http://campbelltown.unitingchurchsa.org.au/

Campbelltown Uniting Church SA, 607 Lower North East Road, Campbelltown (2026)

04/06/2026

When setting off on a journey some people like to have a plan, a map to guide the route and an estimated time of arrival and lists of things to pack and do along the way. There are other people in this world who enjoy living in the moment and spontaneity, they set off on a journey with some vague idea, a loose timeline and see what happens along the way.

One of the great family sagas found in the Old Testament is that of Abraham and Sarah and their descendants, it is an origin story of the nation of Israel. Abraham and Sarah were an older childless couple, living their lives quite happily when God spoke to Abraham, putting before him an idea for a journey.

God called Abraham to leave his home and his people and to travel to Cannan, but there was no road map, no list of things to take or do. God simply asked Abraham to have faith and to trust as he and his wife Sarah, and his nephew Lot, made their way to the new land.

When Abraham was called, he was promised many divine blessings, including being the father of many nations. This seemed an impossible dream, but after several generations of descendants the promise came to fruition.

Abraham and Sarah had no map and no plan, but God did, and their God, and our God, is faithful and generously blesses those who trust and obey.

27/05/2026

‘When God began to create the heavens and the earth, the earth was complete chaos, and darkness covered the face of the deep’
There are days when it feels like the world is still in complete chaos. The wars and invasions in many countries, the growing divide between the billionaires and the rest of us. Each day we hear of violence perpetuated in homes, on the roads and in schools and venues. The changing climate and the rise of AI is a concern to many.

There are days when our lives can feel chaotic, financial pressures, health challenges, estrangements and lost dreams can leave us feeling lost and confused, as if we are living in chaos.

In the first account of creation, found in the book of Genesis, the Spirit of God moved over the chaos and brought order to the chaos. Through divine direction all aspects of the created order came into being. We note that this was a process, a slow and measured process. And at each pause God reflected and affirmed the different parts of creation, saying that it was good.
When life feels out of control, when we need guidance and comfort, we remember the ongoing process of divine creativity, a process that is slow and steady and that seeks the good for all.

21/05/2026

The ‘sandwich generation’ refers to a significant number of people who find themselves caring for ageing parents and their own children and grandchildren. The weight of responsibility and the mental load can feel heavy.

When the Israelites were in the wilderness, their leader Moses felt the weight of responsibility and carried a big mental load. He had successfully led the Israelites to freedom, they had escaped slavery in Egypt by crossing the Red Sea. Now they are making their way to the Promised Land on a journey that would take them 40 years.

During these long years the people complained, they complained about food and water, they complained about their leaders and their God, and they complained it was taking so long to travel such a short distance. The people would complain to Moses and the God, and God would get angry with the ungrateful ones and would break the covenant. Moses acted as a mediator on many occasions!

After a particularly difficult period, Moses was instructed to gather some elders, when they were together God visited and transferred some of Moses spirit to the others, they began to prophesy amongst the people. But their ministry was short lived, when they returned to their families and communities it was business as usual. Moses lamented – if only there were more prophets filled with the spirit, then the load could be shared.

Centuries later, on the day of Pentecost, Moses’ prayer was answered, the spirit came to the followers of Jesus gathered in Jerusalem, like a mighty wind. Unlike their ancestors, these recipients went from that place empowered by the Spirit to preach and demonstrate the good news of the coming kingdom, that time and place of divine reconciliation and renewal.

21/05/2026

At Drop In today we celebrated a 60th wedding anniversary. Congratulations 🎉

15/05/2026

‘Peace is not when everyone agrees. It is when we can respect our disagreements and still play in the sandpit together.’

Some days the ‘sandpit’ can be a nasty or dangerous place, wars and invasions, violence on the streets and in homes, racism and ageism are amongst many examples of people not being able to play nicely in the sandpit. We see and experience division and hurt on the news and in many aspects of our lives.

During his farewell discourse Jesus prayed for his disciples and followers, he prayed that they would be one. Jesus knew that the disciples did not all think and act the same. He had seen them argue and compete for attention, and he knew that as the church developed and grew, as more people joined the movement, there would be more arguments, divisions and competition.

Soon Jesus would leave the disciples, soon they would not have their leader to guide, mediate and encourage them. So, Jesus prayed to God that the disciples would listen for God’s leading, that they would remember Jesus’ ministry and example, and that through their unity, their out respect for each other, including their differences, they would bear witness to God’s love, mercy and peace.

