No Excuse For Disrespect

WHEN I heard that Mt Beerwah had been defaced, and with the words “Jesus saves just ask him” I was horrified. Cut into the rock at a place of ceremony and cultural significance, this was an act of violence against creation and against the people whose continuing relationship with this place is sacred.

To the Jinibara people, I am sorry. This act does not represent the life-cherishing faith I know. There is no excuse for vandalism or disrespect. Nor can there be any religious credibility in the words “Jesus saves” (or any other words) when used to hurt or harass others. It is, in fact, contrary to the example of Jesus and a complete misrepresentation of what we call salvation.

Salvation is an idea central to our faith. The word is derived from the word “salve” which pertains to healing. In the Hebrew Scriptures salvation looks like liberation from bondage, return from exile, or reconnection with the sacred. In the gospels the Greek word sōzō (to be saved) is used when a woman’s twelve year haemorrhage is stopped (Mt 9.21-22), when a man is lifted from danger (Mt 14.30), when a parent advocates for his child (Mk 5.23) and when sick people receive the healing they need (Mk 6.56).

According to biblical scholar Amy-Jill Levine “salvation in Jewish thought, and in the gospels is not primarily concerned with

Senior Citizens enjoy outing

Contributed by Jan Hunter

GLASSHOUSE Country Senior Citizens welcomed Kilcoy Seniors on 23rd May for entertainment from the Glass Ukes; several games of Hoy; a trivia quiz; various stalls selling jams, books, plants, household items and Jim Butler Woodturner’s beautiful products.

Morning tea and lunch was prepared and served by our members.

A very enjoyable day and thanks go out to all those members and their partners who

with Rev’d Deborah Bird

Anglican Parishes of Maleny and Palmwoods

life after death, but about life during life; it is rescue from enemies and disease, from loneliness and accident, from flood and fire. It is something we all need at one point or another. And it is something we can all provide to others, if we try.”*

Here in Australia, I wonder what we might be willing to try.

In a nation where too many harms have already been done and with the opportunity to try a different path in front of us, I wonder if we could respond with the desire for another’s flourishing. It is the reconciliatory example of our faith, and for this reason the Anglican Diocese of Southern Queensland supports the Uluru Statement from the Heart in full. Because what we believe in is not a far-off hope, but a long-standing tradition of committing to what cares, respects, and restores.

It is work we are called to in the here and now, and it is my hope that it leads us to better cherish our sisters and brothers of country and this beautiful land we share.

Supporting Disadvantaged in the Community

Contributed by Charles Russell

Members of the Landsborough Seventh-day Adventist Church recently provided donations of non-perishable food items and other goods to the Glasshouse Mountains Neighbourhood Centre. The volunteers at the centre appreciated the donations that will support individuals and families doing it tough. The church recognises the important work of volunteers at the centre and was pleased to support them as they minister to the needs of the local community.

On display with St Andrew’s fair

Contributed by Andrea Barton

There have been many interesting events and occasions at the church centres of St Andrew’s in Caloundra, St Thomas’s in Mooloolah and the Mary MacKillop centre in Beerwah.

The inaugural Parish Arts Fair was held at St Andrew’s on 12 and 13 May 2023, with over 20 exhibitors showing a wide variety of their work. Artists both from within the parish and the wider community, generously shared their talents for all to see and, in some cases, to buy. The Opening Reception on Friday evening was enhanced by refreshments and live music.

The church has just celebrated Pentecost with imaginative décor, special songs and a sea of red clothing from congregations happy to dress for the occasion.

Morning tea and hobby and craft activities at St Andrew’s have begun on a monthly basis. In addition, parishioners have been helping out during weekly breakfasts for the homeless and rough sleepers in the community.

Another recent initiative has been the formation of the Sunshine Singers, a choir for people with dementia. The choir now has 12 regular members and is preparing for its first public performance on Saturday 17 June 2023, at St Andrew’s Church 46 Upper Gay Terrace Caloundra. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated to cover costs. Enquires: Anne 0416 921 963.

Table of guests contributed their time and goods to make the day such a success.

The next meeting of the Club is at 9am on 11th July at Beerwah Community Hall and new members are always welcome.

Catholic Weekend Masses

Saturday 5pm: Peachester Rd, Beerwah

Sunday 7am: Caloundra St, Landsborough

Sunday 9am: 45 Cedar Street, Maleny Ph: 5430 9390 9am to 1pm Mon-Fri www.caloundracatholicparish.net

GLASSHOUSE COUNTRY CALVARY CONGREGATION

BEERWAH CHURCH 27 Beerwah Parade

Sundays 9 30am & Kids Church

Arise Youth: Fri 7pm (grade: 7-12 | term time)

E: wecare@cotr.org.au W: churchontherise.org.au

MALENY CHURCH Maleny Sports Park, via Porter’s Lane

Sundays 9 30am & Kids Church

E: info@cotrmaleny.org W: cotrmaleny.org

Glasshouse Country Uniting Church

29 Twin Peaks Drive, Beerwah

Come and worship with us

Beerwah – Sunday 8.30am

Peachester Community Church –last Sunday of the month 5.30pm

Minister: Rev Dr Elizabeth Nolan

Ph. 0448 358 774 Email: churchgcuc@gmail.com

You are most WELCOME to join us

9.00am each Sunday

Reed Street, Glasshouse Mtns (next to RSL)

Sunday School, Women’s Fellowship, Bible Study

Contact: 5439 9341 or 5496 9671 www.glasshousemountains.lutheran.org.au

Welcomes you each Saturday at 27 Maleny Street

9:30am - All Age Bible Study Hour

(Includes Children and Youth programs)

11:00am - Worship Service

First Saturday of the monthCommunity Lunch

Contact p: 0424 901 301 f: @LandsboroughChurch w: landsborough.org

Sunday 18th June | 3.00pm

Donations welcome

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