Eco-faith

Easter Sunday

2009-04-20T10:09:00.004+09:30

Four Directions Prayer: From Hopeless to Faith-full

Facing NORTH:
Sometime in our yesterdays something happened and hope was lost. A singular moment, a particular event, a slow seeping away, a series of setbacks - however, whenever it was, hope was lost.
Hope lies hopelessly among our yesterdays

SOUTH:
Looking ahead we search for signs. Will there be, could there be? Is it possible that sometime beyond this 'now' there might be a moment, an event, a string of small successes or a succession of small smiles. Maybe?
Hope waits uncertainly among our tomorrows

EAST
With each new dawn, hope rises. Will today be the day of its return? Will this new day be yesterday's 'sometime', the time when, looking back and remembering, hope rose and remained?
Hope rises hopefully everyday

WEST
As dusk falls, hope settles in faith; if not today, then maybe tomorrow. Hope knows that it can be hard to find, hard to hold on to, hard to accept. Hope can be harder than sorrow. But hope knows it will return when the moment is right. Till that time...
Hope rests faithfully, because faith is being sure of what you hope for!

(written by Ruth Abbott)

From the Manse, April 8 2009 - Emmaus Walk

2009-04-14T12:13:00.003+09:30

Dear Friends,
The alarm went. I woke up feeling tired and heavy. Gym! I just didn’t feel like going to gym, but that was what the alarm was for. I dragged myself out knowing exercise was important, got ready, made a cuppa, a piece of toast, turned the computer on, opened some mail, read the junk mail, mucked around with things, put the rubbish out, and then decided it was too late for gym because it would be too much traffic coming back. Successful sabotage!

“Two days without exercise Rod!” “You know how easy it is to let it slip!” said the authority. Immediately a whole chorus of voices arose from the deep whining and grumbling, muttering excuses, abuses, justifications, arguments, until another quiet but firm voice said, “why don’t we go for a walk instead?” Silence! Blank stares! Nods of agreement! Shakes of indecision! “We’ve heard this voice before …is it a trick?” “No, he’s never tricked us before” The quiet voice said; “I’ll walk with you! Let’s go!” And one of them said; “It’s you, I thought they had got rid of you, but you are here, stay with us”

Grace and peace

Rod

From the Manse, March 10

2009-03-13T15:32:00.003+10:30

Dear Friends,

There was a loud knock at the door. It was Sunday evening. We had been relaxing. I had old clothes on and debated a quick change. Ruth went for the bathroom to check the mirror. I strode up the hall to let the callers know there was life inside. I opened the door expecting to see a family member. Before me were two Policemen and behind them a Police car parked right outside our house.

It was one of those moments when a plethora of scenarios flashed through my mind. What had I done? What had someone else done? Where was my car? Has something happened to my family or friends? Was there an emergency situation? None of those, there had been a break-in over the road and they wanted to know if we had seen anything.

Having felt reasonably safe and secure up until now the situation prompted us to reflect on our own security. Imagine! Criminals, as large as life had walked into our safe secure temple like community! They had whipped us into fear and confusion, turned the tables on our complacency, and driven us to recognise our vulnerability. Should they bring back crucifixion?

Grace and peace
Rod

It's a boy!

2009-03-13T15:27:00.002+10:30

Rod was right! Congratulations to Rod and Ruth on becoming grandparents with the arrival last week of Kalan

from the Manse, February 24th

2009-02-26T11:20:00.004+10:30

Dear Friends,

I waited at the lights. I knew the sequence but I tapped the steering wheel just to hurry things along. Ruth was waiting for me. A Pedestrian walked in front of me. Others waited to go the other way. My phone rang. I could see it wasn’t the call I had been waiting for. I pondered the situation. She said it would take a few days. It was now over a week. Should I wait or should I call? The light sequence changed, only one more to wait for.

My thoughts drifted to Ruth’s daughter. Any day, any moment now her child will be born. We are all waiting. Mum who is tired and uncomfortable, us because we are excited, all waiting for nature to take its course. And I’m waiting to see if it is a boy. There will be a few waiting to tell me “I told you so!” if it is a girl. Back at the lights I saw the amber turn to red and counted to five … last sequence and its my turn!

Waiting! We do it all the time for every thing. In the Christian calendar this is the first week of Lent. Waiting for Easter eggs and hot cross buns? Seriously, lent is really about reflecting on how we are, who we are, what we need, what we don’t, all while we wait for the end of the sequence. We can hurry things along by tapping our fingers or take the time to reflect. Honk! Honk! What was I waiting for? It’s green!

Grace and peace

Rod

From the Manse, February 17

2009-02-18T03:16:00.006+10:30

Dear Friends,

I knew who he was, we had a mutual friend. He didn’t know who I was. He was very big. Six foot plus. Huge muscled neck, shoulders, biceps, chest, narrow waist and tree trunk legs. His hair was cropped and he was neatly dressed. His face gave little away and he wasn’t looking for or needing any attention, nor was he menacing. He was just there, quiet, arms folded, waiting for something or someone. When I spoke to him he gave very little in terms of emotion or conversation. He had no idea who I was.

We later met again. This time our mutual friend was present. After introductions, the transformation was incredible. The warmth, trust and gentleness that came from this “man mountain” was a delight and a relief. The earlier guardedness was explained and we were able to meet beyond bodies, roles and labels.

In the Christian calendar this week Mark’s Gospel describes the Transfiguration. On a mountain the disciples have a dream like experience, where Jesus appears in dazzling white. There are clouds and voices and symbolic figures present. It concludes with “Jesus the man” standing with them. The glory on the mountain was really a man on the ground. What do you see when you stand alongside others?

Grace and peace

Rod

Weekly letter from Rod

2009-02-10T13:29:00.005+10:30

Dear Friends,

It's hard not to feel the enormity of the tragic bush fire situation. While circumstance and life has kept me from the details, the glimpses and the conversations I've had reveal the shock that pervades. There is a mood of disbelief, vulnerability, andhelplessness all around and the fragility of our existence is evident. While support and willingness to contribute pours in from all sectors of our community and is the primary focus, when things settle down there will be a huge scar on the landscape of our land and our souls.

Life seems to go on. Fire, floods, earthquakes, other natural occurrences along with sickness and physical conditions are present realities. Then there are the ones we have created by tampering with our personal and communal environments, like cancers, drug abuse, physical violence, war, and city smog through to global warming. What is natural and what is human induced? What is our responsibility and what is God's?

In the gospel this week Jesus makes a leper clean and sends him toshow himself to the Priest. Instead he proclaims the story to the whole community. This pushes Jesus away from openly being in the town to remaining on the edge in the country. The one who can heal the sick, command the wind and the waters to "Be still", is vulnerable and endangered by human whim and will. How do we get the two to work together? Co-dependency or Co-creation?

Grace and peace

Rod

Rod's Induction

2009-02-10T13:00:00.011+10:30

In the midst of a week of scorching temperatures we were very fortunate to have a cooler morning for Rod's Induction. Lots of visitors from the Urban Mission Network and Pilgrim Uniting contributed to making the time feel like a special event.

Rod spoke beautifully - about humitiation and holy insecurity. You can read what he said by clicking to read the comment at the bottom of this post.

Rev Beth Seaman, representing the Presbytery of SA, led the proceedings

all of the ecofaith members had some part in the ceremony

We also signed the Memorandum of Understanding we have with pilgrim to be 'sister' faith communities.

then the kids played and the adults enjoyed conversation and refreshments

Jane and Athea

2009-01-22T16:26:00.005+10:30

On the Sunday before Christmas we bade a sad farewell to Jane and Athea - not too sad because they were excited about their move interstate - and have promised to keep in touch and to visit sometime when they are in Adelaide. Rod and Ruth devised a beautiful and very helpful liturgy which helped us to send them on their way with our love and hopes for their future.

