1. Our congregational AGM will follow morning tea THIS Sunday April 15. There will also be an opportunity after this (hopefully, short) meeting to share reflections on the experience of the icons in worship during Lent and to consider whether, and how, we might continue with their use.
2. For those interested in some background commentary to the readings for this Sunday April 15, see the links here (we’ll continue to focus on the section of 1 John set for last week: 1 John 1.5-2.2).

Other things potentially of interest

REQUEST FROM UNITINGWORLD

Dear Friends,

I am writing to you with the approval of the Moderator and the General Secretary of the VicTas synod to raise a concern with you as a chairperson UnitingWorld, the Assembly agency that has responsibility for our partnerships with churches overseas, especially in the Pacific and Asia.

As you may have heard there are credible reports that in the next federal budget the government will reduce even further Australia’s foreign aid budget, possibly by as  much as $400Million. Our foreign aid budget already stands at historically low levels at just over 0.2% of our GDP making Australia one of the least generous of the developed nations. In UnitingWorld we know that assistance through partnership can make an enormous difference to poor communities overseas. Assisting people to thrive in their own communities seems a better way to enhance security for everyone, including Australia.

I recognise that there may be some in the Australian community who would welcome a further reduction in Australia’s assistance to poor nations on the grounds that it will be used to help the poor and needy in this nation. However, even the poor in this country are rich by the standards of these poor nations.

The government seems to be testing the public mood. Unless there is very significant public response urging the government not to cut the foreign aid budget it seems highly likely that it will be reduced. If you feel that Australia has responsibilities to some of the poorest and most vulnerable citizens in the world and that in our relative wealth we can do better I urge you to write to your local MP, the Minister for International Development Cancetta Fierravant-Wells and the Prime Minister. I have attached draft letters that people may wish to use, adapt or discard as you see fit.

Thank you for taking the time to read this email and for your thoughts and actions.

Blessings and Peace,
Dr Andrew Glenn
Chairperson, UnitingWorld

Old News

JD Northey Lecture

Visiting South African Senior Professor Gerald West  will deliver a JD Northey Lecture at Pilgrim Theological College from 7pm on Thursday May 3. He will speak on the topic of “The Bible as a Site of Struggle in South Africa, from Apartheid to after Liberation”.  Find out more here.

Please bring a gold coin donation and RSVP by Monday 30 April. To RSVP E: info@ctm.uca.edu.au.

Prof West will also conduct a two-day workshop at Pilgrim Theological College  on Contextual Bible Study as a Resource for Systemic Social Transformation. The workshop runs from 9.30am to 4pm on May 4 and 5. Find out more here.

Cost is $20. Please register by Monday 30 April 2018. Register by E: info@ctm.uca.edu.au.

See other intensive courses and events coming up at Pilgrim here.