March 2003

We've begun our Lenten journey for this year, remembering Jesus preparing for ministry.

In Mark's gospel (Mark 1:12-13), we read that immediately following his baptism by John the Baptist, "God's Spirit made Jesus go into the desert. He stayed there for 40 days while Satan tested him. Jesus was with the wild animals, but angels took care of him" (CEV).

For us, Lent is a time of personal preparation and discipline, as we travel God's way of reconciliation. That way calls us again to reflect on the life and the ministry of Jesus, including the dramatic events in the days we call Good Friday and Easter Day — and where we might be in the welcoming crowds of Jerusalem, the friends celebrating the
Passover meal, in the images of betrayal, denial, desertion, crucifixion, death, confusion, bewilderment, amazement, relief, joy, unbelief at the resurrection, and so much more.

We can't escape reflecting what's happening for us on God's way. In recent weeks, there has been opportunity

• • to participate with many others in the service in which six people who've completed their formal education as youth worker, as deacon or minister of the word were commissioned or ordained for their new ministry. Five of them go as exit students to placements within the Synod; the other has an ongoing ministry. For each of them and the whole church there is joy and celebration.
• to meet Indonesian leaders of both Islamic and Christian faiths visiting Australia arranged by the Australia-Indonesia Institute's Muslim Exchange Program and the Australian Government. The purpose of the visit was "to showcase Australia's pluralist society, and in particular, the relations between Australia's Islamic and broader communities". They spoke of the cooperation between people in the Indonesian culture who are learning to face, together, attacks on the community from within. In accepting each other they are building trust to work together. Can we accept the differences which are the gifts of our diversity in the church?
• to be with people from rural communities who are concerned for peace, on the lawns of Parliament House, Canberra, on the House of Representatives' last day of sitting — a few days before many thousands of people gathered in communities small and large throughout the world to express their concern about possible war on Iraq. Some of these who travelled long distances to Canberra hoped their presence might encourage others, their quiet demonstration heard.
• with leaders of Catholic and Anglican churches, the Islamic Council of New South Wales, and advisers, to formally present a submission to the Minister for Health seeking government subsidy to meet the cost of chaplaincy in the state's public hospitals. The Civil Chaplaincies Advisory Committee prepared the submission. Surprise, relief, joy, as the minister assured us the support would be given.
• to visit Greenhills, the Uniting Church Camp and Conference Centre, Canberra, as the demolition and clearing of the original buildings, destroyed by the recent firestorm, was in process. Amazingly, the newer buildings of the centre survived. Close to the outdoor chapel (also damaged) I noted a small shoot was growing from the blackened base of an old eucalypt, and fresh growth on the limbs: new life in the midst of the devastation.
• to cut the ribbon, a sign that Jacaranda Respite Care is officially open. This new activity in the beautiful new facilities of Pittwater Uniting Church is planned to provide, through day care, a safe haven of hope, security and dignity to older residents within the community.
• to contribute to services of thanksgiving for some of our companions whose earthly journey has come to an end; to be with two congregations (in city and rural areas) as each welcomed a new minister; with a presbytery inducting its Mission Development Worker; and at United Theological College's 2003 opening service and lecture.

I pray that each of us this Lenten season may come to understand more deeply God's reconciling movement at work in our life. In our reflecting on what God is saying, in our praying and living, may God grow in each a deeper, more passionate faith.