conversations that lingered long after the day’s events. Every new connection came with a spirit of welcome that left me thankful for the relationships we are building together…