07/05/2026

Sometimes in life we just need someone to listen, to have a cuppa with a trusted friend, or a hug from a trusted companion. A friend or family member who sits with us, who is simply in the room, can be a wonderful tonic and a boost to our spirit when life feels sad or difficult.

When Jesus was preparing his disciples for life without him he assured them that they would not be left as orphans, they would not be left to continue their discipleship alone, they would not be left bereft. He promised that the Spirit would be sent, and that the Spirit would teach and remind Jesus’ followers, in every age, of his teaching and example.

Some of that teaching was challenging, loving neighbours, forgiving others, sharing resources and including the marginalised. To be a follower of Jesus means living in ways that are often contrary to the ways of, and messages given to us by, the world. Messages that lead to division and hatred, that encourage the accumulation of wealth.

Living in ways that reflect Jesus’ ministry and message can leave us feeling alone, anxious and afraid, when these feelings come we remember the promises Jesus made during his farewell discourse. You will not be left as orphans, and you will receive the gift of the Advocate, the Counsellor, - the Spirit of God.

30/04/2026

This week the tragic news that the body of a little girl lost has been found was so very sad to hear. For five days her family and community members, searchers and many people across Australia were hoping that she would be found alive and unharmed. But then the sad news came through, her body had been found.

With the ongoing wars in the Middle East and Ukraine showing no signs of ending and the restricted fuel supply pushing up prices, there is a lot of anxiety and sadness in the world right now, the death of an innocent child has added to our collective grief and worry.

In Jesus farewell discourse found in the gospel according to John, he said to his anxious and grieving disciples and followers ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled.’ The disciples were facing many challenges, Jesus told them he would soon be leaving them, he had spoken of betrayal and denial, they were having a challenging time.

In his farewell speech Jesus assured the disciples that there would be an ongoing divine presence, that they would find a way forward. After Jesus’ death and resurrection the disciples would emerge from behind closed doors and empowered by Jesus’ promises they would continue sharing the good news of peace, mercy and hope.

23/04/2026

Stories of Gallipoli explored in film, poetry and prose, through music and the visuals arts tell of the devastation of war, the loss of young lives and the incredible loyalty, selflessness and courage of many of those young men. On 25 April each year we pause to remember those who never came home, and those who were injured in body, mind and spirit, and the grief and sadness of families and friends at home.

Stories of Gallipoli and other wars, conflicts, and peace and humanitarian operations also tell of mateship and courage. We learn of people risking their lives to rescue another, or sitting with the dying, comforting the sick in field hospitals and temporary ceasefires to allow for the retrieval of the injured and dead.

The early church was formed in a time of conflict and violence. After Jesus’ death and resurrection the Roman and Jewish authorities hoped that the movement would disappear, but they were wrong. The disciples and other believers began meeting together in secret, they worshipped together, and they supported each other and welcomed new members.

It was not always safe to meet together, there was violence and death, however the early Christians were loyal, selfless and courageous, knowing that Jesus the good shepherd was with them, the shepherd knew them by name and provided for and protected them in all the trial and tribulations of life.

17/04/2026

Recently ‘death diving’ as a spiritual experience was explored by the national broadcaster. Spending time in nature is definitely a less dangerous way to reflect on faith and the divine, rather than leaping off a cliff into a waterhole!

The scriptures include stories of people having a spiritual experience, one such story is the two disciples walking the road from Jerusalem to the village of Emmaus. It was on the day of resurrection that they left the others and all the drama of the of the previous few days. That very morning some women who were followers of Jesus had reported that the tomb was empty, leaving everyone confused and concerned.

As the two disciples walked they discussed Jesus, his ministry and message, his trial and crucifixion and now the missing body. A stranger joined them as they walked and helped them understand Jesus more deeply based on the scriptures.

When the travellers arrived in Emmaus it was getting dark, the disciples invited the stranger to join them for a meal. During the meal the ‘stranger’ broke bread, and in that moment the disciples had a spiritual experience, they recognised the risen Jesus was sitting with them. Everything changed, new life was possible, hope has been restored.

13/04/2026

On Easter Saturday we held a community Easter Egg Hunt. We also had some Easter craft tables, big games and facepainting, music and bubbles. Afternoon tea was served and relationships were formed. A wonderful day of members of the congregation working together and blessing the neighbourhood.

Campbelltown Uniting Church SA

04/06/2026

27/05/2026

21/05/2026

21/05/2026

15/05/2026

07/05/2026

30/04/2026

23/04/2026

17/04/2026

13/04/2026

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