21st April, 2024
Recovery Expectations
I was talking with a man whose home had been devastated by the Black Summer bushfires and is still looking forward to having his own home again. He realised he may not fully recover from the trauma, which may well be true. Devastations such as these can continue to live on within us. However, the human spirit is such that they can become more manageable over time, even if present at a lower level.
Let us not lose hope of full recovery in lesser situations though. I have been guilty of being too pessimistic about my own recovery at times. I am truly thankful that I have been healed of shoulder, foot/calf and back injuries in the last year! My pessimism informed me that I was too old now to find full healing, but visits to a physiotherapist, rest, then targeted exercises, proved me wrong đ This attitude doesnât only apply to physical injuries. Conditions where over-work have brought us low can be helped by good habits, often incorporating sufficient rest over a longish period. It takes a different kind of discipline to slow down and do those things that are going to benefit us (and therefore those around us) in the long-term. If we have worn ourselves âthinâ by over-exertion, it takes considerable willpower and a strategy to stop, or go slow, when we can, as it requires breaking a habit. Hope of a good recovery helps motivate us to persevere with the effort required to enable it.
The meditative groups we run - Wellness Walks and Group Labyrinth Walks - aim to help people to slow down and get in touch with their quiet, spiritual side, which tends to be neglected when life has been too busy, making the problem worse. Having fellow travelers helps with motivation too. Do you know anyone who could do with putting a little time aside to slow down amidst uplifting company? Bring them along with you initially, even if you donât think you need it â you may enjoy it too!
Wellness Walks are 10am each Tuesday meeting at Rotary Park, Narooma. ~1-1.5 hours
Group Labyrinth Walks are 3pm on 4th Tuesday of the month (so next Tuesday, 23 April) at Bodalla Anglican Church (meet outside the Church). Â ~1 hour
Please let me know if you are coming for the first time in case of inclement weather changes.
Matthew 11:28-30Â (ESV) Â
Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.â
(Rev) Karen
14th April, 2024
Seeing is Believing!
This week we ponder the re-appearance of Jesus in the midst of the disciples, after his death! It wasnât the first sighting of the resurrected Jesus, however. Just a few had seen Jesus prior to this and had excitedly passed on the news, âHe is alive!â Yet, it didnât appear to be enough for all of them. And poor Thomas wasnât there that time either and refused to believe it was true unless he saw and touched Jesus for himself. But when he did see Jesus after this, he immediately believed. Itâs an ancient case of seeing is believing!
Now we are 2000 years on from that event. We donât get to see the resurrected Jesus either, so we canât rely on our senses to validate the facts in our normal way. However, what we do have is the witness of the Holy Spirit within us once we believe in Jesus. Jesus knew that more help would be needed when he was gone from us in bodily form. So he sent the Holy Spirit to be with us, which is wonderful, but unusual, unquantifiable, and mysterious in nature. Hence, there is more to help us too.
John Wesley used four different sources in coming to theological conclusions â Scripture, Tradition, Reason and Experience. This is now called the Wesleyan Quadrilateral and gives us some familiar tools to help us who havenât âseen and touchedâ Jesus. We have a series of ancient, inspired writings from around Jesusâ time testifying to what was experienced and concluded about Jesus, his teachings and the early Church. Since that time, we have centuries of Church tradition to reflect and learn from about God, including an ongoing reasoning process, dependent on the Holy Spirit. Then we have our own experiences of God along the way, which we can share with each other and derive more assurance and wisdom from.
However, we are still called to walk by faith, not by sight, which will always require an initial leap! I havenât regretted mine, although it hasnât always been easy. The Christian life is âan accompanied adventureâ. Letâs be on it together.
Peace be with you.
(Rev) Karen
7th April, 2024
Come to our BBQ next week!
With all our Easter celebrations, our Volunteer BBQ lunch after our Parish Service has been a bit on the backburner. Until now! We hope you can come and share a sausage or a hamburger with us from about 12 noon on 14th April, after the 11am Service at Narooma Uniting. Please let me know youâre coming and any dietary restrictions you have, so we can cater for you. We really want to celebrate and say âthank youâ to our wonderful volunteers at Montyâs and the Drop In Centre, whilst enjoying the company of the wider Parish.
Our celebration reminds me of the passage about the early Church in Acts 4:32-35. Verse 32 says, â All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.â
What a beautiful spirit was amongst the Church in those early days! Everything was shared and there was great joy amongst them, which was palpable to the wider community - and the Church grew. âThere were no needy persons amongst themâ (v34). Wow!
Itâs over 2000 years later and things have changed greatly, but a wistfulness for those times remains. However, I think there is a glimpse of this type of community being offered here. Food is prepared and shared freely at Montyâs, helpful social connections are facilitated there and at the Drop In Centre, where clothing and household goods are made available at low prices to all. Let us celebrate this good news to our community with those who make it happen week in, week out, so faithfully. Come and say a quiet âthank youâ for all you do, to these precious volunteers and join in the celebration with joy!
(Rev) Karen
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31st March, 2024
The Easter Rollercoaster
Easter celebrates the core of the Christian faith each year. After the fickle Palm Sunday crowd turn against Jesus, it is not long before he is led to his agonising death on the cross. From being the celebrated king riding a donkey symbolising his coming in peace, to condemned criminal dying shamefully outside the city wall, all in just a matter of days. For his disciples the intimacy of the last Supper with Rabbi Jesus transformed overnight into fear of association with the man who wonât defend himself â right to his death! What a roller coaster ride for Jesus and his disciples! But the undulating ride is not finished yet. On Sunday morning his body has gone from the tomb and the graveclothes are still there⊠Then Jesus appears â He is alive! Now the disciples must adapt again from overwhelming despair and sadness to amazement and joy!
The trajectory of our lives changes constantly too. Like Jesus and his disciples, we must adapt to them whether we are ready or not. Let us make the most of the season we are in, and celebrate whatever we can. Celebrating this Easter season by recalling the wonderful life, sacrificial death and amazing resurrection of Jesus is a good start! After all, he did it all for our sakes.
Come and enter into the drama with us at Narooma Uniting Church at 9am Good Friday and 9am Easter Sunday. Relive the early hour of Jesusâ resurrection on Sunday at 5.40am at the Combined Churches Dawn Service at Carterâs Beach headland too.
It is time to celebrate the triumph of life over death in so many ways, begun by Jesus over 2000 years ago. The Church has continuously celebrated the Easter season ever since! This is our time to celebrate together! Looking forward to having you with us đ (Rev) Karen
24th March, 2024
Cherish the Redeeming Moments
G.K. Chesterton articulates well the self-loathing of the donkey who is feeling very sorry for himself. He is painfully aware of his unattractive qualities. Yet, in the last stanza, he turns it all on its head â life is not about such things! The grumpy donkey is able to treasure the important moment where he carried Jesus on Palm Sunday and elevate that above all else.
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âThe Donkeyâ by G.K. Chesterton
âThe Donkeyâ by G.K. Chesterton
When fishes flew and forests walked
   And figs grew upon thorn,
Some moment when the moon was blood
   Then surely I was born.
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With monstrous head and sickening cry
   And ears like errant wings,
The devilâs walking parody
   On all four-footed things.
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The tattered outlaw of the earth,
   Of ancient crooked will;
Starve, scourge, deride me: I am dumb,
   I keep my secret still.
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Fools! For I also had my hour;
   One far fierce hour and sweet:
There was a shout about my ears,
   And palms before my feet.
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That last stanza holds lessons for us. How often do we focus upon our negative qualities, the things we dislike about ourselves, or our negative experiences? Can we find something positive to bring a more balanced perspective when we are feeling down? Where do you, or have you, shone? Your friends will know â and God does too. Spend a bit of time with God and your friends when you are feeling down, to put life in perspective. This was my experience recently, and once again I was amazed at the grace of God towards me, when I felt underserving of it. We are loved despite those lesser traits and actions of ours. Let God and others assure you of that truth when self-recrimination descends upon you.
âFor You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive,
And abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon You.â (Psalm 86:5)
17th March, 2024
A BIG week!
Frontier Services Outback Links in partnership with the NRMA came with a team of 17 people to bless our region this week. Many people partnered together to make this happen and transformative work was done to enable community projects to thrive in Narooma, Cobargo and Quaama.
Narooma UC hall, which houses the wonderful Montyâs Place each Wednesday, received an exterior paint by 4 lovely NRMA staff âvolunteersâ who worked very hard under the supervision of a local painter. The whole team were blessed by Montyâs/Narooma UC people with a wonderful breakfast each morning (Tuesday to Thursday) and the 4 painters experienced the Wednesdayâs Montyâs lunch, much to their delight! I overheard, while rock picking on a farm with some of them on Thursday, that Montyâs was a demonstration of âtrue Christianityâ - a rewarding observation from someone who doesnât identify with churchgoing.
Much hard work from most of the team (including supervising team leaders and the chaplain!) was done in the Cobargo Community Garden, which had become very overgrown. The first day was very hot, reaching nearly 35C, and working in the sun saw the sweat flow! I was very impressed with the determined, hard work of these usually office-bound workers to persevere with the enormous task in such hot weather. The volunteer-run CoCo café, who are at the front of the garden block and volunteer there themselves, provided a hearty lunch for 3 days for all who worked there.
The Triangle Tool Library, based in Cobargo, supplied tools throughout, and expertise to build shelving for the main Community Garden building. This will be a community gathering centre, hosting workshops and conversations, providing a healthy, vibrant common space.
A couple of other projects emerged during the week which were tackled on Thursday. A farmer who lost his house in the bushfire with a replacement currently under construction, approached me to see if we could help him a little, to clear rocks so he could plant crops soon. 4 of us did so on Thursday morning. I had some of my best conversations sitting in the dirt throwing rocks in a pile! Itâs amazing the places God turns up.
Quaama Renewal Centre, where I visit regularly, requested help with interior painting earlier in the process, but it didnât appear to be manageable this time. However, with heavy rain predicted Thursday afternoon, the team were best undercover, so it happened after all! After making some introductions there, I headed back to Cobargo with Justin, who was taking video for Frontier Services throughout, to interview Brian Ayliffe (from Cobargo Uniting Church) about his experience of the fires. We will view that video in the future. Narooma News ran a story about the project on 14/3/24 too.
There were some great practical outcomes, fueled by many generous hearts. Moreover, working together for others usually produces genuine relationships of depth and trust. I believe God is at work in such spaces.
(Rev) Karen
10th March, 2024
Art for Artâs Sake
My parents valued hard work. My brother and I learned early to not look too relaxed, or a job would come our way! There needed to be a good reason to do what we were doing, so reading was fine because it was developing our minds. Our family were not âartisticâ nor âmusicalâ, so whereas these endeavours were appreciated when performed well by others, we werenât encouraged much along these lines. However, a couple of years ago some friends of a similar age were beginning new hobbies, which were good for your brain apparently. I decided to learn to play the guitar.
