Expanding Horizons

Mary, Mary, quite contrary!

In his address today, "Mary, Mary, quite contrary!" Kris focuses on the enigma of Mary Magdalene and as shown in the earlier part of the Gospel of Mark and in the "Gospel of Mary", part of the New Testament Apocrypha:
- her closeness to Jeshua - "his companion";
- her status and her "fortitude" amongst the disciples;
- her prominence at the crucifixion;
- her participation in the procession from the cross to the tomb;
- her intimate participation as a non-blood relative involved in the rite of purification - anointing the body of Jesus with spices, prior to his entombment.
And yet the status of Mary Magdalene as a spiritual teacher is diminished in the biblical account of the Authorised, King James version that excludes apocryphal, extra-canonical writings such as the Gospels of Phillip and Thomas that gives her a pre-eminent role in the events surrounding the crucifixion and death of Jeshua.
Why? asks Kris.
What spiritual lessons may we Unitarians learn from these Apocryphal stories about the strength of Mary Magdelene and her diminishment in the Authorised versions? Listen on to find out!

Q and A Part 2

As Unitarians, we are predisposed to having others' answers about "religious, spiritual, ethical, or moral issues" questioned. Today, in this - his second Q & A service, and in the absence of a prepared "sermon", Kris - steps courageously out of his comfort zone for a second time and invites us to write down a question on a "religious, spiritual, ethical or moral theme" - for him to answer. So while Kris may have provided answers to those questions we might otherwise never have had an opportunity to ask, his answers will certainly get us thinking and perhaps also - questioning. For isn't it in the questions we ask that our learning begins? Listen on!

What’s the harm in Sin?

Today we welcome Kris back from leave as our Minister. In his address today, titled - What's the harm in Sin? Kris explores the concept of "Sin", historically. He probes our understanding of the Seven Deadly Sins, the Cardinal sins, and such concepts as Passion, and Conscience  -  before mentioning the positives - the Seven Virtues.

The concept of "Sin" has changed. There are more useful concepts and principles to guide our behaviour. Kris concludes with a gentle Buddhist insight.

Darkness

Aaron takes us out of our comfort zone to explore a richer experience of Light & Dark and other binaries such as "Good & Evil", "Happy & Sad", Nihilism & Existentialism. Aaron questions why we fear darkness, a fear - reinforced by religion, as synonymous with evil.

In today's address, Aaron takes us "beyond the binary" to explore the richness to be had in the realisation that the "Light" needs the "Dark" - and as with any of the other binaries, we only fully understand one through experiencing its opposite.

Peace in the Promised Land - Part 2: ”Blessed are the Peacemakers”

Eran begins his address today, with a quote from a Beatitude in the Gospel of St Matthew - "Blessed are the Peacemakers...". Eran talks passionately and evocatively about his birthplace, Israel - and the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine which he has experienced firsthand. Eran also outlines the many ongoing peace initiatives that will eventually restore peace to these Holy Lands of Islam, Judaism, Christianity - and Unitarians, and to being truly "Holy" for all. It will happen providing we peacemakers - and our children don't give up - it might take generational change!
Eran also challenges us to support these peace initiatives and shows us how. "Blessed are the Peacemakers  - for they will be called Children of God!"
Eran ends his address with a quote from Peacemaker, Amos Oz: "Conflict begins and ends in the hearts and minds of people - not in the hilltops."

Black and White Part 2

Following on from Jennie's address on the 7th May, 2023 - in today's address - Part 2 of "Black and White", Jennie summarises the historical background to the approaching "Voice" referendum, including an extract from "The Uluru Statement from the Heart".
Jenny informs us about the nature of the forthcoming referendum and recognises the plight of Aboriginal people when we - as a nation - have been deaf to the voices of Aboriginal leaders in the past. Jennie also pays tribute to the spiritual input of poets like Oodgeroo Noonuccal (Kath Walker) and Judith Wright.
If you are still to decide on "The Voice", this address of Jennie's is not to be missed!

My Unitarian Journey

This address - on Sunday, 4th June, 2023, is about my journey following WW2 from my childhood as an "accidental Presbyterian", and my growth, spiritually - within loving church communities.

As the conservative biblical view of creation - in Genesis was challenged by science, my growing cognitive dissonance as an adult has led me to the discovery of Unitarianism and the partial resolution of that dissonance.

I'm still making that spiritual journey:-

• less dissonant;
• influenced by liberal theologians, and - 
• a Christian legacy of Love,
• inspired by creative genius in Art, Music and Architecture;
• the stories that Christianity has inspired;
• surrounded still by tolerant, forgiving and loving Christian and Unitarian communities.

Effective Fundraising for Charities

Today's service was led by Jennie Dyster with our Guest Speaker, Kathryn House - introduced by Noel Fraser. Kathryn's talk today was a treasure trove of ideas for effective fundraising for charities. That it can be done collectively by a team working together with a common purpose makes fundraising so much more rewarding. Listen on for Kathryn's anecdotes and wisdom on planning for successful fundraising - as well as some cautions.

Exploring our sense of living in a pluralistic world

Today we have an address from Liellie McLaughlin of the Interfaith Forum titled: "Exploring our sense of living in a pluralistic world". We are also privileged to have Allen Edwards, a local Kaurna man - to welcome us to Kaurna country.
Liellie's uplifting address today, embraces - and celebrates - our spiritual diversity. She poses several questions at the outset, that lie at the core of her address:-
- How can we explore our sense of living in a pluralistic world?
- What's preparing you for it?
and
- How do you feel about it?"

Liellie concludes with the words: "Ubuntu - We are because you are"..."May your own moments of transcendance, transformation, transportation bring you to those incredible moments when you feel that there are no strangers in the world and that we are all connected." Listen on!

Speaking without Speaking

In lighting our chalice this morning Aaron sets the theme of his address: - a flame that is "Speaking without Speaking" ".... speaking to us without a single word, showing us vibrancy, hope, warmth, and spirit; its centered-ness, centering us, its light given freely. May we share the best of ourselves as freely as this humble flame."
Today, Mothers' Day - Aaron focuses on the importance and power of communication that doesn't need to be spoken - that transcends speech! ...And it is not to be missed!