This is the liturgy that was used:

PRAYER OF THE FOUR DIRECTIONS
EAST – THE BEGINNING
In the beginning were the people; and the people gathered and a community was born. Among the people were Jayne and Athea. It was a time of newness, uncertainty, exploration and growth.
We give thanks for Jayne and Athea being among us, for their willingness to be in the newness and uncertainty, exploring with us, growing in themselves and encouraging the growth of others.
TAKE WITH YOU ALL THE POTENTIAL BIRTH HOLDS AS YOU BEGIN AGAIN IN A NEW PLACE AND COMMUNITY

NORTH –THE PAST
The community of people gathered regularly, sharing traditions from other times and communities, learnings from earlier experiences, knowledge, resources and wisdom. Over time this new community created their own traditions, while the passage of time itself was creating their past.
We give thanks for Jayne and Athea for being part of creating and developing our new traditions, for their presence in our past, for helping to build the foundation on which we will continue to grow.
TAKE WITH YOU THE FIRM FOUNDATION OF THIS PAST TO HELP BUILD YOUR NEW TOMORROW

SOUTH—THE FUTURE
This community came together in hope and with a vision for what else could be. Wherever there is hope the people look forward and see a future; where there is a vision for the future the people do not perish, but flourish.
We give thanks for Jayne and Athea, for sharing our vision, for being hopeful, for co-creating our future.
TAKE WITH YOU THE VISION AND HOPE OF THE FUTURE AS YOU GO FORWARD TO WHAT ELSE CAN BE

WEST – THE ENDING
From every beginning an ending will come, as surely as night follows day and death will follow birth. The gathered community is again in a time of beginning, and in the midst of this beginning is an ending. Yet where we end is but a beginning.
We give thanks for Jayne and Athea, for their presence with us at the beginning, for the wisdom they brought to us and have shared with us. Now at the time of their leaving we give thanks for the wisdom we have all gained from our time as a gathered community.
TAKE WITH YOU THE WISDOM SHARED AND GAINED FROM THIS TIME INTO YOUR NEW BEGINNING

With tears of sadness we say ‘goodbye’, with tears of joy we say ‘go well’

Then Jane and Athea came to each of us and with a bowl of salt water marked a tear of sadness on one of our cheeks and a tear of joy on the other cheek and we did the same to them.

UPDATE

Email from Jane today says that she and Athea have found the ideal home and that they are enjoying life in Bellingen - swimming most days - in the river, the forest or down at the beach. Sounds divine! Guess Athea will begin school soon and Jane will hopefully land the perfect job. Here's hoping!

from the Manse

2008-12-18T10:00:00.005+10:30

Dear Friends,

She called out. I was surrounded by cups, plates, toast, butter, milk and teapot with morning hair, just awake but still on automatic. “Ok! Ok!” I said while I continued the breakfast ritual. She called again. I surveyed the scene. A drawer, two cupboard doors and the fridge all open. I closed the fridge door, and the insistent voice stopped.

My attention was called to my habit of leaving drawers and doors open during cooking. It’s for easy access but I do forget and ruefully notice Ruth closing the left-opens after I leave. We have discussed it, and while there is initial annoyance she has decided it is not worth getting upset about. The onus is on me to remember or not. Ironically we both agree we would miss some of our little ways if they weren’t there.

The alarm in the fridge prompted insight! It’s insistence was a reminder of the grace and acceptance I receive in spite of my idiosyncrasies and the absolute choice I have in how I respond in any situation. In the Christmas story, Mary responds to her pregnant dilemma with acceptance and grace. How do you think she really felt? What’s your response to the things you can’t change?

Grace and peace,

Rod

Welcome Rod!

2008-12-12T11:37:00.006+10:30

Ecofaith
Last Sunday, after months of waiting we finally got to welcome Rod. We have been looking forward to his leadership and ministry with us. Joy suggested that we each make a letter and bring it to make a message of welcome - a card, the inside of which is pictured above.
Jane led our time together with a very thoughtful reflection on forgiveness. She began with a beautiful opening prayer:
God who is mysterious and yet our most intimate companion we pray for sense of your presence today. As we gather to contemplate, reflect and give thanks we ask for open hearts to feel and to heal so we can be nourished for our work in the world, Amen

i finally remembered to take my camera - so here are a few piccies of the day.

Rod with Natalie

Michael and Jane

Walk Against Warming

2008-12-05T16:10:00.002+10:30

Climate Change Action Now in Poznan
This Saturday join the rest of the global community in calling for a strong international response to climate change at this year’s Global Day of Action on Climate Change. In Adelaide, participants will construct a huge map of Australia accompanied by a giant human message, at Glenelg beach. The message will demand commitment and action on climate change and ensure a just and fair international agreement for all but especially for the poorest nations at the Poznan talks.
What: Walk Against Warming with a giant human map and message
Where: Adjacent to the Glenelg Jetty When: December 6 2008, 11am
Who: South Australians wanting to send a message to the Federal Government to demonstrate real leadership at the climate change talks in Poland
The 2008 Adelaide Walk Against Warming is organised by the Conservation Council of South Australia (CCSA) with support from The Wilderness Society (SA) Inc and Make Poverty
History.

To Read Tony Kevin's article Australia shamed as climate reaches turning point published by Eureka Street click here

International Buy Nothing Day - November 29

2008-11-28T15:06:00.002+10:30

November 28 for USA and November 29 internationally

Buy Nothing Day is an informal day of protest against consumerism observed by social activists. Typically celebrated the Friday after American Thanksgiving in North America and the following day internationally, in 2008 the dates will be November 28 and 29 respectively. It was founded by Vancouver artist Ted Dave and subsequently promoted by the Canadian Adbusters magazine.
The first Buy Nothing Day was organized in Vancouver in September of 1992 "as a day for society to examine the issue of over-consumption." In 1997, it was moved to the Friday after American Thanksgiving, which is one of the top 10 busiest shopping days in the United States. Outside of North America, Buy Nothing Day is celebrated on the following Saturday. Despite controversies, Adbusters managed to advertise Buy Nothing Day on CNN, but many other major television networks declined to air their ads. Soon, campaigns started appearing in United States, the United Kingdom, Israel, Germany, New Zealand, Japan, the Netherlands, and Norway. Participation now includes more than 65 nations.
While critics of the day charge that Buy Nothing Day simply causes participants to buy the next day, Adbusters states that it "isn't just about changing your habits for one day" but "about starting a lasting lifestyle commitment to consuming less and producing less waste."