I soon learned this was not easy! At first my fingers hurt quickly, and they couldnât reach the places they were supposed to go. And I was much too slow changing between notes and chords. I joined a community music group, but whereas they welcomed me, I struggled to understand enough to keep up at all. But with their encouragement I persevered and improved a little. When a friend kindly offered to guide me, he wanted to know what my goal was? There needed to be a practical purpose to set the direction of my learning. Maybe I would be able to lead worship in a small group setting eventually? So, a worship book for guitar beginners was purchased.
Then came the revelation! Being a year on, I was now enjoying just playing and singing, privately! I still wonât unleash my new skills on an unsuspecting audience, but I realise itâs enough to enjoy the activity for its own sake. Finally, I understand the term âart for artâs sakeâ! In fact, David and I have recently joined the Catastix Choir, whose philosophy is similar. This local choir sings weekly for the joy of it â and itâs a fun place to be. Performances may happen in the future, but for now, itâs all about enjoying singing together.
Plenty of people from my era will relate to the need to have a âgood reasonâ to put significant effort into an activity. Having goals and a purpose is usually to be commended. However, this attitude can drive us relentlessly, and cause us to rarely be satisfied. Prayer is another activity that can feel âa waste of timeâ if we are too goal driven, as the goal is so often out of our control. Alike our human relationships, purposeful time isnât the key factor in prayer. In fact, I find it to be counterproductive. Prayer is primarily ârelational timeâ with God and all worthwhile relationships take significant time. Having a prayer list to lift others before God is commendable, but I encourage you to just âbeâ in Godâs presence thankfully each day, giving God that open space to speak into your heart. Like learning a new skill, it takes time to appreciate the rewards, but they will come with perseverance.
âBe still and know that I am Godâ, Psalms 46:10 (NIV)
(Rev) Karen
3rd March, 2024
Little things matter
Small kindnesses show the true heart of the giver. They can be easily ignored, forgotten, not appreciated. This tells us they are genuine, as no response is required â they are not transactional in any way. May be there is a hope that the good intention will be passed on to others and make our world a happier place to live overall. I hope so too. Or maybe it is deep-rooted as a behavioral habit as an overflow of grace from their hearts.
I experienced an example recently from a truck driver about to leave the premises. I was walking towards the driveway when I heard the truck about to move forward. I stopped, anticipating waiting a few seconds for the truck to pass in front of me. But no â the driver saw me, nodded and waved me to walk across first. How lovely of him! The small gesture made me feel respected and âvisibleâ (yes sometimes I find I have reached the âinvisibleâ status!). I smiled and waved back. Reality awaited, however, at the main road, where I thought I was safe to cross, but that oncoming driver accelerated instead. This provided an emphatic contrast to the first driver!
There are so many times during our days that we can choose to be kind and lay down our ârightsâ to bless or honour another. Even eye contact and a smile can encourage someone who has been feeling alone or having a down day. So many of us are somewhat lonely and can do with that bit of community goodwill, to remind us that the world is still a good place with so many decent people. My 95-year-old Dad has found this as he is forced to be less self-reliant. He is awed at the kindness of people around him, especially at the shopping centre, who volunteer to help him in little, thoughtful ways.
I believe kindness is what we really need in far greater measure these days. We first need to notice the plight of others, and graciously (not in an over-bearing way) see if we can help meet that need. Often, we can do this with no significant cost to ourselves, or we can choose a greater level of service. The quiet joy of such acts runs both ways. Enjoy practising kindness wherever you are.
â⊠the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law,â (from The Bible, Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV))
(Rev) Karen
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25th February, 2024
All of Life
Itâs been a week of mixed emotions for me. On one hand there is the inspiring partnership project being developed, led by Frontier Services âOutback Linksâ in conjunction with NRMA volunteers, which will see a transformation of Montyâs exterior and a good bit of landscaping and equipping of the Cobargo Commons initiative. This is a blessing to be a part of and to meet so many great community builders, both in Narooma and Cobargo, who are doing their bit to assist these improvements to happen. The team will be here in just 3 weeks, arriving on Monday 11/3, working hard 12-14/3, and returning home 15/3. So, this is inspiring and joyful!
We have been looking forward to a quick weekend trip to celebrate my fatherâs 95th birthday this weekend. Itâs a chance to see many family members too. However, COVID has struck one of our children, whose house we were destined for. So, this is disappointing, but at least we have been warmly welcomed by good friends into their home instead. We hope to still see our son too, from a safe distance.
Preparing the World Day of Prayer talk is a sobering challenge. The country nominated some years ago for 2024 was Palestine. Whereas the service was written in 2022 by the courageous, minority Christian, women of Palestine, the knowledge of their current situation strikes hard. There is an abundance of grace shown in their selected focus, âI beg you⊠bear with one another in loveâ and their stories and prayers emit hope, despite very tough circumstances. It is an opportunity to learn from the persecuted people of our worldwide Church. I am glad they will be the recipients of many prayers and some financial help from Christians all around the world on Friday March 1. Isnât it wonderful that we can stand together on this day around the world, and across denominations, to understand each other more deeply and be united in prayer? Join us if you can at Narooma Anglican Church at 10.30am on Friday 1st of March.
May we be thankful for all of life, for the joys and challenges alike!
Rev Karen
18th February, 2024
âDo not be anxiousâ
Our Parish Council Chair, Kath Crapp, shared a relevant article for us all today, especially when events around us create anxiety within us. Kath has her own recent experience to keep her grounded, with a beloved grandson suddenly very ill in hospital. The article is taken from a KYB magazine, author unknown:
âDo not be anxiousâ
âFor a short while I am back to collecting grandchildren from school and watching as other children unload their bags onto their parents as soon as they come out. It is a very usual picture that makes me wonder whether at the end of each day, we give our God our baggage to carry and to sort out. That is what happens in many homes; the parent carries the bag home and then sorts it ready for the next day. I donât think we think our baggage too heavy for God, but perhaps we think it not important enough to bother God with, or sometimes we give it to God, then take it back and sort it for ourselves!
The Bible is very helpful. Phil. 4:6 says, âDo not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God.â 1 Peter 5:7 tells us to cast all our anxieties on him because He cares for us. The word âcastâ literally means to throw away, to give it to God then allow him to deal with it in his time!
As I think about the readers of this article, I am reminded it will go to many places in the world, not all knowing peace and safety or enjoying sufficient resources for their needs, and I wonder, how can I say, âHave no anxietyâ! But I can, because our God Jehovah is the God of the whole world; the truths and promises do not change depending on our circumstances. He is the same yesterday, today and forever; throughout all generations he is the same, actually the only constant we have.â
As I consider what to say at this yearâs World Day of Prayer (Friday 1st March at 10.30am at St Paulsâ Anglican Church) with the focus region being Palestine, I read this message from the Christian Women of Palestine who have written the service:
âWe call on you, sisters and brothers in every part of the world, to bear with us in love. We call upon you to unite your prayers with ours for a just and peaceful solution that would bring an end to human suffering. We call upon you to stand in solidarity with us to achieve security and peace for all people around the world.â
Do you hear the serenity and calm determination coming from those most persecuted? I find it amazing! Let us also entrust our worries to our God in prayer.
Rev Karen
11 February, 2024
Everyday Miracles
This Sunday I will be talking about some miraculous events contained in our lectionary readings. Elijah is whisked away from Earth still very much alive. Jesus glows blindingly white in the presence of long-departed Moses and Elijah, and three of his disciples. What do we make of these Scriptures? Our responses will vary with our life experience.
However, we are surrounded by miracles everyday that we have grown accustomed to.Â
Let us continue to wonder like children and be thankful for the everyday miracles we experience. What would you add to my very short list?
 Be joyful always, pray at all times, be thankful in all circumstances. This is what God wants from you in your life in union with Christ Jesus, (1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 GNT)
(Rev) Karen
4 February, 2024
Energized for the Future
I feel energized! Sound sleep and good health are helpful baseline factors. Â However, it takes more than that for me to feel this pleasant âbuzzâ of energy. I donât always recognize, and feel grateful for such times, so Iâve pondered what, specifically, makes me feel so ârightâ today. Itâs different for everyone, so I am encouraging you to do likewise when you get the chance. Understanding what makes us âtickâ happily, may help us experience it more, given we canât bottle it â unfortunately!
For the last 2 days, I have been working alongside Frontier Services âOutback Linksâ Coordinator, Heather Alexander, to deliver a work party of volunteers to bless our region, for a week in March. Fortunately, Heather and I tend to see the world similarly, including our person-centred approach and desired outcomes. We have met some fantastic people with whom to collaborate on the ground, both in Cobargo and in Narooma (this time). The projects to be undertaken are local initiatives utilizing imaginative ways to connect people while learning new skills and are ecologically beneficial. Local groups and businesses will benefit from the program â including Montyâs. Itâs been great to learn about some helpful community projects of which I was previously unaware and met some key people. It feels so satisfying and so ârightâ to be a part of bringing this together.
I am also looking forward to our Cobargo Family Church recommencing for 2024 this Sunday. From small beginnings, we are expecting further growth, with another family joining us. Leading a team of capable people to facilitate this unique Church, orientated towards the children in our midst, is another activity that fills my heart with joy!
So, what makes me feel energized? Working collaboratively and enthusiastically with people who are pursuing their dreams for a better world, seeking a hopeful future for all. Starting new and innovative projects is something I love to do. Working with capable leaders too. Not to overlook the sun is shining in Narooma today and the home front is calm đ
I hope that brings something to mind for you too. We are at our best when we are involved in what energises us - and that can take effort to pinpoint. It changes with our seasons of life too.
Thank you to those who bless and support this ministry. I hope you can share my joy.
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.â (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)
(Rev) Karen
28th January, 2024
Experiencing our Faith
Last Saturday, the introductory session of âSeeking Connection - A year of living intentionallyâ focused on our lived experience of our spiritual connections. These stories from the hearts of those present, were widely varied and moving. The deepest of our experiences came from places of loss and suffering for some, while others related times of extreme joy. Sometimes they were facilitated by the presence of others, others were times with God alone. Some were borne of parental guidance, some went their own way to find their spiritual connection. What a privilege to hear these stories â and to be respectfully heard!
Our lifeâs experience impacts where we find ourselves spiritually, which in turn impacts our life again, forming a spiral of growth. Those times of suffering and of joy have a profound effect upon us, particularly if we take time to reflect and question their meaning for us. This series, hosted by Bodalla Anglican Church with Rev. Tim Narraway and friends, will help us reflect and act upon our spirituality. The next 4 (of 13) sessions are on Saturdays at 11am to 1pm as below:
Session 2: Meditation    February 17
Session 3: Prayer      March 16
Session 4: Fasting     April 20
Session 5: Study      May 18
All are welcome to be a part of this new, small community and donât need to be churchgoers. Rev Tim explains it this way:
âAn intentional friendship group for those who want to cultivate a deep connection, those who seek to grow in their relationship with God, are curious about ancient practices from the Christian Tradition, and have the courage to explore life changing experiences in a kind and generous group setting. All groups are facilitated.â
Ask me for more details if you are interested.
