Drop in here each month to keep in touch with what has happened recently and what is coming up. 

NewS Highlight

The Olympic Games are in full swing and the Paralympic Games begin at the end of the month. Athletes competing at elite levels have always inspired us and in honour of them, I thought I might share some wisdom which St. Paul drew out of athletic competition.

To the gifted but sometimes misguided christians in Corinth, Paul wrote, "Do you not know that in a race the runners all compete, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it. Athletes exercise self-control in all things; they do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable one" (1 Corinthians 9:24). He was saying that we who strive for Christ's life, should discipline our behaviour every bit as much as someone competing for an accolade.

Young Timothy was reminded of the serious expectations on any disciple of Jesus: "in the case of an athlete, no one is crowned without competing according to the rules" (2 Timothy 2:5). And to people who had lost their way in the Galatian congregation, he didn't mince his words: "You were running well; who prevented you from obeying the truth? Such persuasion does not come from the one who calls you." (Galatians 5:7&8).

Many people thought that Paul was overly harsh - a little too extreme - and yet as he anticipated his own death, he could say, "the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing" (2 Timothy 4:6-8).

Bay Life Uniting does wonderful work in the Busselton community through great teams. Each participant is every bit as inspirational in the marathon of faith as Olympic athletes are in the Games. We celebrate people who serve with disciplined dedication; those who sacrifice in the cause of Jesus' compassion, and those who bend their will to the work of the Creator. Because of a global Christian family, I have trusted mentors who do not shy away from the difficult conversations: they remind me of the rules and the dangers of thinking too highly of my self. And isn't it a great privilege to be able able to know those, when when their race is drawing to a close, will also receive the prize: the "crown of righteousness"?

As we cheer the brave souls on one of the world's greatest stages this month, let's also take a moment to celebrate those among us who inspire dedication in the race of life. Was we draw inspiration, let's look to the One who is the "Author and Perfecter of our faith", and redouble our efforts in service of God's programme of Love in Christ.

May God bless you,

Stephen

Up coming events

Faithful Pilgrims: what it means to be a Uniting Church member. All welcome: Sunday 7 July - 8 September 

Please visit this page often to stay tuned with upcoming events.