More information can be found on the Adbusters website

Vegetarian Pad Thai

2008-11-28T14:32:00.002+10:30

I had lunch with a friend this week in a Thai restaurant. Their version of this dish was delicious. The recipe below comes from this website:

An authentic Pad Thai recipe for real vegetarian Thai food lovers, or those who want a lighter noodle dish without the meat. This Pad Thai recipe does offer adequate protein in the form of eggs (vegans can omit this ingredient), and ground nuts. Plus, because it's made with rice noodles, Pad Thai is a gluten free recipe. Although vegetables are not strictly part of traditional Pad Thai, I've added a little bok choy to make this dish even more nutritious. Try it - you'll love it!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
250-300g (SERVES 3-4), OR 175 - 200g (SERVES 2) Pad Thai rice noodles (thin, flat linguini-like noodles)
2 eggs, (OR substitute 1/2 cup cubed medium to firm tofu)
2 cups bean sprouts
optional: 3-4 "heads" of baby bok choy, or other Chinese cabbage chopped into bite-size pieces
2 spring onions, sliced
handful of fresh coriander
1/4 cup ground (or roughly chopped) peanuts (OR substitute with cashews or slivered almonds)
4 cloves garlic, minced
PAD THAI SAUCE:
1/2 Tbsp. tamarind paste
3 Tbsp. water
2 Tbsp. vegetarian fish sauce (available at Vietnamese stores) OR 2+1/2 Tbsp. soy sauce (or gluten-free soys sauce)
1-2 tsp. chili sauce, or more if you like your noodles very spicy (use wheat-free chili sauce for gluten-free diets)
2 Tbsp. brown sugar
OTHER:
oil for stir-frying (e.g. canola, almond, peanut, walnut, etc...)
Optional (If not using the egg substitute): 1/2 cup medium to firm tofu, cut into small cubes
Preparation:
Soak the noodles in hot water (but not boiling) for 10-15 minutes. Drain the noodles and rinse with cold water.
Tip: Noodles are ready to stir-fry when they are soft enough to eat, but still firm and a little bit "crunchy". The noodles will finish cooking when they are fried, so don't over-soften them now, or you will end up with soggy Pad Thai.
While the noodles are soaking, prepare the sauce. Place all sauce ingredients in a sauce pan and bring to a soft boil. Stir well until the sugar and tamarind paste have dissolved and the sauce thickens (2-3 minutes). Take off the heat and taste-test. This sauce should have a balance of spicy, sweet, and sour, but definitely veering more toward sweet and spicy. If too sour, add a little more sugar. Reserve.
Beat the eggs (if using). Heat a small skillet, add some oil, and quickly scramble the eggs. Reserve. (Note: this step can also be accomplished in your wok before frying the noodles; however, in the past I have found the eggs leave a dry residue on the surface of the wok that makes the noodles stick to it.)If using tofu, see next step.
Place your wok (or large frying pan) over medium-high heat. Add 2-3 Tbsp. oil plus the garlic, baby bok choy and tofu (if using).
Stir-fry until the bok choy has turned bright green and the garlic is fragrant (1-2 minutes). Note that medium-firm tofu may fall apart, which is okay. The protein and nutrients will reamin in the dish.
Add 1 Tbsp. more oil to the wok. Now add the drained noodles. Drizzle 1/3 of the sauce over the noodles and then stir-fry everything together for 1 minute.
Stir-frying Tip: To stir-fry noodles without breaking them, use two large wooden spoons (or other utensils) to lift and turn the noodles as you fry them (like tossing a salad).Note that rice noodles do tend to stick to the bottom of most woks/pans. A few "stuck noodles" is normal - just keep scooping and gently turning them.
Add a little more sauce and continue stir-frying in the same way for 1-2 more minutes, or until the noodles begin to soften and become sticky. Tip: Depending on the material of your wok, you may want to turn the heat down to medium, as a wok that's too hot at this point could burn the noodles.
Depending on how many noodles you're using, you may need to add all the remaining sauce, or just a little more to achieve the flavor you desire. If you're not sure, taste-test as you go, adding more sauce as required.
Add the bean sprouts and egg (if using). Stir-fry to incorporate everything together for 1 more minute.
Taste-test to make sure the noodles are done. Noodles are cooked to perfection when they are soft but still slightly chewy. In other words, they shouldn't be too soft, but should still have texture to them (like al dente in Italian cooking).
Remove from heat. Taste-test for salt, adding another sprinkling of vegetarian fish sauce or soy sauce if not salty enough. If you happen to over-salt your noodles, you can fix the problem with 1-2 Tbsp. lime juice.
To serve, scoop noodles onto a serving platter. Sprinkle with spring onion, coriander, and ground nuts. Serve immediately with more Thai chili sauce on the side (for those who like it extra spicy). Enjoy

Only Love

2008-11-25T17:06:00.006+10:30

This is Mark's reflection on the story of Ruth and Naomi, which was much appreciated by those who gathered last Sunday at Eco-faith.
No-one can replace someone we’ve lost. When we lose someone close to us we know that that life, that spirit has been unique and irreplaceable. We learn then suddenly how facile the currently fashionable psychobabble is, with its chatter about ‘stages of grieving’ and ‘closure.’ Yet if we are lucky we may also learn that the source of love is infinite, that one love does not replace another, and that only love is capable of saving us from the bottomless pit of awfulness and despair that drags us under. Naomi lost her husband and her two sons; her entire family was wiped out and only she remained. Neither is this uncommon; all over the world in wars and disasters people’s families are killed, leaving sole survivors, many of whom must wish for only one thing: to join their families in death. My grandmother was one such; she lost her oldest son when she was 32 and she outlived her younger son and her husband. In grief God may become a luxury we once entertained when we were happy, but is now a useless, irrelevant and even mocking appendage. We learn that God is either not omnipotent, or if he is, he is very cruel; and who could be interested in a God that is either impotent or cruel or both? The fact that God made the world is not interesting to someone who’s child has died. The myth of divine omnipotence was born in ancient Judah, when Yahweh was forced to compete with other gods to prove his supremacy. The only way Yahweh could be stronger than everyone else’s gods; the only way his priests could dominate Solomon’s court, was for them to proclaim his invincibility, his omnipotence.
And yet, and yet: love is invincible. Love gives us courage we never knew we had. And only love, if we are very lucky or very devout, can save us from the bottomless pit of grief, despair
and death. The source of love is infinite: a parent does not love one of his or her children more than another. Naomi did not love Ruth more than her sons: she loved her as well as her sons. Ruth did not replace her sons, Naomi loved Ruth as well as her sons. Naomi was old, barren, bereaved. She had nothing to live for, all her family was dead, she had no hope. She was returning to Judah to die. But love saved her, only love was powerful enough to drag her up from the pit of despair and wretchedness and make her alive again. Perhaps God cannot or will not intervene in our lives on each occasion to save us from death or wretchedness. But love will save us, if we are lucky (or devout or open) enough to encounter it.

Reading: Book of Ruth, chapter 4:13-17

No Silence about Violence against Women

2008-11-24T11:02:00.004+10:30

The White Ribbon Foundation of Australia aims to eliminate violence against women by promoting culture-change around the issue.
The major strategies to achieve this are a national media campaign as well as education & male leadership programmes aimed at men and boys around Australia.
All funds received by the White Ribbon Foundation will support the implementation of these strategies.
White Ribbon Day - History White Ribbon Day was created by a handful of Canadian men in 1991 on the second anniversary of one man's massacre of fourteen women in Montreal. They began the White Ribbon Campaign to urge men to speak out against violence against women.
In 1999, the United Nations General Assembly declared November 25 the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (IDEVAW) and the White Ribbon has become the symbol for the day.
From 2000, the Commonwealth Government Office for Women ran awareness activities on the International Day, and, in 2003, the Australian branch of the United Nations Development Fund for Women, UNIFEM, began a partnership with men and men's organisations to make this a national campaign. Ten thousand white ribbons were distributed in 2003.
Today hundreds of thousands of white ribbons are worn by men and women across Australia - men at work; men and women in all Australian police forces; men in national and local sporting matches and organisations; men in the media; men and women in politics; men in the defence forces; men and women in capital cities and in rural and regional Australia.
The campaign continues to go from strength to strength and now boasts more than 230 white ribbon Ambassadors Australia wide, including Prime Minister Rudd, as well as more events across the country and more organisations and individuals participating year upon year.