We are all different, but we are all helped by a community to help and hold us as we move from stage to stage of life. There is so much loneliness and isolation these days â so I urge you to connect deeply into a supportive community. Here is a great opportunity to find strengthening friendships grounded in faith.
(Rev) Karen
21st January, 2024
âHow life should beâ
This is part of Davidâs sermon title for this Sunday. I hope to complement his message with my musings. We have a bumper sticker on the manse front door saying, âNarooma. How life should beâ. What image does that conjure up for you? Clear, aqua water teeming with fish, seals, peaceful rays, with a multitude of birds perched above; white sands, warm and sunny days for swimming, golfing, walking, bowling, fishing, biking, add your own outdoor activity...? Is this your picture of how life should be? It has much to recommend it - for a while anyway.
However, we all know that life is not that perfect â and too much of a good thing begins to lack purpose after a while. Besides, lately, the summer sun has often been replaced by clouds bearing rain, which puts a dampener đ on the activities above. Not to mentions the sharks hovering off the coast recently! And thatâs just the tip of the iceberg â lifeâs changes can be very challenging, and if not now, they will be sometime. So how should life be?
There is wisdom in enjoying it while we can, as long as we are also building resilience for the tough periods. A large part of Christian resilience is deciding to put, and maintain, our hope in God who promises to be for us and with us. David will detail this more on Sunday  at 9am, Narooma Uniting Church. He will also give some examples of people who have shown extraordinary resilience, demonstrating the ability to change their thinking, and choosing not to hate when that would have seemed probable.
Another aspect of resilience is being part of a supportive community. I see firsthand how this works in local communities in my chaplaincy role. Those who have invested wisely in their relationships, tending to their friends, family and/or communities during their tough times, often reap the benefit of a caring response when itâs their turn to suffer. Itâs far from a 1+1=2 equation, but the tendency is there â if you genuinely care for others, they will often care for you too. I see this outworking in our Narooma Uniting Church family demonstrated towards one another. Sometimes this bondedness can lead to exclusive behaviour towards newcomers, but pleasingly this is not the case either. Keep up the good work folks!
How should life be? I think God only knows the full answer to that question for each one of us. But âeasyâ is not the answer Iâm afraid. Let us be faithful to what we know about God, and living well in the company of those around us, imperfect though they will be! Here are a few salient Bible verses to guide and encourage us.
Matthew 11:28-30Â (NIV) Jesus said, âCome to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.â
1 Peter 4:8 (KJV) - Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.
Ecclesiastes 4:12 (GNT) Two people can resist an attack that would defeat one person alone. A rope made of three cords is hard to break.                                        Karen Paull
14th January, 2024
Called for 2024
Greetings to you for this new year! I wonder what God has in store for us this year? David and I caught up with family and friends in Adelaide over the Christmas break â reacquainting with some from decades ago. Looking back helped me see the rich variety of experience I have been blessed with over many years. This allows me to look forward with hopeful expectation. The new year then is not so much âout with the old and in with the newâ, but to build upon the valuable foundations of the past.
Each year is a new opportunity to grow. Little by little we gain wisdom. However, we need to choose to be adaptive, to continue to allow God to bring forth good change in us. If we are declining in some areas with age, we need to heed what God is calling us to now in this new season. This weekâs lectionary readings highlight Godâs calling of both young Samuel (1 Samuel 3: 1-10) and of Nathanael (John 1: 43-51). They both responded with faith and obedience to their initial call and then progressively lived out their call.
Samuel was a great man for the nation of Israel. He was a servant, a prophet, a judge, a teacher, a scribe, a priest and a mediator, a man who trusted in God with a child-like humility, never lost faith, always turned to God for help and put the needs of others before himself.
Though not much is known about Nathanael beyond the gospels, church history suggests that Nathanael travelled beyond Judea to minister to parts of Persia and India, perhaps going as far as Armenia, whose church claims him as their saint and founder to this day.
Let us this 2024 continue to heed the call of God on our lives by prayerfully discerning what God has for us to do and to be in this season.
âSo let us not become tired of doing good; for if we do not give up, the time will come when we will reap the harvest.â Galatians 6:9 (GNT)
Karen Paull
17th December, 2023
Wishing you all the blessings of Christmas!
Our big day of celebration is getting close! Whether or not you enjoy the Christmas season, it is a special occasion for the Church everywhere. We celebrate the very beginnings of the Christian faith with the birth of Jesus, who lived amongst us, for better and for worse. Jesusâ life was not an easy one, yet he also enjoyed times to celebrate and have fun with his friends and family. I find this full identification with the diversity of our lives very encouraging.
I have experienced Christmas in northern Thailand, a primarily Buddhist country, and itâs very different! The 25th of December is just another day of the year â a workday for most. It feels very strange to Westerners! Whereas there is a bit of public glitz about Christmas, it is just a commercial recognition. The churches, however, make sure they celebrate the birth of Jesus. They will choose a Sunday, generally in December when their Pastor can be present, and follow their service with a celebratory meal (donât think turkey and ham though!). And maybe a small, fundraising auction for a good cause for a bit of fun too. Naturally, there are choirs and traditional dancing in beautiful attire forming part of the celebration. It brings home what Christmas is really about â and how important it is for the Church to celebrate â when the wider, cultural connotation is stripped away.
This year, we recognize that Christmas can be a painful time for those where a sense of loss becomes intensified, with our âChristmas Service to Remember and Hopeâ. So, while we will recognize the significance of Christmas, it will be in a more muted way. A time to acknowledge loss with candles and flowers will be given, while remembering that hope persists and intermingles with all seasons of life. All are welcome â to grieve their loss, or to support those who are, at 7pm on Tuesday 19th December at Narooma Uniting Church. Supper to follow afterwards â contributions welcome!
Wishing everyone a meaningful and blessed Christmas, as we remember our Saviour, Jesus, was born to give hope to us all, lighting up the darkness and urging us to do the same.
(Rev) Karen
10th December, 2023
Connections Abound!
Apart from our internet service, this has been a week of connections for me! It is heart-warming to see community groups supporting each other.
Quaama Renewal Centre, where I visit fortnightly, had a wonderful Christmas celebration lunch this week. Roli volunteers as a chef there and does an amazing job â but has no set funding. Our Drop In Centre and Montyâs both helped out this time â and it was very much appreciated! (Photos on Narooma Facebook page). Roli also paints pictures and gives them away as signs of appreciation. We are now the blessed recipients of two of his small paintings of the nativity, which you can see on display at Narooma Uniting Church.
Rob Floyd, who visited us a few months ago as Director of Frontier Services, wondered if their âOutback Linksâ program may benefit our disaster-affected region. Our Drop In Centre has generously supported Frontier Services for many years (what a huge blessing this outreach is to so many). Outback Links is responsible to coordinate helpers for people in outback and rural Australia on behalf of the Uniting Church. This wondering of Robâs is coming to fruition đ In March 2024, Outback Links will send 16 volunteers plus two staff for a week, to assist people and groups affected by the Black Summer bushfires. We are not ready to reveal the recipients just yet, but watch this spaceâŠ
A lovely cookbook arrived in the mail for me today! It celebrates the Chop, Chat, Chew program run in a variety of southern NSW locations. For us, the partnership was with Sapphire Community Projects, which utilized Cobargo Uniting Church kitchen for the Chop Chat Chew group, with me as a co-facilitator alongside Mandi, their Bega Pantry Coordinator. Mandi now hosts a Mobile Pantry at Cobargo UC monthly on third Saturdays, to benefit the Cobargo community with cheaper groceries.
What a joy to be the link between all these genuine people đ I am privileged to minister amongst generous people within and without the Church, all intent on serving their neighbours with kindness to build a better world.
(Jesus said), âThis is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.â (John 15:12 NLT)
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3rd December, 2023
A Great Initiative
Grahamâs initiative of bowls plus lunch, following Church is a winner! David and I went last time, taking two newer, lovely ladies with us - and it was fun! Just hanging out together helps us get to know others better and being new to the sport brings on the laughs đ
There are so many reasons to love this new activity. Living in a society where people are increasingly isolated and lonely, inclusive events that bring people together are needed. Graham is a skilled and passionate bowler, so teaching and encouraging others to play comes naturally to him. This is always a great place to start â offering something around your own passion. While bowls can be highly skilled at competition level, it can also be played by raw beginners, like me, who may just fluke a win for good measure! It makes it easy to invite friends along.
The meal afterwards is hearty and reasonably priced â again accessible to most people. We had about as many people at the lunch as Church that day! One congregantâs husband came along, and some friends came too, as well as most who had gathered for worship that day. Itâs a great opportunity for newer people to get to know others, while being inclusive of those who appreciate good company, but are not keen to sit in Church, to be welcomed amongst us.
Whereas bowling plus lunch is becoming a monthly activity, it is highly flexible. The Bowls Club is not overcrowded at Sunday lunchtime, so welcoming us anytime. Itâs always great to support a local business too. People can choose to play bowls (for free), or just come to lunch, or do both. We are hopeful that others from our Parish may also come, by moving nearer to their location.
I hear the next bowls event is likely to be bigger! One of our newer ladies has joined a Bowling team as a result, encouraged by Graham, and is inviting others to join in. She is feeling more a part of our Church now.
Isnât it wonderful to have somewhere to bring our friends and family to meet our friendly congregation, that is non-threatening for them? And for us to have fun together toođ
Congratulations to Graham who has taken a risk and put his faith into action. This is an example to all of us of how to utilize the gifts and graces we have been given, for the benefit of our community that represents our caring, inclusive God well.
(Rev) Karen
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26th November, 2023
A Great Year for Montyâs!
Montyâs Place, like its founding Narooma Uniting Church, has a big, inclusive heart! Not only does it welcome anyone and everyone for Wednesday lunch but establishes positive links in the wider community. These links attract both good-hearted volunteers and community funding. All of this takes consistent effort, much of which is done by quiet Di behind the scenes, who will eschew credit and point to the team she leads, who certainly do share the wear. That speaks of excellent leadership too.
Montyâs turned 10 this year! Rightly proud of their expansion as a service to the local community over this time, including their tenacity of providing meals for those who needed them most right through COVID lockdowns, Montyâs Place was recently recognized for its achievements. (As was Montyâs instigator, David Oliphant, a former Minister at Narooma Uniting, who won the individual Local Hero award for much active service to the community over decades.) Montyâs was honoured at the recent Mayorâs Ball for the Eurobodalla Shire Council, by winning the Community Local Hero award, which includes a donation of all the proceeds from the night. This will be very helpful to upgrade the hard-working, commercial oven.
Although our Church is quite small these days, it is well-represented at Montyâs. Most of the Board members come from the congregation, including our Chair. Other members collect and sort donated groceries, making the best use of them by dropping off extra meals and produce around the community; volunteer on the Montyâs roster for a variety of tasks; help with maintenance; organise the roster and apply for some of the grants â to name a few.
