From the Chaplains

This week has been busier it seems as both Rev Lorenzo and I find ourselves working at Pymble as the Chaplaincy team for our last few weeks together. It has been a joy and privilege to work with Rev Lorenzo.  His ministry and care for our community and love for our students have been an inspiration to all who have walked the path with him. As a fellow minister in the Uniting Church, I feel like a chapter is ending and a new one beginning as we part ways and see where God is leading us.

In all things Pymble on Tuesday, we celebrated Harmony Day. As we embrace one another and pay attention to each other, we are mindful of God’s hand in creating difference not only in the animal and plant species but indeed amongst all of humanity. The Creator’s hand goes beyond the outward appearance of skin and feature differences, to the richness and many layers our cultural stories bring.

Our attention to one another leads to pathways of friendship and a desire to commune with each other when we appreciate what is brought to the table in community. At Pymble, we are blessed with so many cultures within a culture, and we can not only celebrate but also sit with the struggle that comes from not knowing, and lack of awareness. When prejudice sits at the table, we can break it open to reveal that very lack of understanding, but doing so in a way that shows, ‘I don’t get what your culture is about, but I’m willing to see you, and yes let’s have a chat and a coffee.’

In Christianity, God is a God of community, and this is evident in the Trinitarian understanding of God; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We are joyful in community, and we can struggle in it too, engendering harmony, peace and a way forward. This begins right at home with an acknowledgement and awareness of First Nations people and helping amplify their voice which can hopefully soon be enshrined in our constitution. 

We wish all our Muslim families peace and closeness in their journey with God as they fast and pray during the holy season of Ramadan. Here are some photos of Rev Lorenzo and me preparing for the blessing of the rowers at the iconic Head of the River 2023 event last Saturday.

Blessings and peace for Harmony Day. 

Reverend Punam Bent

College Chaplain