(from the White Rbbon Day website)

The Moderator of the SA Uniting Church is also an Ambassador for White Ribbon Day and he writes:

An Open Letter to the Members and Friends of the Uniting Church in South Australia.

The most prevalent incidence of human rights abuse in the world today is violence against women. Recent ABS statistics show that over one third of Australian women will experience physical or sexual violence in their life time.

Our church at the November meeting of the Presbytery and Synod agreed to call upon its members to support the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women by wearing a white ribbon on the 25th of November.

We write to inform you of this decision and to ask the men in our church to join us in becoming Ambassadors for White Ribbon Day.

As an Ambassador you will seek ways of furthering the message ‘Men – Not Violent – Not Silent’ as well as making a commitment to not be violent to women. Here are some examples of how Ambassadors personally get involved with the campaign:
Wearing a White Ribbon throughout November in the lead-up to White Ribbon Day and encouraging others to do the same.
Promoting public interest by talking with colleagues, parishioners and friends about the campaign i.e. about what the campaign involves, how important it is to change community behaviours and attitudes, etc.
Hosting meetings, social events, awareness raising activities to mark White Ribbon Day.
Approaching local councils, men’s organizations, sports and services clubs, etc. and offering to be a guest speaker and encourage them to buy and distribute White Ribbons.

You can become an Ambassador by going to http://www.whiteribbonday.org.au/ and clicking on the ‘Supporters’ menu. There you will find more information about becoming an Ambassador as well as how to nominate.

We encourage you to show your support for this Campaign and to join us in being ‘Men – Not Violent – Not Silent’ for the coming year.

Moderator Rod Dyson

the best breakfast in the world!

2008-11-21T12:51:00.005+10:30

well, maybe not the best but my favourite:

Mix together equal quantities of sunflower seeds, pepitas, sesame seeds, golden linseed, rolled oats and dried goji berries. Store in an air tight container. I usally buy the seeds in 250 g lots, so that is the quantity that I start with. Goji berries are a more recent addition, having read about their magical properties. The mix was still delicious without them.

Per person:

1 apple chopped

1/2 cup of the above mix

1/2 cup of yoghurt

stir to combine and enjoy! Yumbalumba!

National Recycling Week

2008-11-20T10:28:00.010+10:30

Last week was actually National recycling Week - but, hey, recycling is something worth doing all year 'round. For a whole lot of ideas and information abut recycling check out the recycling week website here - including a whole of lot of resources to help host a Swap Party!

Another tack on recycling is to buy products made from other products

From this: To this:

Last year I purchased some little tin angel Christmas decorations made out of drink cans, and made in Cambodia, where the picture (above) of the family on the dump is taken. So while getting the goods here probably uses up far more resources than the product is worth buying these goods is helping some of the world's poorest to live. One of my favourite examples of this is Trashbags (web site here). Fabulous looking bags - for shopping or for handbags, and some homewares as well, are made out of rubbish from poor regions in the Asia Pacific, including the community who live on the Smokey Mountain rubbish dump in the Philippines (see photo below). Trashbags are committed to ethical and fair trade and the income from these bags goes to community and livelihood projects.

Remembrance Day

2008-11-09T17:43:00.004+10:30

Terella today led us in a thoughtful reflection on peace and the importance of religious tolerance. We had great discussion over her invitation to think about what we could do, on any scale, large or small, to contribute to encouraging respect for other faiths for the cause of peace.

She closed with this prayer from the National Council of Churches in Australia Service of Reconciliation

The footsteps of God are there for us,
marked in the creation,
in countless gifts and beauties.
They lie there before us
in patterns of harmony and interweaving,
in survivals against the odds
and brave bright life.

The footsteps of God are there for us
in the light tread of the Christ,
leaving hollows of love and grace,
inviting us to put our feet within God’s life
and find ourselves deep in meaning,
held in purpose
and carried forward into fullness.

The footsteps of God are there for us
in the mystery of the Spirit,
gently touching the earth with comfort,
leaving tracks of truth and courage,
and lifting her feet in dances of delight,
which leap over our laws, our limits,
our boundaries on love. Amen.

2008-11-08T15:09:00.008+10:30

Peace and Remembrance Festival 2008
This Sunday, November 9th
Elder Park, Adelaide
12-6pm
Mark 90 years since the end of World War 1 with:

music from The Borderers,The Beards, The Fiddle Chicks, The 3 Dolls, Poetikool, Justice, Heather Frahn Trio, Deliah

plus Soapbox, Poets corner, Didgeridoo workshop, Kaurna craft, food, drinks, information and more. A free public event.

A Poem for today by Israeli Poet Yehudi Amichai

The Place where we are Right
From the place where we are right

flowers will never grow

in the spring.

The place where we are right

is hard and trampled

like a yard.

But doubts and loves

dig up the world

like a mole, a plow.

And a whisper will be heard

in the place

where the ruined

house once stood.

2008-11-06T13:09:00.003+10:30

Climate change will affect us all, but it will affect developing countries first and most dramatically. Join our upcoming forum "Climate change and the global poverty crisis" and hear how you can take action.
Speaker: Professor Barry Brook Director, Research Institute for Climate Change and Sustainability, University of Adelaide
Where: Pilgrim Church, 12 Flinders Street, Adelaide
When: Wednesday 12 November 2008 from 6.15pm
RSVP: Tuesday 11 November to Judee Adams Ph 08 8236 2160 or email judeea@oxfam.org.au
Cost: This is a free event

For other opportunities to get active and do something about climate change and poverty see Oxfam's website and in particular this page

walk the walk

2008-11-05T15:14:00.004+10:30

South Australia has spoken - we want all political parties to get serious about climate change. This year on the 14 & 15 November we are sending a message to Canberra and on the 6th December we are turning out to support the international day for Walk Against Warming!
Help make Walk Against Warming even bigger this year!

SA Walks:
Fri 14th & Sat 15Nov 2008 Rundle Mall all day

6th December 2008 11.00am

more information about these walks here

Here’s what else you can do:
Commit to walking in 2008
Volunteer to help out with this year’s Walk Against Warming
Sign up for regular updates on Walk Against Warming
Organise a walk in your local area
Tell your friends about Walk Against Warming
Learn more about climate change, how it affects you and what you can do
Contact your local MP, the Prime Minister and the Premier with your concerns about global warming

Looking on the Bright Side

2008-11-04T16:36:00.006+10:30

This magnificent picture is one that someone sent to Beverley via the internet. The piece below about attitude also comes from Bev. If anyone is qualified to know about this, then it is Beverley, Chris and their family so I post it here, with love and prayers for them all.

There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror, and noticed she had only three hairs on her head.'Well,' she said, 'I think I'll braid my hair today.' So she did and she had a wonderful day. The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that she had only two hairs on her head. 'H-M-M,' she said, 'I think I'll part my hair down the middle today.' So she did and she had a grand day. The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that she had only one hair on her head. 'Well,' she said, 'today I'm going to wear my hair in a pony tail.' So she did, and she had a fun, fun day.The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that there wasn't a single hair on her head. 'YAY!' she exclaimed. 'I don't have to fix my hair today!' Attitude is everything. Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle. Live simply, Love generously, Care deeply, Speak kindly....... Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass... It's about learning to dance in the rain.

Why is everything better when it is deep-fried?

2008-11-01T11:58:00.005+10:30

Recently I had some friends over for dinner and as an appetiser we had cauliflower fritters. Wow! I had never made them before but they were so good. The Italians really know what they are doing when it comes to food. They are so simple to make, and you can eat at room temperature if you need to, but once you taste them piping hot believe me they won't last that long! When it comes to deep-fried food this is the way to go. If you make sure the oil is nice and hot the cauliflower won't absorb a lot and it's much healthier. Better than a deep-fried Mars Bar!