As a Minister of the Uniting Church in this region, I am proud to be associated with such a wonderful outreach, that serves the neediest in our community with grace. I believe this is the way churches not only should be but need to be these days. Jesus ministered amongst the neediest of his era too, trying to lift them up while encouraging his followers to do the same. How wonderful for that intention to be recognised and rewarded by those in local authority. Well done to all who have contributed! Letâs celebrate this moment!
(Rev) Karen
19th November, 2023
The Joy of the Journey đ
I find new beginnings delightful despite the extra effort involved. So, whereas moving house and community is stressful, it is also energizing! The wonders of discovering new places, people and roles generally outweigh the negatives for David and myself. Leaning on God in faith that He will care for us in the new place strengthens our faith too, as we see the reality of that unfold. It reminds me of:
And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms on account of My name, will receive many times as much, and will inherit eternal life. Matthew 19:29 NASB
A particular joy for me is being alongside people who are exploring faith and being on that journey with them. I love to try and find ways to make knowing God accessible for them, by specifically creating an approach that will resonate. Our God is big enough to delight in our diversity and so there is no âone size fits allâ approach.
We are on one such faith journey with a lovely family in Cobargo. It is such a blessing to be alongside these 4 family members â and sometimes a young friend may come along too. Although the structure is created around the childrenâs needs primarily, I think the young-at-heart adults enjoy our monthly time together just as much! I find my spirit is refreshed when doing actions to childrenâs songs such as âIf I were a butterfly, Iâd thank you God for giving me wingsâŠâ I know other adults who enjoy the crafts, which they artfully create in response to the Bible story, read from a Childrenâs Bible (while I prefer to journal). There really is something for everyone! I am grateful for the other 3 talented, family-friendly adults, who help make this such a wonderful time together too.
Now that we are settling into being together in our own unique way, we would love a few more to join our Creative Family Church at Cobargo. Currently, we have primary-aged children in our midst. Do you know any that may enjoy being with us? Parents and grandparents are welcome to stay and join in the fun with them. Our Christmas-themed session on Sunday December 3, beginning at 11.30am, will be followed by a BBQ. It would be a perfect time to join in. Let me know if you have any questions and to RSVP so we can include you too.
Please pray for us and all those who join us on this journey of faith and love.
(Rev) Karen
12th November, 2023
Purposeful
Changes in our lives tend to disrupt our sense of purpose. What had been a source of feelings of worth can suddenly be stripped from us. Retirees often experience these changes, and it can be an uncomfortable experience, even deadly for some. But many other changes can lead to us feeling worth less than previously â change in our bodies, change of residence, change in relationships, or change of job, to name a few.
But are these feelings of being worth less actually true? We Westerners tend towards âdoingâ rather than âbeingâ these days. Some meaningful activity is good for us, but I doubt that we have the balance quite right. Our sense of worth should not be too strongly located in what we do, but more in who we are, when our doing stops. Are we good and peaceful on the inside? If not, how do we cultivate these traits? This is where our spirituality comes in and needs time to cultivate.
Do you ever feel more creative and energized after youâve spent some quiet time in natural surroundings? I do! When I was writing regularly for a publication in Sydney, I often needed to go and walk in the quiet, natural spaces nearby, to gather inspiration. Heading out with not a clue what to write â and under time pressure to do so - I would usually return creative and have my theme ready to go. It didnât come from deliberately thinking about what to write on the way, the inspiration would just emerge as I prayed and then relaxed. We canât always head out into nature, but just opening ourselves up before God in a relaxed way, can achieve wonders!
Who we are at heart is more important than what we do â although they are inter-related. Deeply imbued with a strong âProtestant work ethicâ, I am still learning to apply this one too. It feels good to âachieveâ and that becomes addictive. But God loves as just as we are. Spending time, waiting in Godâs presence, helps us to become more in touch with our inner self. Maybe there is fear about what we may be found there in the quietness? That can be helped and healed too, in the presence of our consistently loving God. I believe our true purpose in life is honed this way.
âBe still, and know that I am God;
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth.â From Psalm 46:10 (NIV)
With you on the journey of life,
(Rev) Karen
29th October, 2023
This wise reflection arrived in my Inbox today. I couldnât agree more, and I donât think I can explain it better. So, thank you Joan Chittister for sharing your wise insight with us:
The voice of God within us
Of all the attitudes we bring to prayer, presence is at once one of the simplest and one of the most difficult. Buddhists call it âtaming a monkey mind.â We call it the need to resist distractions. Whatever any of us call it, the effects of the condition are the same. We begin to feel far away, even alienated, from the God who seems so far away from us. However much time we put into saying our prayers and going to church, God remains more an idea than a reality. We look for God âto come.â We do not expect to find God here.
But where else would God be, if not here? And if God is here, what creates the Plexiglass between us? âGod,â Scripture says, âis not in the whirlwind, not in the earthquake, not in the fire.â God, Scripture says, âis in the small still voice within.â So what is blocking us from making the journey within?
Sinking down into the self where the Spirit resides and the waters run deep is close to impossible in a culture built on noise and talk and information and advertisements and constant movement and a revolving door schedule. Silence and solitude are lightyears away from the raging list of unending activities we carry in our heads.
Even most of the praying we do is noisy. We say prayers; we seldom sit in the presence of God and wait. The very thought of simply listening for the whisper of the soft, still voice within is not only rare, it is uncomfortable these days. Shouldnât we be doing something, our souls shout at us. Shouldnât we be going somewhere, doing something, at least saying something holy?
But it is the voice of God within that brings calm and direction. It drains the negative energy out of the present so that we can go on, calmly aware that there is nowhere where we are alone.
This kind of prayer prepares us to feel the presence of God everywhere because we have discovered that the presence of God is within. It enables us to respond to it in waves of trust that carry us far beyond the storms of the present to the fullness of the future.
    âfrom The Breath of the Soul: Reflections on Prayer  by Joan Chittister.Â
Being merely âpresentâ isnât easy for those of us who like to âachieveâ. Realising the effects of waiting before God takes a while. Persevere â it is worth it!
(Rev) Karen
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22nd October, 2023
Being Prepared
Montyâs volunteers undertook First Aid training this week. It takes a full day of face-to-face training, after spending 4 hours of learning online. It requires foresight and dedication to invest so much time, just in case it is needed. Well done to our Montyâs, Drop In Centre and Walking group hosts for their dedicated preparation.
The Bible has much to say about being prepared. From faith-filled Noah, who was ridiculed for building an ark on dry land, to the under-prepared bridesmaid who let her lamp run out of oil, we are exhorted and warned constantly to have our house in order, lest the unimaginable happens. This often requires sacrifice on our behalf. It can range from the practical First Aid courses enabling us to be ready to help another, to keeping ourselves in the best shape we can physically, emotionally and spiritually. It is doing our disaster preparations, having our insurance and wills in order, building emotional resilience, and staying connected to God, family and friends âand just living as best we can across the board.
Maintaining our relationships is important preparation for the future. Are we building trust with people, through regular contact and kindness? One day they may need a trusted someone to care for them, and maybe interested in the hope we have, when life throws a curved ball. Of course, it may happen in reverse too. Who will be there for us, if we have not been available in better times?
Observing nature encourages us to be wisely prepared. Many animals prepare for the seasons ahead, stocking up on food for winter, and preparing their bodies and homes to survive the lean times. God has inbuilt these instincts into Creation.
In these challenging times, when we observe so much tragedy on our screens, I am struck by those who having lost loved ones and homes, find peace and centering in their connection with God. This didnât just happen â many years of worshipping and following Godâs ways have prepared them to face these times of extreme suffering with hope. Let us value, and act upon, the riches of our faith and our relationships.
 Keep alert; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.  Let all that you do be done in love. (The Bible - 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 NRSVUE)
By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail. â Benjamin Franklin
The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today. â H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
With love,
(Rev) Karen
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15th October, 2023
After the Storm
Yesterday afternoon the wind blew up and thankfully the rain came soon after. It put a dampener on our Recovery Centre barbecue, but thankfulness for the rain abounded. The Coolagolite fire still burns but is officially âunder controlâ. Affected people mainly came to the Centre on the first day â Wednesday â and whereas there are still a few coming in, it is far more relaxed in here today (Friday). The sun is shining, and the ocean is a stunning and serene blue, which seems to match the mood inside.
It is privilege to come alongside people who are courageous in the face of their losses. The many people serving here come from a variety of agencies and are friendly, trying their best to help each one. Teamwork is a delight to behold, between Government agencies, businesses (e.g. insurance) and charitable organisations all with their specialties. I recognise some people from The Salvation Army, Anglicare, Red Cross, Mental Health (NSW Govt) and have met new ones from Rural Aid, Services NSW, NSW Reconstruction Authority (who now lead Recovery Centres) plus more.
Life has its seasons and for some this is a very difficult one of great loss. However, even when losing your dream house and much more, the silver lining of re-finding community has emerged. Identifying some hope for the future is important when tragedy strikes. Gratitude for the little wins helps too. The human spirit shows amazing resilience when kindness and encouragement fan its potential.
Daniel ⊠said: âBlessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understandingâ, (Daniel 2:20-21 ESV).
Life changes, but God remains steadfast, even if he is often beyond our understanding. We wish that disasters didnât occur, but God can be found in the midst, and afterwards, too. Let us, as Godâs representatives, be kind to those in the midst of their suffering.
Rev. Karen Paull
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8th October, 2023
Times of Crisis
This has been a âbigâ week for many local people. The bushfire in our region brought back many painful memories and alerted us to our vulnerability. Many were surprised to have such an incident so early in the season and are now better prepared for the days ahead. Narooma Disaster Relief Centre operated for a night and a day and I was there for a while. A Disaster Relief Centre will open in Bermagui next Wednesday, to help those worst affected by the fire. I will be there for a few days too, coming alongside people emotionally.
It is so much easier to bring comfort to those who have faith in God. This week I visited âourâ Robyn in hospital, who has endured some very serious medical incidents. Propped up in bed, much the worse for wear, she was cheerfully proclaiming how wonderful the staff were! (They were lovely!) But what a remarkably courageous attitude Robyn displays. Christian faith encourages resilience often in the New Testament. Here are 3 passages from 3 ancient fathers of our faith:
Paul: Romans 5:2b-5 (NIV) And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because Godâs love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
James: James 1:2-4 (NIV) Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Peter: Peter 1:6-7 (NIV)  In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faithâof greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fireâmay result in praise, glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed.â
This is why it is easier to offer comfort within our Christian community. Itâs not because we are better, but our Scriptures prepare us well for the tough times. They give us hope and resilience, if we allow them to refine us. Pure gold!
(Rev) Karen
1st October, 2023
Soul Food
We have just prepared our Bushfire Escape Plan. It may not be needed, but itâs better to be prepared. I hope youâve done yours too? The NSW Rural Bushfire Service provides a guide if needed. I have some paper versions if youâd like one. Big thanks to Phillip and David from our Narooma congregation, for cleaning the gutters of Bodalla and Narooma Uniting Churches, as a first line of prevention.
