Anglicare and ARV Better Together

The parliament of our church voted unanimously this week to merge Anglicare and Anglican Retirement Villages (ARV) to better meet the need for their services in the future. Archbishop Glenn Davies told a special synod called to consider a merger that the landscape of aged care in Australia has dramatically changed. “The future will see constraints … Read more

We must never glorify death

As we come to Anzac Day, it’s impossible to avoid speaking of death. As we remember the heroism of those who served, we never forget the many who gave their lives to protect our way of life. Yet even as we honour their sacrifice, we must never glorify death. Death is our greatest enemy, no matter how much … Read more

Enough to make Jesus cry

It’s remarkable to think that the person who created the entire universe would weep in anguish at the state of his people. Yet, this is exactly what we saw of Jesus as he entered Jerusalem, as recorded in Luke chapter 19. Of all the people who should have embraced Jesus as Lord, they instead chose … Read more

Are you paying too much tax?

This week a major leak of documents in Panama showed how much effort people can make to try and pay less tax. Whether it’s tax avoidance, tax evasion, or even downright money laundering, it’s clear that everyone involved in these schemes has been keen to reduce the amount of money they pay to the government so that … Read more

Countdown to Mission Week

There are only six weeks until we welcome 20 students from Moore Theological College to join our church for over a week of mission to the communities of Oak Flats and Jamberoo. Under the leadership of Moore College lecturer, Lionel Windsor, we will be engaging in a number of initiatives to bring the gospel of Jesus … Read more

Why is Good Friday ‘good?’

In a recent Scripture class, a student asked one of our teachers why Good Friday was called ‘good?’ When we reflect on the tragedy of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, it is a natural question for anyone to ask. The standard answer is to say that the day is called ‘good’ because the death of Jesus … Read more

The up-side of conflict

I first learned about the ministry of PeaceWise through my friend Wendy, who came alongside me during a particularly painful time of conflict. Through PeaceWise, I learned strategies in conflict that enable me now to apply the gospel to myself, and live it out in relationships. We can easily see conflict and battles as leading to defeat, but … Read more

Looking back, looking forward

One of the great benefits of our churches having an Annual General Meeting (AGM) is the opportunity for us to join together to look back over the past year and to look forward to the year to come. As we do this, we see many examples of God’s goodness and kindness in sustaining us through … Read more

Pray for Fiji

Only a few weeks ago I decided to enrol in the Year 13 program with Youthworks, where I hope to build a solid structure in my faith and theology while learning and serving alongside other high school graduates. Like our other Year 13 student Liana, I’ll also be helping out at Oak Flats Anglican, and … Read more

Should the Pope judge Trump?

Pope Francis has said this week that US President-hopeful Donald Trump is not a Christian because of his tough stance on border protection. In response, Trump has said that, “for a religious leader to question a person’s faith is disgraceful.” Regardless of whether Trump’s policies are right or wrong, his statement about the disgracefulness of passing judgement is … Read more