Cauliflower Fritters
Frittelle Di Cavolfiore

1 small cauliflower, divided into florets
oil for deep-frying (olive oil if you can)
3/4 cup plain flour
2 eggs
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons finely grated parmesan
Salt and freshly ground pepper

Par-cook the cauliflower in boiling water, or in the microwave, until almost tender. Drain, allow to cool, then pat dry with a clean cloth or paper towels. In a large frying pan or saucepan pour the oil to a depth of about 4cm and place over medium-high heat.

Season the flour with pepper and place in a shallow bowl. Mix together the breadcrumbs and parmesan also in a shallow bowl. Beat the eggs lightly with a fork.

When the oil is hot enough to make the cauliflower sizzle (and not before), dredge each floret in flour, dip in egg, allowing the excess to drip off, then dip in breadcrumbs. Fry on both sides until golden brown, about 4 minutes, turning once. Drain briefly on paper towels. Sprinkle with salt and serve!

Greening Our Worship

2008-10-27T13:20:00.003+10:30

This is a piece I wrote for the June edition of the SA Uniting Church paper New Times, when the theme was on what churches are doing to combat Climate Change:

You’ve changed the light globes, added the option to receive the weekly newsletter on line rather than on recycled paper, cleaned the gutters, installed a rain water tank and switched to Fair Trade tea and coffee. You’ve written to the transport authority with a request for more frequent Sunday morning bus runs, installed bike racks and petitioned the Government to stop subsidizing our dependence on fossil fuels. Now you wonder, what is next?

Where I worship there never was any light globes to change nor gutters to clear. Here the only power is solar, and I don’t mean that which goes on the roof and fires up the data projector. The solar power we rely on for light and warmth is that which follows night and has, for a very long time, been a sure and certain thing. For two and a half years the Eco-faith community has been gathering under the trees in Botanic Park, rain, hail or shine. For obvious reasons, greening our worship has taken a different focus than reducing our carbon footprint through changing our property. We have used six common liturgical practices through which to focus our efforts at living more environmentally sustaining lives: awe, lament, embodiment, listening to our sacred story, communion and Sabbath.

Seated on lush green grass, under a turquoise blue dome and a canopy of leaves, accompanied by a choir of birds, awe towards the magnificence of creation and the amazing imagination of the Creator seems to rise as easily as breath. Meeting where we do each week we have become attuned to the Seasons and to the elements. We take notice. Awakened to wonder, awe spreads like wildflowers into our everyday lives. Worshipping the God of Life in the very tangible presence of creation increases our reverence for the whole of life. We feel in our bones that “where there is an absence of awe there is destruction.”(-Lao Tzu) is a true and accurate explanation for much of the harm that is done. Considering “the lilies of the fields and the birds of the air” becomes a lived, felt experience not an abstract axiom when in the very midst of the those lilies and those birds

Opening our hearts to wonder also opens them to grief and concern about the environment. We choose to notice the cost of not living in right relationship with God, self, neighbours (human and non-human) and the earth. We seek to be more informed (did you know that we would need 8 planet earths if the whole world were to live like the average Adelaidian?) We lament the way we live and acknowledge how hard it is for us to change.

We pay attention to using and moving our bodies in worship, especially when we pray, so as to be in touch with our own creatureliness.

In attending to our sacred text, we listen especially for the ways in which the subversive wisdom of Jesus might influence our own practices of living. Input from the worship leader is brief; a tantalising enticement to conversation, to which all are invited to have their say.

Our idea of communion is far broader than the Eucharistic meal. We delight in taking the radically inclusive nature of Christian communion to extend to more than just those who are present and more than just to the human race. The magpies who gather on the edge of our circle remind us that we are a part of life, not the centre of it. We like to acknowledge those who have gone before – creatures who once lived where we meet; the traditional custodians, the Kaurna; those who had the foresight to plant the trees whose majesty they would never see; people who have influenced us for better. In our four directions prayer we also like to pray for those who are far way and for the future, that life which is yet to come.

All Christian worship is a derivative of the Hebrew notion of the Sabbath. Within our worship we have instituted some particular Sabbath practices, like 10 minutes of time to walk, wander, or sit in quiet and stillness on our own. We also encourage each other to engage in other Sabbath practices at times when we are not meeting, like Buy Nothing Day or Earth Hour. Traditionally the Sabbath was a 24 hour period when the faithful were forbidden to engage in any activity which might be seen as an attempt to improve upon creation. Even God kept it (still keeps it?) For us it is a time to leave aside our cleverness – usually just for an hour or two. One person says that the fact that there is no PowerPoint to distract her is one of the very reasons she worships with us. It’s time out from our getting and spending, having and holding culture. A time to notice what God is doing and be thankful, to re-connect, to reflect and make decisions about how we want to live. A famous frog once said,”its not easy being green”. The way I see it, it’s soon going to be much harder to be anything other than green.

Today I am reflecting on whether the practices we use in worship on a Sunday morning carry through to the whole of life: are they practices for life as well as for worship?

Summer is on its way!

2008-10-24T10:59:00.007+10:30

With the warm days we've been having in Adelaide recently I can really feel Summer in the air. And Summer is all about delicious salads. Here's a totally yummy recipe by the wonderful, but sadly departed, Linda McCartney from her book, "Linda's Kitchen".

Pasta and Bean Salad with Basil and Pecorino

250g pasta bows
1 red capsicum, roasted and peeled (see note)
1 yellow capsicum, roasted and peeled (see note)
175g green beans, lightly cooked (or snow peas, or asparagus)
125g canned red kidney beans
3 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley
handful of fresh basil leaves
50g pecorino or parmesan cheese, shaved

Soy and lemon dressing:
juice of 1 lemon
3-4 tablespoons soy sauce
6 tablespoons sesame oil (I mix sesame and olive oil)
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 clove garlic, crushed
freshly ground black pepper

1. Cook pasta in boiling water until 'al dente'. Rinse under cold water and drain well.
2. Mix the capsicum, pasta, green beans, kidney beans and parsley in a salad bowl. Combine the dressing ingredients, add to salad, and toss gently until thoroughly mixed together.
3. Finally, fold in basil and cheese.

*Note: to roast capsicums, places large pieces, skin side up, under a hot grill until blackened. Place in a paper bag and when cool enough to be handled, peel the skin off (do not rinse under water).

Great picnic food, or for warm Summer nights out on the verandah :)

Water

2008-10-23T17:39:00.007+10:30

This week (October 19 - 25) is National Water Week. A recently published book titled Water: the Essence of Life reveals that it takes 25 litres of water to grow a potato, 50 litres to grow an orange, 118 litres to make a glass of wine, 168 litres to make a pint of beer and 2400 litres to make a hamburger. Sobering statistics for the driest inhabited continent on Earth, with 70 per cent of its mass comprising desert or semi-desert. The vast majority of water on the Earth's surface (over 98 percent) is salty water in the oceans. It is the freshwater resources, such as the water in streams, rivers, lakes, and ground water that provide people (and all life) with most of the water we need to live. Concerningly the annual flow of the Murray River -- the source of 40 per cent of Adelaide's drinking water -- to the sea is about one-fifth of what it was in 1901.

To celebrate this precious resource and National Water Week there has been a SA Water Quiz Trail in the Botanic Gardens (see here) which Jane has been busy working at.

National Water Week is being sponsored by the Smart Water Mark - a voluntary, not-for-profit program that helps people to make an informed choice about saving water around your home, garden and pool. Products and services with the Smart Approved WaterMark label have been assessed by an independent technical expert panel. So look for their symbol (left) and check out their web site for lots of water saving tips

recycle? no precycle!