Life takes its toll on all of us. But we are not helpless, especially if we have prepared for the knocks. Like preparing for a disaster, there are things we can do, to make us more resilient. The practices we establish in the good times will help us come through the tough patches in better shape than otherwise.
These are practices which feed your soul. Hence, yours may be different to mine. There are counter practices which can drain your soul too. I donât want to major on the negatives, but please consider what enters your mind, body and soul and whether they reduce your resilience. It could be watching too much ânewsâ or other negative screen content; not enough rest or quiet space in your life; poor food and drink choices; or not attending to that health issue, to name a few.
Good soul food for me includes exercising outdoors; reading an uplifting, interesting book; daily prayer and devotions; learning a new skill (currently the guitar); time with my family; good discussions and laughter with friends; enough sound sleep.
Our new activities are designed to nurture the soul. Our Wellbeing Walkâ incorporates exercise in the inspiring creation found here; relaxed time with friendly people; good discussions on the theme of the day. Thatâs a holistic our health trio â good for the body, mind and soul!
Another âsoul food activityâ recently begun, is group labyrinth walking. We have started at Cobargo, and may add one at Bodalla, if there is sufficient interest. Labyrinths have been utilized for centuries by people of many cultures and beliefs. They are very slow, silent walks. (They can even be experienced seated via a finger labyrinth). The discussion afterwards can also be very rich. A little guidance is given beforehand, but it is primarily a time to devote to being quiet and allowing your soul to âbreatheâ before God. I find it amazing how profound this simple practice often is for participants.
Please contact me if you are interested in joining a group activity. You may like to invite a friend along too. They are designed to be non-threatening for all people, of any faith or none.
Tough times will inevitably come. Let us be as prepared as we can, by feeding our souls with good food now.
 Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal, but I press on to lay hold of that for which Christ has laid hold of me. (Philippians 3:12 NRSV)
(Rev) Karen
24th September, 2023
Turn, Turn, Turn
âThe Carpentersâ sang Turn, Turn, Turn during my early years. I now know itâs based on a Bible passage Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 . The joys and sorrows, and the in-betweens of life, are captured in these words.
Last Sunday we experienced the joy of celebration of our many wonderful volunteers from our Drop In Centre and Montyâs Place. Rob Floyd honoured all of us with his stories from Frontier Services, the Uniting Churchâs ministry to those in the huge Australian outback, who are by nature, very isolated. The Chaplains and volunteers they send practice âbeing withâ these people whatever their current season of life, helping them where they can, for a little while. (Let me know if youâd like to be one or know someone who would value their assistance).
Our Sunday celebration was a âa time to laughâ. It was good to see those who regularly serve others enjoying themselves together. Many volunteered on the day too â and an extra big thanks to them â as my wish to say âthank youâ with a celebratory BBQ, couldnât be managed by me alone. By pulling together, we had a great spread of not only perfectly barbecued meat (thanks guys!), but lovely home-made salads and desserts and thoughtful extras â including lovely flowers on the tables (thanks girls!) And thanks to those modest volunteers behind the scenes who set up and cleaned up afterwards too.
Others are experiencing âa time to weepâ â an unavoidable experience of life â and death. A wonderful reflection came my way this week from John Williams, who deeply understands this pain. Here are some excerpts:
Over my 80 years I have experienced the very best of life and also some of the very worst of life. I have known much joy, wonder, excitement of discovery, deeply satisfying achievement. I have seen and experienced deep love, forgiveness, thankfulness, strengthening, endurance, and wisdom.
Yet I have seen and experienced deep pain, dreadful loss in death of two wonderful mates & lovers through cancer, a son with lymphoma and daughter/granddaughter with severe depression and anxiety. I have walked like most of you in some very hard places.
So, what has nurtured and sustained me in all of that? âŠ
(It) is to know and experience that in such a creation characterised by both Joy and Pain, I am loved.
Creator God has taken responsibility for the very nature of creation - its joy and its pain has come and joined us in that creation and knows its pain in the cross and its joy in the resurrection. âŠ
The greatest experience which nurtures and sustains me in faith is that Jesus knows what it is to face the pain and despair of death⊠Jesus sits with me in the ashes of despair, grief and loss. God knows the pain of death as it is a fundamental part of the creation.
The risen Jesus says, no matter what, I am with you. Jesus said, âGo into Galilee and I will meet you thereâ âŠand He does.
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens (Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV)
Let us accompany one another through all seasons of life and acknowledge the presence of God in our midst.
(Rev) Karen
17th September, 2023
The Labyrinth of Life
Jan, one of our Wednesday Wellbeing Walkers, and myself, hosted our first group labyrinth walk at the new Cobargo labyrinth this week. Labyrinths come in all shapes and sizes and are made from various materials. One of the ladies had made her own using cow dung! However, they are essentially reflective walking paths where you reach a centre to rest and reflect, before following the path back to the beginning. Unlike a maze, it is a singular, continuous path, so you wonât get lost, therefore your mind is free to contemplate other matters. We were joined by four other women and invited to enter the labyrinth with gratitude, one at a time, with a chosen token to carry. The gravel path made it a bit noisy, but then life has its distractions, so that was appropriate to our reflections.
After the walk, there was an invitation to share anything that had been meaningful, with the group. There was plenty to share â some of it very heartfelt. We discovered there had been a time of bonding experienced by all of us, as we all silently chose to stand together, looking out from the centre, mid-walk. I have never experienced this before on a labyrinth and it was very special.
Each labyrinth walk is different. It reflects the journey that is life, when we quietly attune to our hearts and leave space for the Divine to speak to us. This has been experienced over centuries, in many cultures, and valued by those from various faiths (or none). Our lives are constantly changing, yet they are on a path from beginning to end. God is there with us, all the way, even though we may not sense Him all the time. Walking the labyrinth reminds me of Jesusâ words:
 âTherefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?  Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?  And which of you by worrying can add a single hour to your span of life? Matthew 6:25-27 (NRSVUE)
You are welcome to join our next Labyrinth walk in a monthâs time. Take time out to be slow for a while and see if God will speak to you too.
Peace to you.
(Rev) Karen
10th September, 2023
Retreat Wisdom
I was privileged this week to be on retreat with my Canberra Presbytery ministry colleagues at the monastery in beautiful Galong. It was a great opportunity to spend time with a new cohort of people in an uplifting way. The food was plentiful and tasty, the accommodation comfortable and there was plenty of time to rest and refresh. Various sessions built both collegiality and spirituality.
For one of the exercises, we considered and discussed in groups the text we were given, in order to then go away and bring a creative response back to the large group. Some painted, another wrote and performed his new song on a mandolin. I chose and modified a text, then read it aloud for a podcast to be utilized on a new Uniting Church initiative, intended for those seeking faith, on smallvoice.net.au . Itâs not up yet, but it will be later đ
One of the exercises we were given, dovetails neatly with my sermon this Sunday, so here it is:
Radical Candour (speaking truth in love)
Ruinous Empathy (love without truth)
Obnoxious Aggression (truth without love)
Manipulative Insincerity (no love nor truth)
Clearly, we are aiming for radical candour! There will be some tips for achieving this on Sunday 9am at Narooma Uniting Church and possibly on video on our Facebook page too.
May you be blessed and a blessing to those around you.
(Rev) Karen
3rd September, 2023
Times of Refreshment
While a mother of school-aged children, I became aware of âemotional tanksâ which could become depleted and needed topping up. Depletion could be from many things that made a child feel dispirited â poor marks, peer pressure/bullying, parental anger or criticism, body image and many more. The wise parent knew their children well enough to sense when their tank was getting low, and knew how to fill it up. Maybe it was a special time together doing a favourite activity, a card or a gift â what worked depended on what made your child feel loved. (So, then we learned about love languages: touch, words of affirmation, quality time, gift-giving, acts of service).
I donât think we need to stop with only filling childrenâs emotional tanks. Whereas adults are likely to be more resilient, we also need times of refreshing. How lovely when a partner or a good friend, or even an employer, is thoughtful enough to do so! This week our Drop In Centre attended to their volunteersâ emotional tanks, by shouting them all a lovely lunch at the Dalmeny Club, to celebrate 25 years of service to the community. Montyâs send a lovely follow-up email each week to encourage their volunteers too. These caring practices are just one positive of being a volunteer amongst many others, such as the joy of camaraderie and feeling of value to the community. Volunteering is good for us â it helps refill our emotional tanks when itâs well-targeted to our skills and values.
Our Church will be saying âthank youâ to the wonderful volunteers from both Montyâs and the Drop In Centre on Sunday 17 September, with a BBQ lunch in the hall, after our Narooma service. Would you help us by offering to bring a salad, or something from the list of desirable contributions please? By doing it together, we can make it special - and from all of us.
Our Presbytery provides some respite for its ministry agents each year by providing us with a lovely retreat at Galong for a few days. How thoughtful to bring us together and give us some spiritual timeout to refresh our connection with God and each other! I am looking forward to having my spiritual and emotional tank topped up next week đ
If you are feeling emotionally drained, you may need to take charge and give yourself some timeout. We are providing some Wellbeing Walks in Narooma on Wednesday afternoons, a Labyrinth Walk in Cobargo 13/9 at 1.30pm. Or you could treat yourself to a lunch at Montyâs on Wednesdays, or go to Movie Club and watch a funny movie (Red White and Brass) with us this Thursday 6.30pm at the Kinema, or whatever it is that tops up your tank. Be kind to all â including yourself.
"To acquire wisdom is to love oneself; people who cherish understanding will prosper. Love others as you love yourself." (Proverbs 19:8)
(Rev) Karen
27th August, 2023
Loved for who we are
Our Parish Council members heard a piece written by Tania Carriere today (from A moment of celebration from Dewitt Jones) called, The honour of being seen. It is an insightful piece about our deepest needs as humans, to be known and loved for who we are in our core being, warts and all. How we relate to others is vital to their wellbeing. It reminds me of Jesus, who said, âLove one another, as I have loved youâ.  Here is an excerpt from Taniaâs article:
ââŠour most basic needs rise up as 3 questions ⊠âIs anyone there? Can you see me? Will you choose me?â
⊠Our culture is obsessed with pronouncing opinion, always judging, always jostling for the position of âwho is rightâ. The whole influencer culture is based on our belief that someone can proclaim the goodness or the badness of something. The result? We get busy layering on the âshouldâ of performance instead of the grace of being. Ironic, while we are challenging all the misogynistic, patriarchal, bigoted rules around us, we are at the same time judging one another more and more.
These days I am keen to explore what it means to love without judgement and attachment to expectations. I notice how many conditions we place on one another. When âwhat I wantâ becomes a directive on how you should be and behave, weâve confused clear expression with expectation. But what about treating one another with grace and being intensely present to the delightful quirks that makes each of us unique? Can we move from âthe one way" of doing things, wearing things, saying things, into the plurality that comes with human expression?â
It begins with noticing someone lovingly. How can we build each other up in love as people who really matter to one another?
