http://highlandsclusteruca.org.au space for spirituality, hospitality and learning Sat, 04 Sep 2010 04:27:00 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en After much discussion, prayer and discernment the Bullarto Uniting Church congregation has come to the conclusion that it is no longer viable to remain open as a congregation.This has been a very difficult decision.  It has also been a courageous decision.It takes a great deal of courage to be able ... http://highlandsclusteruca.org.au/?p=97 The Sacred within the Ordinary I wonder what your general life view is?  The way in which we view life has a tremendous impact on how we actually experience it.  If we come to the conclusion that life is boring then there is every chance that this is how it will ... http://highlandsclusteruca.org.au/?p=96 There is a phrase that younger people use at the moment that I quite like. 'My bad' is popular way of acknowledging you own fault if you have made a mistake. Whilst this is grammatically questionable, I really warm to this honest expression that younger people have adopted. As a 'Gen X' I ... http://highlandsclusteruca.org.au/?p=95 I recently heard an interview on Radio National's 'All in the Mind' about wisdom.  A panel of speakers had been gathered to share their reflections on the topic.  An excellent exploration unfolded on the nature of wisdom and within this the place of suffering was discussed. Educationalist Edward de Bono (of ... http://highlandsclusteruca.org.au/?p=94 A lot of people I know are interested in spirituality, they like to discuss questions about God and purpose and faith.However, these same people would be very unlikely to turn up at a church to explore such things.The congregation at Trentham Uniting Church has a sense of this.  And therefore ... http://highlandsclusteruca.org.au/?p=93 Easter Worship Services in the Highlands Cluster Monday in Holy Week 29th March Meditation on Easter theme at Blackwood Uniting Church 7pm Maundy Thursday 1st April A reflective service with foot washing ceremony at Trentham Uniting Church 7pm Good Friday 2nd April Worship exploring the mystery of the Cross at Ballan Uniting Church 9:30am Easter Day ... http://highlandsclusteruca.org.au/?p=92 The Daylesford Uniting Church has been involved in a deep discerning process over many months about what it is being called to do and be as a church by the Divine. Through sharing in hopes and dreams, in speaking honestly about failings in the past and our strengths, in sharing over ... http://highlandsclusteruca.org.au/?p=91 What does Christianity mean when you are behind bars?  What are freedom, responsibility, repentance and new life about when you are incarcerated? What is Jesus' message of new life like for those in prison?  How is this message shared and how is this message heard? Dynamic, thought provoking, faithful and down to ... http://highlandsclusteruca.org.au/?p=90 At the centre of the circle sat a bowl of ash, next to it a lit candle and an open bible. After a period of silence each person was invited to share what had come up for them in the stillness. One person motioned to the bowl of ash and frankly ... http://highlandsclusteruca.org.au/?p=89 Lately I have enjoyed getting into the garden when I can.  Often this has been in the early evening as the summer light lingers and the babes sleep. In these moments it has been particularly satisfying to gently train some creepers.  One of these, the native 'Happy Wanderer', has been so ... http://highlandsclusteruca.org.au/?p=88