2008-10-21T17:17:00.006+10:30

Its been around for ages. Our grandmothers did it. Some of us have done it for a long time. Even though we didnt know it’s name. Or that it was fashionable. “Precycling” is catching on as the latest fad, a timely manifestation of green marketing. What does this trendy new buzzword actually mean? It’s apparently another way of saying “conserve.” As in, re-using plastic water bottles rather than tossing them and buying another one. Re-using plastic and paper bags. Buying large quantities rather than single-serving packaging.
As Brandweek reports:

Precyclers remove themselves from junk mail lists, read paper-based media online
and even carry around “precycling kits” consisting of cloth napkins and silverware—anything to reduce waste and not contribute to the recycling bin.
“It’s not just about how you dispose of [products and packaging] anymore,” said Melissa Lavigne, director of marketing for The Intelligence Group [the people who came up with the word]. “It’s about being conscious about products you buy in the first place. That’s the idea behind precycling.”
Read the full post here
Then you can leave a comment to let us know some of your grooviest precycling practices?

But on the matter of recycling, I saw these very stylish pots (pictured above) when I was out today - can you guess what they are made from? Truck tyres. Look great dont they.

Saturday Poem

2008-10-19T00:01:00.002+10:30

SONG FOR THE SALMON
poem by David Whyte

For too many days now I have not written of the sea,
nor the rivers, nor the shifting currents
we find between the islands.

For too many nights now I have not imagined the salmon
threading the dark streams of reflected stars,
nor have I dreamt of his longing,
nor the lithe swing of his tail toward dawn.

I have not given myself to the depth to which he goes,
to the cargoes of crystal water, cold with salt,
nor the enormous plains of ocean swaying beneath the moon.

I have not felt the lifted arms of the ocean
opening its white hand on the seashore,
nor the salted wind, whole and healthy,
filling the chest with living air.
I have not heard those waves,
fallen out of heaven onto earth,
nor the tumult of sound and the satisfaction
of a thousand miles of ocean,
giving up its strength on the sand.

***
But now I have spoken of that great sea,
the ocean of longing shifts through me,
the blessed inner star of navigation
moves in the dark sky above
and I am ready like the young salmon,
to leave his river, blessed with hunger,
for a great journey on the drawing tide.

DAVID WHYTE uses poetry in corporate settings to help others deal with change, and to encourage creativity in individual employees, and in organizations. Before this he worked as a naturalist guide in the Galapagos Islands, led natural history and anthropological expeditions in Chile, Bolivia, and Peru and travelled in India and Nepal. His poems speak to my heart. I enjoy his ability to pay exquisite attention to the natural world and then to make a bridge to the human soul, to an inner world of meaning, mystery, and wonder. I chose this poem this week because I am about to embark on a journey to the ocean - not via a river, though perhaps a road can be a little like a river. Inwardly though, I love the image of the salmon ready for bigger things. Today is also the eve of National Water week so it seems appropriate to have a watery poem.

It's Friday - recipe day!

2008-10-17T09:39:00.004+10:30

Cooking for friends is something I enjoy so much. Eating with friends is even better! Tomorrow night I am cooking for my best friend Anu and our handsome companions and though I am not cooking the following recipe I should be, because it's classic, simple and delicious. Perfect for the gorgeous Spring weather we've been having in Adelaide lately.

Mushroom Risotto

6 cups vegetable stock
500g mixture of mushrooms (the more variety the better)
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 onion, chopped
1 large clove garlic, finely chopped
2 cups Arborio rice
1/2 cup dry white or red wine
2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/2 cup grated parmesan
Freshly ground black pepper

Clean mushroom with a soft brush or paper towel and roughly chop. Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a frying pan and saute mushrooms until tender, about 10 minutes. Set aside.

Place the stock in a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and keep warm.

In a large frying pan or saucepan over medium heat, melt remaining butter and saute onion and garlic until softened, but not coloured. Add the rice and stir for 2 minutes, coating the grains. Stir in the wine until absorbed.

Add a half cup of stock, stirring well. When it is almost absorbed stir in another half cup and continue in this fashion for about 15 minutes until rice is half-cooked. Stir in half of the mushrooms and then continue adding stock, a half cup at a time, until it is all absorbed. Towards the end, check consistency of rice - it should be tender, but still slightly chewy; creamy, but not mushy (you may not need to use all the stock).

Stir in the remaining mushrooms, parsley, and parmesan, and season with pepper to taste. Serve piping hot, garnished with extra parmesan and parsley.

Yummmmm!

...now, where's the rest of that wine?

Life… and loss… can take us by surprise

2008-10-15T09:59:00.005+10:30

Last week I looked after my friend Tania’s two guinea pigs, Cutie and Pinky (named by six year old Lily). Although Pinky was a little round in the middle the pet shop had assured the family that they were both girls so they figured she just loved to eat. Well, as you might be thinking, we awoke Friday morning to discover a rather thinner Pinky and an extra three little guinea pigs in the hutch! Tania got a very surprising phone call that day. The babies were so cute. How lovely it was to watch them snuggling together with their parents. But then we realised that one of the little ones was not looking too healthy. It was smaller than the others, with back legs that didn’t seem to be working well, and Pinky didn’t appear to be feeding it. In fact over the next few hours she came to actively reject it, putting it out of the ‘nest’ and stepping on its little body. When they came to pick up their pets, Lily named the little one ‘Love’ and cradled it in her hands on the way home. They did their best, but it died the next day, about 48 hours old.

Unexpected life followed by unexpected loss. The philosopher Seneca said, “Whatever can happen at any time can happen today”. The fact that we don’t know what is around the corner in life can be a source of both excitement and fear. We have a choice about how we view the unpredictability of life. Our fear can dictate how we live… if we allow it. The fear of the sorrow that often follows loss can be immobilising. It can stop us from fully participating in life, causing us to us to miss out on the many joys that may come when we are willing to take risks.

Lily had a sad afternoon on Sunday and her mother comforted her by explaining that because she is such a caring person she will experience sadness in life, but also lots of happiness. When we open our heart to one, we open it to the other. When Lily cried for ‘Love’ on Sunday she was crying for the same entity that had made her smile and enabled her to experience feelings of caring, protectiveness and hope on Saturday. The wonderful Kahlil Gibran wrote in The Prophet, “The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain… When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight”.

Uniting Justice on Climate Change

2008-10-14T16:34:00.007+10:30

Uniting Justice Australia is the justice unit of the National Assembly of the Uniting Church in Australia. They pursue social and ecological justice and peace through advocacy and education and seek to communicate the Church’s vision for a reconciled world. This week they have launched their new website and there are lots of things worth reading in the areas of environmental justice. On the front page you will see that the Uniting Church has continued its involvement in the climate change debate by making a submission to the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Green Paper Consultation Process. This submission and information about carbon emissions can be downloaded from a link on the page. Another page (here) details the Uniting Church's position in relation to caring for the environment, contains links to key documents and statements made by the national church. Elsewhere, there is an inspiring paper from the Director, Rev Elenie Poulos about the way the climate crisis and the best of christian community can help forge a model for a better, more just way to live. Here is a brief excerpt:

Climate change is teaching us that we need to start living differently and that we have to do this together. It would take seven planets to support human life if everyone lived like we do in Australia. There is no escaping the fact that we all share the same atmosphere and we can’t fix it alone. We must begin to live out the reality of interconnectedness.
The rest of the paper can be read here

River Sunday

2008-10-12T15:03:00.004+10:30

The Peace of Wild Things

When despair for the world grows in me

and I wake in the night at the least sound

in fear of what my life and my children's lives may be,

I go and lie down where the wood drake

rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.