(Rev) Karen
20th August, 2023
âChurchâ in three ways on one day!
âChurchâ exists in many different ways these days â and itâs sometimes hard to define. Last Sunday I was involved in hosting âchurchâ in 3 different ways.
9am at Narooma Uniting Church saw ~20 people participating in worship, sitting in pews facing the front, singing songs with the words beamed from an overhead screen (with a beautiful PowerPoint presentation), accompanied by organ music. Congregation members participated in reading the Bible, serving Communion, leading Prayers of the People, welcoming and sharing news and notices, playing the organ, recording the service, managing the PowerPoint, to name a few. I introduced other people, preached, hosted Communion, said some prayers and the Benediction. Lovely and unsurprising.
11am at Cobargo Uniting Church Four of us sat around a table in the sunlit church kitchen to worship God together. We sang some favourite songs using Scripture in Song books accompanied by Blue toothed music. We read and re-read the same gospel reading as the 9am service, meditating on its content, using an ancient process called lectio divina. We shared our insights around the table â and they were deep and wise. We prayed around the table for our needs and those of others and celebrated Communion together. It was a very rich and meaningful time.
12pm at Cobargo Uniting Church A mum and her three daughters joined David and myself to try and understand what church and Christian faith were about. We introduced ourselves and what we believed about God and where that had come from. We read the same Gospel reading as the adults and talked about it around the same sunlit kitchen table. The girls had colouring in and puzzles to do. We explored the worship area of the Church, discovering its symbols. We sang songs â including an action song, sung by the adults unaccompanied! The girls had âhomeworkâ of creating a drama from the gospel passage. They called their friends saying they had been to church, and it was fun! I hadnât classed it as âchurchâ in my mind â so I learned something from them too đ
What do you think constitutes Church? Beware â itâs a tricky question, but Iâd love to know your answer!
13th August, 2023
Stories of Courage
This week our gospel story features Jesus coming to the rescue of the distressed disciples caught in a life-threatening storm on a lake. Demonstrating his power of natural forces, Jesus walks on the stormy water to them. The overly enthusiastic Peter decides he would like to do the same, which doesnât go so well đ However, I truly admire Peterâs willingness to give it a go. He shows extraordinary courage along with his naivety. And courage is a quality Christians are called to again and again. You will hear more about this on Sunday!
Courage is displayed in many ways. If we look, we can see it all around us. Lately, weâve seen the courage of surrender of a relative of ours, who has landed back in a mental health unit unexpectedly, via an unfortunate set of lifeâs circumstances. Day by day, we admire his courage to make the best of difficult circumstances, trusting in God and the staff for his healing.
Another woman lies sick in a hospital bed, enduring great pain and suffering, clinging to life. When I call, she answers so cheerily that I am amazed at her courage. Our sporting heroes push their bodies to great lengths courageously. There are so many examples. Iâm sure we see this quality of courage all around us and we have our stories too. Can you recall times you have acted courageously â and itâs ended well? Please be thankful to God and willing to encourage another with your story.
Courage involves stepping out of our metaphorical boat. How are you being called to go âover the edgeâ in faith now? Jesus rescued Peter when he was sinking from his attempt. He will be there for you too, when He calls you to do something courageous. Maybe itâs to do something together, in the same storm-tossed boat and help each other through. Letâs step out in faith to fulfil our calling.
 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.â Joshua 1:1-9 (NIV)
Â
6th August, 2023
Good news stories from friends
I have just returned from a visit to Batemanâs Bay Uniting Church to celebrate with them the launch of Stages 1 & 2 of their Heatwave and Bushfire Haven. Together with the environmental group, SHASA, and some Government funding, they have made changes to their Church property, to make it fit for purpose to sustainably host people who are badly affected by heat and smoke. There is a shortage of such places, but SHASA are trying to change that by identifying places in Eurobodalla with suitable spaces. I was intrigued and inspired!
After the event, I had a coffee with two wonderful colleagues, Rev Dr Stephen Robinson who leads the Disaster Recovery Chaplaincy Network, and Rev Andrew Smith, one of our Presbytery Ministers, who I always find to be very supportive. We traded good news stories from our various ministries. I learned that Government departments now approach the DRCN because they desire to have chaplains onsite in some ongoing emergencies around Australia. Their reputation is such, that in an increasingly atheist society, our presence is requested by Government departments. I find that astounding!
I also heard about the mentoring of two delightful young adults, quite new to faith discussions, by Andrew. How wonderful that a Presbytery Minister is involved in, and delights in, this ministry with young adults. I had my own stories too, but they can wait for another day đ
There is something deeply encouraging about sharing our highlights together. Letâs celebrate the great things that God inspires within our midst.
Warmly, Karen
30th July, 2023
Tough Patch Wisdom
We all go through tough patches and in these last few days we have not been immune. At such times, I try to apply to myself the wisdom I would offer others â go gently for a while. Easier said than done, when youâre a bit of a âdoerâ. So, this beautiful piece written nearly 100 years ago came to mind. You may well have seen it before, but I invite you to let it speak to you again, as you ponder its wisdom gently. Blessings upon you and yours whatever your circumstances â Karen.
Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labours and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
by Max Ehrmann ©1927
23rd July, 2023
When Plans Change
Our fortnight holiday included visiting family and friends in Sydney and Adelaide, and it was delightful to spend time with them. However, we planned to go to Bali for 5-6 days too, to soak up the sun, swim with Manta rays and turtles, to relax and refresh. Instead, we were there for only 2.5 days (which were great!) Airlines are under huge stress currently, so flights get cancelled, delayed, re-routed. We experienced all of these â and readjusting to them was stressful and time consuming. We tried to make the best of it wherever we were, but we were disappointed to make long flights to Bali for such a short time there.
Have your holidays not always lived up to the photos and descriptions of the travel brochure? Itâs often the case, as photos are taken in the prime locations on the most perfect days. When we donât anticipate a different scenario to the one presented, we can feel a bit disappointed, or even cheated. Life can be like this too. We make plans, assuming life will go along steadily, but something unexpected happens to disrupt them. Whether for better or for worse, we need to adapt, often bringing much complexity with it. We are left wondering about scriptures like, âAnd we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose,â (Rom 8:28 NIV), especially when itâs tragic. Itâs a little simplistic to expect God to give us exactly what we want all the time, but sometimes the changes just appear too above and beyond our capacity to continue to cope positively.
This is when our faith in God can make the biggest difference. Will we hold onto our faith in our good God who loves us, despite our doubts about the âgoodnessâ of the current scenario? Will we go on as honourably and courageously as we can? Do we trust that God holds us in this life, and the next, through everything? It can be tough, and itâs okay to question God and express our feelings to him. But it is a test of our loyalty to God too â and one we want to win. Hold fast â look to God and pray for his presence with you through the storm. Accepting the comfort and encouragement of those who care for you can be a big help too.
Thank you for your prayers and care for us. We are glad to be back amongst our community. Please let me know if I can assist you too.
(Rev) Karen
2nd July, 2023
Coming Soon!
The wind of the Spirit is always new and brings refreshing change. I love to try and catch that breeze and go with it! However, David and I are soon flying, not sailing, to enjoy time with our SA and Sydney family and friends, plus a short, warm break in Bali. Then there are new things on the horizon when we return. Let me tell you about two of them.
Chop, Chat, Chew is a great, five-week cooking course, which has been popular in the surrounding region. On Monday 17 July, we launch this program in the Cobargo Uniting Church kitchen. Although it teaches food basics and we will cook some great dishes, it is more about creating a warm, social atmosphere for everyone to enjoy and make new friends. I am looking forward to meeting some more Cobargo people there. Fortunately, I have a lovely co-facilitator, Mandy, who lives nearby and is very competent and well-organized. We visited the current program running in Bega this week and I was very impressed with the program and the people. There are still a couple of places left, so if you know some interested Cobargo locals, they can contact Christine on 0438 407 364 or email info@sapphirecommunity.org.au to apply for this free course.
Slot car racing will also be making a weekly return to the Narooma Uniting Church Hall on Tuesday July 18 at 2.30pm. We are thankful to Dave who has been hard at work getting the track prepared for us. We hope to have both men and women come along. An opportunity to come in from the cold, have a cuppa and a chat, and try your hand at something new (remember the wind of the Spirit!) â or brush up on old skills. It will be all new for me, so please join Di and myself, so we are not the only complete beginners! Learning something new is great for our brains as we get older too. We ask for a gold coin donation each time please.
Wishing you well as we travel to distant places. Your prayers would be appreciated.
(Rev) Karen
âThe wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit." (John 3:8 NIV)
25th June, 2023
Circles of Love
When we moved here 6 months ago, I was impressed with the ethos and functioning of our Drop In Centre but was unsure how I would relate to it as a Community Chaplain. Like most new relationships, it is unfolding with time.
As I meet people who are finding it hard to recover from tragic events, sometimes a little physical encouragement goes a long way. I have had the privilege of passing on warm bedding and clothes, donated by the Drop In Centre, to a few of these people. They appreciate that prices are always kept low there, so sometimes ask me to look for specific items they want to buy now too. This helps me build a reputation of helpfulness as a new chaplain, so I am grateful to have this access to so many needed items on their behalf. I muse about this initiative having existed for decades before a chaplain was appointed, yet God knew right back then, how this relationship would be beneficial.
I also shop for myself there too! The over-consumption of our Earthâs resources concerns me very much. I want to minimize my impact by not over-using them. One of these ways is to enter the circular economy of reusing our stuff. Many people, (including me), donate to Op shops (or other recycle initiatives), which is an essential first step. However, if people do not also buy from them in similar quantity, there is not a sufficient market for these goods. I figure that each reused item I buy, is one less new item consuming the Earthâs finite resources. Not only the raw materials for a garment, but lots of water and power are expended each time clothing is made. I still buy some new things, but I feel uneasy when I ponder this â and try to minimize those purchases. Advertising tries hard to pull us the other way â and we know people earn income from producing new items too, although not so many benefit when they are mass produced. Unfortunately, the more unique items are usually expensive, so buying recycled goods works well on that count too. Our purchases from secondhand outlets such as the Drop In Centre also fund other valuable initiatives, both locally and further afield, with the profits made.
Narelle and Nancy from our Narooma congregation are doing a great job there! I am sure they would love to hear from others who can regularly volunteer a few hours to keep the Drop In Centre a lovely community asset. Those who can volunteer from our congregations also keep it connected to our Church by their presence. There are different jobs and skill sets needed, so please talk to one of these lovely ladies for more details. I can put you in touch with them if you donât know them personally.
â⊠godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world,â 1 Tim 6: 6-7 (ESV)
Rev Karen
18th June, 2023
Balancing Life Well
I initiated a conversation this week with some lovely, generous-hearted ladies about a passion of mine: life balance. Please understand from the outset that I am a âwork in progressâ myself on this issue! Both are outstanding volunteers in our community, and I suspected that one of them had agreed to a task at a time she would prefer not to do it. So, I gently pushed her on the issue. It is so easy to say, âyesâ, when we are accustomed to being âresponsibleâ, even when our heart sinks a little at the prospect. You may recognize that inner sigh? It is difficult to get it right each time, because subtle balance is required between being a helpful, other-oriented person and being apathetic or mean â and balance is tricky.
