From the Chaplains
As I sit down to write the last article for Term 3, I am mindful of God’s gentle abiding presence ushering us on into gratitude and assurance. Last week I had the privilege to lead in worship for the Uniting Church Synod of NSW and ACT. Reverend Lorenzo Rodriguez Torres, our former Chaplain, worked with me on this project and together with the new Moderator, Reverend Mata Havea Hiliau. We were able to lead in exciting worship at this gathering of representatives from congregations, faith communities, schools and agencies.
It was a refreshing time, and I am thankful that even though I was exhausted following the event, I was able to find some time to pause in prayer and worship. The theme of the Synod meetings for 2023 was Transforming Spirit. God often calls us away from our everyday tasks to something challenging, and this was truly one of those extraordinary moments for me. I have enclosed a few photos of the event.
I wanted to thank Mirritya Ebsworth who taught me how to acknowledge in language for Dharug and Gundungurra lands, as well as Meredith Myles who designed and created the Altar cloth for Synod after seeing an image of the Synod candle. We are so blessed at Pymble to have so much of support in community for each other.
In the holidays, on Saturday 7 October, there will be a climate action event held on Saturday 7 October from 1.00pm to 3.30pm at the Nexus Meeting Room at the Pullman Hotel in Sydney Olympic Park. Pasifika leaders from the Uniting Church and members of the community will join Energy Minister Chris Bowen and it should be an interesting forum around climate action and cost of living.
Also, to keep in mind is a combined prayer meeting with Chaplains and parents (Pymble staff) of Uniting Church schools. I hope you can join us as our new Moderator, Reverend Mata, will be leading us in prayer.
Prayers for safe travels and blessings on your families. Take time for yourselves and take time for the children.
Blessings and peace.
Reverend Punam Bent
College Chaplain