I come into the peace of wild things

who do not tax their lives with forethought

of grief. I come into the presence of still water.

And I feel above me the day-blind stars

waiting with their light. For a time

I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.

— Wendell Berry

This morning, in the grace of the world, we sat near our little creek, which only has a trickle left in it and reflected on water, rivers, thirst, desire, flow, vitality and living waters. We, who are water creatures, carry rivers within us - our circulatory system, our brain ever making new tributaries, yet without other rivers to sustain us we can not survive, physically, emotionally or spiritually. To be alive the river must flow and so must we - giving and receiving, navigating obstacles to make our own path and attending to the life within as well as with out.

“Let anyone who wishes, take the water of life as a gift.” — Revelation 22:17

World Egg Day

2008-10-10T19:09:00.003+10:30

The vegetarian recipe for today honours World Egg Day - just so long as they are free range eggs!

Individual fritattas with capsicum, sweet potato, mushrooms and fetta

1 T extra virgin olive oil

1 red capsicum, chopped

300g orange sweet potato, cut into 1cm cubes

1 clove garlic, crushed

150g mushrooms, sliced

70g (1/3 cup) semi-dried tomatoes, finely chopped

100g low fat fetta, crumbled

olive oil spray

7 eggs

125ml (1/2 cup) low fat milk or soy milk

salt and pepper

salad leaves, to serve

1. Heat the oil in a large, non-stick frying pan over medium high heat. Add the capsicum, sweet potato and garlic. Cook stirring often for 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms and cook for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool a little. Stir in the semi-dried tomatoes and fetta.

2. Preheat oven to 190 degrees Celsius. Spray a large 6 hole muffin pan with oil. Whisk together the eggs and milk, and season. Divide the vegetables among the muffin pan holes. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the vegetables.

3. bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the frittatas are set and lightly golden. Set aside in the pan for 10 minutes before turning out. Serve warm with dressed salad leaves

Other vegetables can be substituted for the ones listed eg. peas, corn, pumpkin, asparagus, roasted eggplant. They taste yummy cold and are perfect for a picnic lunch - just the thing for a spring weekend!

Mysteries of the Deep

2008-10-09T10:18:00.006+10:30

"It's extraordinary to think that we've put someone on the moon and we're very familiar with lots of parts of the planet, we've got Google Earth and yet here we are, we've got parts of the planet that have never been sighted or explored before." - Peter Garrett, Federal Environment Minister

Underwater mountains up to 500 metres high and 25 km wide are among the treasures being discovered in the icy depths of the Southern Ocean. Professor Nic Bax, from CSIRO describes them as "rainforests of the deep". What is particulary amazing about this discovery is the hundreds of new marine species, all new to science - more than 270 species of fish, coral, molluscs, crustaceans and sponges so far. Also found was ancient coral up to 2000 years old and a species of ray never seen alive in Australian waters, and captured on film. These incredible finds were made in marine reserves 100 nautical miles south of Tasmania during two CSIRO voyages where new sonar technology mapped the volcanic mountains and canyons (larger than the Grand Canyon) up to 3,000 metres underwater. Only a tiny proportion of the world's oceans have been explored and scientists can only speculate about the biodiversity hidden under the water. Professsor Bax said, "we have no idea how many species there are , and most of the species we get we only catch once". CSIRO Scientist Kate Wilson has commented that more is known about the surface of Mars that about the depths of the world's oceans. Read more about the discovery here

It is so reassuring to know that we dont know everything yet: that there are whole new landscapes and strange new life forms to discover right here, on Earth. Forget Star Trek. Let's Sea Trek.

Climate Emergency - No More Business As Usual Conference

2008-10-08T16:35:00.005+10:30

The Conference will have two parts:
PART 1: A Friday night public forum (Oct 10th) with major speakers:

Climate change scientist Prof. Barry Brook of Adelaide University(see his blog at http://www.bravenewclimate.com/

David Spratt, recent co-author of “Climate Code Red” (http://www.carbonequity.info/), and

Robyn Francis - Permaculturist and recent observer/trainer in Cuba (http://permaculture.com.au/central

The Friday Oct 10th Public forum will be at the Basil Hetzel Auditorium at UniSA, Frome Road, City, 6pm to 8.15 pm. Organised by the Climate Emergency Action Network (CLEAN), with support from the AEU. Entry by donation.

PART 2: Saturday Oct 11th Sessions (admission free) held at:
Australian Education Union Building 163 Greenhill Road, Parkside. 9 am-5.30 pm.
Organised by the AEU, with support from CLEAN.

For registration go to http://www.aeusa.asn.au/formregistration/5335.html
For further information go to http://www.climateemergency.org.au/

Cosmos convinces PM Rudd

2008-10-08T16:22:00.002+10:30

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said the ordered nature of the cosmos convinces him of the existence of God. Mr Rudd, a regularly practicing Anglican, was asked on Fairfax Radio in Brisbane to give his single biggest argument in favour of the existence of God.

"As you know I'm a believer and I've never pretended not to be and I respect those who have no religious belief - it's a free country,'' Mr Rudd said.

"For me, it's ultimately the order of the cosmos or what I describe as the creation.

"You can't simply have, in my own judgment, creation simply being a random event because it is so inherently ordered, and the fact that the natural environment is being ordered where it can properly coexist over time.

"If you were simply reducing that to mathematically probabilities I've got to say it probably wouldn't have happened.
"So I think there is an intelligent mind at work.''

[Posted by John Mark Ministries http://jmm.aaa.net.au/articles/21628.htm

St Francis of Assisi Animal Day

2008-10-06T20:53:00.008+10:30

Rosebud, a soul friend

Sunday was a perfect spring day - just blissful to be out of doors, surrounded by the magnificent trees, under clear blue sky. Jennifer led us in a reflection about animals and we had an engaged and thoughtful discussion. Craig pointed out that if someone from another planet was observing life on Earth they might conclude that humans were a pest - in the way that we might regard other destructive creatures. Others shared stories of their experiences of connection with their idiosyncratic non-human companions. I was reminded of Anatole France writing, "Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened". From the stories shared about animals we have known, it would seem that there is real truth in this notion. Our souls can be deeply nourished by a relationship with animals. However, as Little Terra reminds us in her comment on the last post - last week was National Vegetarian Week and so we cannot forget that animals are frequently not treated well. On a positive note, Jennifer had a great story from the paper of a six year old who, of her own volition, requested that friends invited to her birthday party make a donation to the Animal Welfare League instead of giving her a present, which we all thought was pretty impressive.

Last night the dog across the road barked for hours and hours. Her humans were away for the night. Her barking was stirring up other dogs in the neighbourhood. I couldn't sleep for the noise. No doubt, other neighbours were suffering the racket, too. Finally, at about 3am I could stand it no longer so I just got out of bed, walked across the road in my mis-matched pyjamas, hair a fright and stood in the front drive way and said in a loud, firm but I hope loving voice, "Molly! Go to sleep Molly". The dog was instantly quiet and there was not another peep out of her. I was surprised that she did respond by remaining quiet for the rest of the night. I think she just needed reassurance that she wasn't alone? Or maybe she was just shocked into being quiet. Anyway, wish I'd thought to do it earlier.

"Can we open our hearts to the animals? Can we greet them as our soul mates, beings like ourselves who possess dignity and depth? To do so, we must learn to revere and respect the creatures who, like us, are a part of God's beloved creation, and to cherish the amazing planet that sustains our mutual existence. We must join in a bio spirituality that will acknowledge and celebrate the sacred in all life." - Gary Kowalski

Saturday morning breakfast?

