"The Times They Are A-Changing"

There is the story told of a king who instructed his philosophers to make up a sentence which would be true for all time and for every situation. After much deliberation they produced these words; "and this too shall pass away". Nothing is permanent is it? We have realized at both Blackburn North Uniting Church (where this quarterly message usually comes from) and at Nunawading Uniting, that we can no longer enjoy the "permanence" that has been ours for many years. So, early in 2007, we shall be joining together as one congregation, worshipping together on the one site (yet to be determined) while retaining both buildings so that events and services to the two areas can be continued and maintained.

Since the retirement of Rev. Keith Whitford, Rev. Alan Hardie has acted as supply minister (our Uniting Church term for locum!) at Blackburn North and I have been supplying at Nunawading for over two years. At the time of writing, there are positive signs that a permanent minister is soon to be called to care for both congregations and to help us join together which, of course, can be a traumatic time for some.

However, no matter how we organize ourselves, the work and worship of the Church goes on and indeed, must go on. Unfortunately the public generally only hears of the Church from the media when there is one kind of sensational story to be told: a minister or priest in a sex scandal, a church official embezzling funds.....Yet quietly and faithfully, congregations of Christian people all over Australia (including our own two) are keeping their Jesus story alive through generous giving of time and money, providing buildings for community use, supporting aid programs, Christian forums on justice and moral issues, time for meditation and worship and safe places for children and young people - and I name but a few of the services that churches provide and in which everyone is invited to share.

Blackburn North and Nunawading Uniting congregations welcome you!