On Wednesday morning, I joined the Narooma Anglican Contemplative service, and this theme came in from a different angle. Rev. Tim drew our attention to the passage 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV), explaining that this was not just about giving money, but also about service.
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
This is a helpful measure to get the balance right. What does my heart say about this? Only we truly know what we can give cheerfully, given our life circumstances. We can help each other by questioning, or by reassuring our friends that they are still âgood peopleâ, when allowing themselves to step back to recover their life balance for a while. This will often require someone else to step up too â and they may find it a blessing to do so. Sometimes, it can be a trade of one activity for another, if the new one is more life-giving than the prior one. And at other times, we just need to have less responsibilities in our lives and more joy.
We all have an inner critic â and some of us have loud ones! Some inner critics will tell us we are never doing enough, no matter how hard we try. This erodes our self-worth continuously. Fortunately, our God loves us for who we are. We are good enough in Godâs sight and deeply loved. Can we therefore accept ourselves as valuable too â and tell that inner critic to give us some peace?
See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! (1 John 3:1 NIV)
God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. (Gen. 1:31 NIV)
11th June, 2023
People of Peace
In Luke 10:1-9 Jesus sends 72 disciples out in pairs into the surrounding area to check out the prospective welcome there. They go with nothing but their humanity and faith, to heal and bless those who welcome them. In this way, they discern who is generous of spirit towards them and selectively engage with them to introduce Godâs kingdom. Itâs a faith-filled journey of active endeavour with an unknown outcome. How exciting!
I studied this passage for a year at theological college, so it has formed a lasting impression upon me! This is the way I go into the community â anticipating finding âpeople of peaceâ within the surrounding community, in order to work together to bless and heal others in the ways that are needed. I have found several such people here already, who arenât churchgoers but passionately want to make a positive impact upon their communities. This week, I met Christine and Peter Welsh, who have established Sapphire Community Pantry in Bega, with its various offshoots. (Christine was referred to me by some other âpeople of peaceâ at the Cobargo Access Centre where I go twice per month as a chaplain.) One of the âoffshootsâ is a series of Chop, Chat Chew workshops. Looking for a venue in Cobargo, Christine was referred to me to consider utilizing the Cobargo Uniting Church kitchen. Not only have we reached agreement there, but I will assist by leading the sessions. Christine is also looking for a venue for the Mobile Pantry - and so another positive use for Cobargo UC is now possible too. We discussed other dreams and I found so much in common with Christine and Peter, that I look forward to a mutually strengthening relationship developing.
âPartnersâ is the modern equivalent to this term âpeople of peaceâ. While the Church was strong and respected within the community, we didnât need or realise the benefits of partnership with those beyond the Christian faith. Times have changed! I strongly believe that we need to move forward with those of quite similar values, as many groups do these days. Hence, I attend interagency meetings too, being one of those around a âtableâ, working out how we can best utilize our strengths together, for the good of all.
May we look for where the Spirit is moving beyond our church walls and activities. Jesus said, âLove on another as I have loved youâ. Letâs include everyone who wants to receive that love, unconditionally.
Karen
4th June, 2023
Life After Death
These things I know:
 How the living go on living
 and how the dead go on living with them
So that in a forest
 even a dead tree casts a shadow
 and the leaves fall one by one
 and the branches break in the wind
 and the bark peels off slowly
 and the trunk cracks
 and the rain seeps in through the cracks
 and the trunk falls to the ground
 and the moss covers it
 and in the spring the rabbits find it
 and build their nest
 inside the dead tree
so that nothing is wasted in nature
or in love.
âLaura Gilpin
When we walk attentively in nature, we begin to see parallels with our lives worth reflecting upon. God created all life, so itâs not surprising the various life cycles show a familiar pattern. Whereas we grieve the death of loved ones, (even familiar trees), we also recognise their lives contained influence, that endures. Otherwise, we would not be grieving.
We are given the opportunity to build upon the foundation that our ancestors have laid for us. Will we build in a way that enriches the structure, maintain the status quo, or cause damage to it? I hope we aim for the first option. Jesus was clear in the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), that He expects increase from his followers.
Even if the human foundation we have inherited has been quite faulty, we are offered the solid foundation of Jesus himself to build upon:
âEveryone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rockâ, Matt7:24 (ESV).
Let us be implementers of Jesusâ teachings and classified as âwiseâ builders, leaving a legacy now, and for the future beyond our lifetime. Offering the fruit of the Spirit is a great place to begin: â⊠the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things,â Gal. 5:22-23 (NRSVUE)
Karen
28th May, 2023
The Unpredictable Spirit
Who understands the ways of the Spirit of God? Sometimes I think I have a reasonable idea â and then something happens, and I realise I am just grasping a small corner of understanding of the Spiritâs ways. The Spirit is often translated âbreathâ or âwindâ. The wind has a way of being unpredictable and unable to be tied down or directed â an apt metaphor.
I spoke to another disaster-relief chaplain recently, whose circumstances resemble my own somewhat. He has been in the role longer than me and was a source of wisdom and comfort. He explained the unpredictability of pastoral conversations in his region. Then I started to experience this myself. Firstly, sitting having a coffee on a day off, halfway through my bike ride, I was approached by a man and began chatting with him. When he found out I was a chaplain, he instantly pulled up a chair and started to tell me his story. Recently, after a dance class, a similar experience occurred. Both people were keen to talk about their spiritual experiences and to be reassured. These were not occasions where I was expectant of meaningful conversations, but times where I was relaxing and enjoying myself. I wonder if there is a lesson there?
Are we open to the Spirit catching us off-guard and being flexible enough to respond? Who we are, and what we believe, comes through at such times. I think a regular, quiet time with God, and pondering the scriptures to realise what we do and donât believe, prepares us for these times. Sometimes it helps to flesh things out by talking about them with open-minded, Christian friends. This is what Christian small groups and house churches do well, but it isnât the only way. Over meals, coffees and walks are good times to chat and clarify our understanding somewhat. It helps us become congruent people, who have integrated our faith into our whole lives, yet remain open to continuous growth.
Being led by the Spirit is a constant adventure!
John 3:8
âThe wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.â
Karen Paull
Â
21st May, 2023
Living Water Wellbeing Walks
 The new walking group name isnât only about my love of alliteration! In fact, I have even compromised with the âLâ - for good reasonđ (It could have been Wednesday Wellbeing Walks after all!) âLiving waterâ is a concept familiar to Christians, sourced from ancient Middle eastern scriptures where good, drinkable water was scarce and a wonderful source of life. Hence Jesus used it as a metaphor for himself â the one who promises âlife in all its fullnessâ. Even though sea water does not fall into this category, I have been so impressed with how our local sea water teams with life! Mangroves and sea grass meadows are valuable and important places for marine life to dwell and begin life â and increasingly rare. Yet, they exist here, along with an impressive web of life. Our walking group photographer alerted us to some Butcher birds perched over the shallows on Wednesday â what a beautiful sight!
Walking amongst abundant nature with friendly people is so good for the soul â a little taste of âlife in all its fullnessâ for me đ Walkers are encouraged to leave their concerns behind for a while, find some pleasant company, and delve a little into a deeper appreciation of life. Gentle walking is great for most people physically, too.
 We have been careful to experiment a little first, to make it a good and safe experience for all. Our little team is now ready for you to invite others along. The spiritual content will be gentle, and I hope accessible for all, as this group is intended to offer something positive to the whole community that is not at all threatening. Qualities of kindness, gentleness and respect for all people, and the beautiful creation so evident around us, will be key values.
We have decided no dogs will be allowed, for the safety of participant humans! Any children will need to be always supervised by their caregivers. However, we are expecting a âsecond half of lifeâ group primarily.Â
Do you know of anyone who would enjoy our wellbeing walks? Please invite them along. Contact Karen for more details on (02) 4476 2024 (now my preferred contact number) or via email karenp@cruc.org.au . As walks are fortnightly, the next one will be 31/5 at 2pm, gathering under a shelter at Rotary Park, and 10 minutes earlier for newcomers please, as there are details to be recorded. If the weather is particularly unpleasant for walking, we will gather around a table at the Ice-creamery instead! It would be ideal for you to come along and introduce your friends initially, even if you donât want to walk.
Let us be as living water - a source of abundant life - for those around us.
14th May, 2023
Back to âThe Unknown Godâ!
One of this weekâs lectionary readings is Acts 17:22-31, where the apostle Paul relates to the people of Athens carefully, after observing their town. He finds an altar inscribed âto an unknown godâ and begins to relate to them from there. Maybe we are in similar times these days? God is becoming less and less known and respected in our culture, so we need to find fresh conduits for the good news that he can still be found! Verse 27 is a helpful expansion: âGod did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.â
What do you observe in our culture that is good and may be a link for people who do not know God, but may be willing to seek him? I tend to think of God as wonderful Creator, which is so evident here. Also, of generous and cohesive communities that are alive and welcoming of others. Of music and creativity that is thoughtful and uplifting and maybe tells a meaningful story. Spaces where people can be quiet and encouraged to âlistenâ more deeply, lend themselves to finding God.
My response is to provide opportunities for people to experience these things, with a little word of encouragement that God may be found there. Hence, walking in welcoming groups in beautiful, natural places; labyrinth walking; creative writing shared online, and small discussion groups, are new ways that may open doors for people to find God. However, they may also simply enjoy the peace and/or the company of others there â and thatâs a good thing too.
My natural interests and abilities enable me to see certain things, but not others. What do you see that is good, meaningful and just in our world, that is likely to cause God to smile? It may well be that God is calling you to help there. If you would like to join with others to form some type of small, welcoming community, please let me know.
Karen Paull
7th May, 2023
Meeting old, new and familiar faces
Having been Community Chaplain in this South Coast region for nearly 3 months now, I have met many people. Having been totally overwhelmed initially with everyone being new, I am now beginning to put faces and names together of those I see more often. This is a great feeling and a relief! At Montyâs this week, there were many who greeted me by name, and I could mainly respond in kind đ
I was, however, bamboozled recently, when an unfamiliar car slowed down and the couple within said âHello Karen!â They looked familiar, but I couldnât place where I had seen them before, my mind running through local places I have visited here⊠Seeing my confusion, they laughingly said, âDo you know who we are??â Caught out! It turned out they were friends from 30 years ago, who we would see on holidays occasionally, where we both had access to shacks! They came to our church the next day and we were touched they had taken the trouble to look us up and reignite our friendship.
My network here continues to expand, locally and across the region, with the help of kind people who share their networks with me. I am trying to gain an overview of life and the pressing needs amongst our wider community, as well as the churches, to utilize my time most effectively. These days I visit groups and centres in Cobargo, Quaama and Bodalla regularly, meeting people and contributing kindness wherever and however I can. Our Drop In Centre has come alongside with the offer of some material assistance for specific needs, which is most welcome.