2008-10-03T12:34:00.005+09:30

Fridays on this blog is Vegetarian Recipe Day and the recipe for today comes from my friend Jen who pretends to know nothing about cooking. I think that she might be a closet kitchen wizz.

Blueberry Pancakes
makes 4 small pancakes

2 eggs
1/2 cup of rolled oats
1 big huge spoonful of low fat cottage cheese
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
dash of cinnamon
1/2 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend on high for about 60 seconds
spray skillet with non-fat cooking spray. Heat pan over a medium heat
place 1/4 of the batter in the skillet. wait 1-2 minutes until bubles appear. Flip. Cook for another half a minute or so and then serve.

You can serve these with any of the usual pancake toppings. I like to put vanilla yogurt on mine. They even taste good spread with peanut butter. Any other berries can be substituted for blueberries.

Enjoy!

Plenty more fish in the sea?

2008-10-01T14:58:00.006+09:30

I chanced to hear a conversation on the radio with the author of the book Seasick, Alanna Mitchell. I dont think I have ever understood before the significance of the sea to life on earth. We hear alot about Climate Change but little about Ocean Change, yet it seems to me from listening to this interview that Climate Change is a subset of Ocean Change. Every second breath we take, half of the oxygen we breathe, is produced by phytoplankton in the sea; the true lungs of the planet. About one third of the carbon dioxide that enters the atmosphere ends up in the ocean and now the huge increase in carbon emissions is making the sea more acidic. According to Mitchell, what is happening in the ocean is a largely unheeded hidden ecological crisis. Oceans cover 71 percent of the Earth's surface and contain ninety percent of the mass of life on this planet. Tim Flannery says that the ocean has the switch of life. In each of the previous 5 major mass extinctions the ocean became acidic and this phenomenon drives the extinction.

Phytoplankton cycle carbon and oxygen throught the atmosphere. When they die their shells store carbon at the bottom of the ocean, out of harms way, for thousands of years. Calcium is needed by these one celled creatures to build their shells. When the ph changes to become more acidic the plankton dont have the same access to calcium.
Oceans are also the major player in climate control; the ocean's currents, winds and water cycle activity regulate climate.

The publisher's summary says that Seasick is the first book to take the scattered pieces of this scientific puzzle and bring them into a cohesive story. It will change the way people understand the global ocean and its importance to all life on earth. Seasick, written by Alanna Mitchell, is published by Murdoch Books (2008)

The radio interview was on Radio National's The National Interest and can be heard or downloaded here http://www.abc.net.au/rn/nationalinterest/stories/2008/2375035.htm

Our values

2008-09-30T14:08:00.006+09:30

drawn by Maia

Eco-faith values

Low tech simplicity
Maintaining continuity of core eco-faith worship practices:
- Warm up
- Prayer of Affirmation
- 4 directions prayer
- Contemplative walk
meeting outdoors
humans being part of the whole of life, not the centre
Invitational stance towards participation
Respect towards all
Inclusiveness
Equitable structure
People being able to speak without being challenged or judged
Donating periodically to other environmental or social justice projects

A Prayer for Social Justice Sunday

2008-09-28T14:01:00.005+09:30

Spirit of God,

brooding over the waters

of our chaos,

inspire us to

generous living.

Wind of God,

dancing over the desert

of our reluctance,

lead us to the oasis

of celebration.

Breath of God,

inspiring communication

among strangers,

make us channels

of your peace.

- written by Kate McIlhagga and published in Celebrating Women

Terella had much for us to think about this morning on the theme of poverty: a very broad definition that ranged from the notion of living with a sense of exile in your own land to the idea of being impoverished by being time poor. A picture book "Dust" - winner of the Honour Book of the Year in the Children's Book awards, beautifully illustrated by a whole host of artists, was powerfully heart wrenching. You can read more about the book here and view illustrations too. All proceeds from the sale of the book are going to the 'Save The Children' Fund.

This morning got me thinking about wanting to make sure I live more by making conscious choices, living intentionally and with gratitude.

The healing power of trees

2008-09-27T11:52:00.004+09:30

the sleepless ones

What if all the people

who could not sleep

at two or three or four

in the morning

left their houses

and went to the parks

what if hundreds, thousands,

millions

went in their solitude

like a stream

and each told their story

what if there were

old women

fearful if they slept

they would die

and young women

unable to conceive

and husbands

having affairs

and children

fearful of failing

and fathers

worried about paying bills

and men

having business troubles

and women unlucky in love

and those that were in physical

pain

and those who were guilty

what if they all left their houses

like a stream

and the moon

illuminated their way and

they came, each one

to tell their stories

would these be the more troubled

of humanity

or would these be

the more passionate of this world

or those who need to create to live

or would these be

the lonely

ones

and I ask you

if they all came to the parks

at night

and told their stories

would the sun on rising

be more radiant and

again I ask you

would they embrace

~ Lawrence Tirnauer

The magpie, the kookaburra and the noisy miners

2008-09-26T15:18:00.007+09:30

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead

There are a number of magpies that gather with us each week. They are not shy, confident that they have first option on any crumbs we drop. We're glad they are so comfortable with us and enjoy their company, mostly. Last week a kookaburra decided s/he would like in on the party, too. One magpie was not happy about this and began viciously attacking the kookaburra. A whole gang of little noisy miner birds came in to protect the kookaburra. As soon as the magpie let go of it, the kookaburra flew to safety in a near by tree. The miner birds all gathered around the kookaburra in the tree to protect it from the magpie. There before our eyes was a lesson in the most effective way to deal with bullies - empower the bystanders. And a good reminder of the difference small creatures can make when they work together. I wish I had had my camera with me to capture such an amazing sight. And, I have to say, noisy miner birds have gone up in my estimation.

Parking Day

2008-09-25T10:51:00.005+09:30

I buy the Saturday Age to read book reviews and the Leunig cartoon. I look at the news section, only reading that which manages to capture my attention as I flick through those pages. Last weekend I was captivated by a large coloured photograph of people picnicing in a space designed for cars and thus came to learn about Park(ing) day. Held this year on September 19th, it is a one-day global event which encourages people to reclaim public space, previously allocated to vehicles. According to the creators of PARK(ing) Day, almost 70 per cent of most cities' outdoor space is dedicated to parking and public vehicles while only a fraction of that is allocated to open spaces for people. Read the story from The Age here: http://www.theage.com.au/national/fancy-a-piece-of-cbd-real-estate-park-your-glass-here-20080919-4jvh.html
Find out more about Park(ing) Day here: http://www.parkingday.org/

Watch a video of how it is done here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuafvF2_3n4

Outback

2008-09-24T11:22:00.004+09:30

While some of our mob were actually in the outback (Jane and Athea in the Flinders and Mark and Leila up near Broome somewhere) the rest of us made do with pretending we were there. Beverley brought along some great photos to help our imaginations, and in some cases, memory. This was the third Sunday in the Seasons of Creation series that we are following for 6 weeks. We have been using material written by Jason John (Rev Dr) and are very much enjoying hearing his voice in the text of what we read and share. (We miss ya, Jason - Toni, Finn and Gabriel too)

God’s gift to us is the birth of the universe, which makes the planet, this land possible. All living things contribute their gifts and skills to make this planet habitable: bacteria make soil, plants make oxygen and food, animals eat the food and eventually return to the soil to feed the plants. In the light of God’s great gift of life, and the gifts of all living things, we offer ourselves: our time, passions, talents and money for the reconciliation and renewal of all creation. (Jason's words)