On Wednesday, I had the joy of briefly reconnecting with good friends from my previous placement, as they began their walking group. When you move from place to place, your âvillageâ expands with you. Old friends are not forgotten, but frequency of contact is unfortunately reduced.
When connecting with people from any walk of life, I think kindness is key for us a Christians. Let us emit âthe fragrance of Christâ in our relationships. Are there people you could reconnect with, that time and COVID restrictions may have put on hold for a while? Please take the risk of being on the front foot with kindness, even if you have left it âtoo longâ. True friends, (like our SA holiday friends), will forgive you, if they know you are sorry and keen to reconnect.
Perfume and incense bring joy to your heart.
And the sweetness of a friend comes from their honest advice.
Proverbs 27:9 (NIRV)
30th April, 2023
Companions on the Way
Last Sunday we heard the âRoad to Emmausâ passage, where two friends walked together towards their destination for some hours â a great image in itself. Bewildered by the recent events of Jesus trial, death and resurrection, I feel confident they were debriefing together as they walked. When the stranger joins them, he adds great insight into the events from the Hebrew scriptures, which must have been wonderful, even before he reveals himself as the risen Jesus.
Pilgrimages, where people walk long distances, sometimes alone, and sometimes with an array of fellow pilgrims, are popular today, especially for those seeking release and inner wisdom. Physically demanding, yet emotionally freeing, God has a chance to be heard in the long silences when pilgrims are more attentive. The perspectives of companions from outside of their normal life may also contribute meaningfully, in the sharing of wisdom.
Walking and talking is great, but itâs not for everyone. However, there are many ways to be companions along the way. Just being together can be incredibly comforting. Sometimes it is not even a physical presence, but via technology â a great gift when we are far from loved ones. Yet, our actual, physical presence is more special, which I have recently experienced with joyful visits from family and friends. Itâs so good to just âbeâ together!
Have you considered that you are Godâs representative when you are just with another, enjoying their company and âbeing thereâ for them? I suspect we overlook the deep goodness of friendship, the little things we contribute to othersâ lives when just being ourselves. God designed us to live in community. Hence, we group together as churches, but also in many other ways. Letâs be aware of, and celebrate, Godâs presence with us, in the mere act of being together. Who would appreciate a call, a text, or a hug from us right now?
Karen Paull
23rd April, 2023
Companions on the Way
Last Sunday we heard the âRoad to Emmausâ passage, where two friends walked together towards their destination for some hours â a great image in itself. Bewildered by the recent events of Jesus trial, death and resurrection, I feel confident they were debriefing together as they walked. When the stranger joins them, he adds great insight into the events from the Hebrew scriptures, which must have been wonderful, even before he reveals himself as the risen Jesus.
Pilgrimages, where people walk long distances, sometimes alone, and sometimes with an array of fellow pilgrims, are popular today, especially for those seeking release and inner wisdom. Physically demanding, yet emotionally freeing, God has a chance to be heard in the long silences when pilgrims are more attentive. The perspectives of companions from outside of their normal life may also contribute meaningfully, in the sharing of wisdom.
Walking and talking is great, but itâs not for everyone. However, there are many ways to be companions along the way. Just being together can be incredibly comforting. Sometimes it is not even a physical presence, but via technology â a great gift when we are far from loved ones. Yet, our actual, physical presence is more special, which I have recently experienced with joyful visits from family and friends. Itâs so good to just âbeâ together!
Have you considered that you are Godâs representative when you are just with another, enjoying their company and âbeing thereâ for them? I suspect we overlook the deep goodness of friendship, the little things we contribute to othersâ lives when just being ourselves. God designed us to live in community. Hence, we group together as churches, but also in many other ways. Letâs be aware of, and celebrate, Godâs presence with us, in the mere act of being together. Who would appreciate a call, a text, or a hug from us right now?
Karen Paull
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Holistic Health
As a chaplain in previous roles, I have incorporated physical health activities alongside emotional and spiritual wellbeing ones. I believe that our âhealthâ is made up of these different aspects which interact together. It is a concept that the wider community also understands â and who often lack the spiritual aspect â so itâs a gentle way to offer that to people too.
David and I began offering a monthly bushwalk for a moderate level of fitness, in the lovely bush tracks which thread throughout Lane Cove, Sydney, about 8 years ago. People of quite varied walking abilities came along, so we began an extended walking group for the fitter ones too. We followed them both with an optional dinner afterwards at a local restaurant, which anyone could join. During COVID restrictions, when people needed a regular, local outlet, I began a Wednesday Weekly Walk. Its regularity and culture encouraged friendships to develop. Each time I added an appreciative, contemplative practice for us to engage in as a group. Sometimes we began or finished with a coffee and an extra chat! All these groups continue today as people found they met their needs and significant friendships formed. A Christian contemplative service also emerged later, meeting the needs of people where regular church wasnât an option for a variety of reasons. Other Church attending Christians came too, as they enjoyed its peaceful nature and wanted to be supportive.
I will soon trial the regular, short version walk here, as most people can handle that fitness-wise. It will be intentionally inclusive of the wider community, local and have a holistic health focus. More details to come, so please be thinking of who you know may benefit from joining us.
Jesus said, âI came so everyone would have life, and have it fullyâ (John 10:10b CEV)                              đ Karen Paull
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16th April, 2023
Good Grief
Grief is familiar to all of us and rarely do we welcome its presence in our lives. Yet it is necessary to help us heal from our losses in order to carry on. We handle grief differently too, in two main ways. Some are very practical in their outworking â they mainly want to get things done (âinstrumentalâ) and others are âintuitiveâ, mainly emphasising their feelings and emotions associated with the loss. I suspect their may be a male/female tendency here â or is that just our societal expectations? Itâs important to realise that there are no ârightâ and âwrongâ ways, although those who grieve similarly are likely to find most comfort with those who respond in a similar way.
Jesus experienced grief. Matthew 26:37-38 is illustrative:
(Jesus) took Peter and Zebedeeâs two sons, James and John, and he became anguished and distressed. He told them, âMy soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.â
Even Jesus wanted companionship in his time of grief! This highlights our need to be present and available when those around us are having a tough time with grief. A lot of words donât need to come from those supporting others â and the ones that are used need to be sensitive and sincere. (Sometimes loving actions, like delivering a home-cooked meal, speak volumes.)
Companionship on the grief journey, would be the main reason I have been invited to be a chaplain to those suffering grief and loss in this region. Some of those losses are huge and tangible, while others are more hidden. Disasters affect a huge range of people, not just those primarily affected. Their families and friends, those who responded to them and their families, wider community members who have been witnesses of the events, and others beyond these spheres too. Do you know someone who may like to debrief, or some assistance, to help them recover? Maybe it is you â who has shyly felt not important enough to be considered - as not a primary victim? Please let me know if I can help.
đ Karen Paull
9th April, 2023
Dear Friends,
Writing this article on Maundy Thursday, I am reminded how Jesus deliberately leveled his status by taking on the role of the lowliest slave, in washing the disciplesâ feet. Demonstrating his lesson in an unforgettable way, he made clear to his disciples that this was an example to follow. No hierarchies allowed here!
The Uniting Church takes this lesson seriously with its inter-conciliar method of operation. No single body nor person is to be in control and able to make or change âthe rulesâ. Sometimes this gets messy and draws out decisions, but isnât it wonderful that its mode of operation is based on Jesusâ teachings about humility and respect for all people? I am happy to witness this attitude alive and well here. The vulnerable people who often turn up at Montyâs and the Drop In Centre are treated as special guests. This week at Montyâs I was shown by the recipient, a lovely Easter basket given to a family with special needs, with a generous loading of Easter eggs! This would have been just one of such gifts given, designed to make the recipients feel cherished. Do you want to become one of these good-hearted servants of our community? I can introduce you to the people concerned.
I visited the Narooma Menâs Shed today. This is another group serving this community in a humble and outstanding way! Their welcome was warm and accompanied by gratitude for the donation given by the Uniting Church a while ago. They understand their mission is as much about promoting peoplesâ health and wellbeing through positive community interaction, as upskilling people (yes, women too) in practical ways. I think Jesusâ example lives on there too, even though it may not be consciously recognized that way.
Jesus lives indeed! Today He is most visible through us â our actions and attitudes towards others. Who can you show kindness to this Easter?
Wishing you a joyful Easter wherever you may be!
 đ Karen Paull
2nd April, 2023
Dear Friends,
When I read the gospel records of the Easter story, I sympathize with Jesusâ disciples. When I was younger I wished I could have been there with Jesus, experiencing Him in his full humanity. Whereas there is truth to this, now I think how confusing it would have been too. Jesus was enigmatic, speaking in metaphors and riddles to those who gathered around him while countering existing power structures head on. He wasnât afraid of the consequences, which became dire on Good Friday! Who could blame poor Peter for denying Jesus in the midst of his trouble? Everything was changing and the disciples didnât understand why.
Change is happening everywhere today. Technology updates constantly, leaving few people able to keep up with it. Disasters abound, and COVID changed so much of our âsecureâ world too. Change comes on a personal level â both for better and for worse. Wherever there is change, confusion, and sometimes chaos, follows. We are thrown in at the deep end, still learning to swim!
It has always been this way. Significant growth and better outcomes can result, but generally not without some pain. The Church in the West is in decline overall and new ways of existing as Godâs people together are being sought. The confusion and pain sometimes created are not intentional, but a search for better outcomes. God hasnât changed, remaining faithful to us, yet ways of approaching and communicating with God need to change over time. Let us pray and think through this together, as the first disciples did. The Church was born as a result.
 đ Karen Paull
âNever doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.â Â Â Â Â Â Margaret Mead
26th March, 2023
Dear Friends,
During this Lenten season we are aware of what Jesus gave up voluntarily. He fasted for 40 days in the wilderness, giving up all bodily comforts. And he willingly endured the indignities leading up to his crucifixion, and of course a painful, premature death itself. Jesus did this because he considered humanity was worth it!
In my role as Community Chaplain, to those who are recovering from the traumatic events of the past few years, there are close comparisons to be drawn with these losses and painful treatment at the hands of others. Iâve had a comparatively very small loss recently myself, in the painful death of our cat Barney â it was so hard to see his suffering. But we donât go through these tragedies willingly, as we arenât God, with an ultimate purpose in mind.
Fortunately, we can express that pain in healthy ways, in order to recover well. I have shed plenty of tears this week amongst a cohort of friends and family who have helped me through. Are you able to express your pain, or guilt, to another and find comfort in the process? If you feel uneasy about doing that with someone closer to you, I will be available.
Jesus suffered pain and indignity so that He could help us with ours. Please take advantage of it. A few people can go directly to God in prayer alone and find enough comfort and resolution that way. But most of us can do with a human companion or two to help. We were designed to exist in community.
Galatians 6:2 (NCV) By helping each other with your troubles, you truly obey the law of Christ.
Karen Paull
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