The Christchurch massacre sent shock-waves across the world. It demonstrated racism at its ugliest. It is in sharp contrast, however, to my weekly experience in Lane Cove amongst the Meeting House playgroup. Serving coffee and cake to the mums (mainly) for over 4 years now, I hear their joys and sorrows amidst the demanding early parenthood journey. Over this time, there has been a wonderful and changing multicultural mix of people there. I gave up on trying to identify each race and accent long ago! I observe more of a ‘common story’ of being a parent, often in a new land, than differences amongst them. As I watch the ever-changing group from the kitchen servery, my heart warms to see children of different ethnicities playing together, while their watching mums share tips and tales.

Another pre-schooler’s mum has been a standout over this period: Jacinda Ardern. What wisdom and grace this younger woman has shown leading New Zealand’s response to the massacre. What has made her so outstanding? I saw a huge amount of empathy, as Ardern hugged a grieving Muslim lady. She wore black and a loose head scarf – a sign of identification with Muslim people – whilst maintaining her own identity. She showed courage, no doubt aware that many may not appreciate this solidarity. Decisiveness and wisdom were present in large measure – refusing to name the perpetrator to discourage copycat behaviour, sending off an envoy to Turkey to quickly end a diplomatic crisis, changing gun laws in a week! She named her country’s positive values for all to hear. To name a few.
In the midst of hate, the light of love appeared and spread. Other faiths and peoples embraced Muslims in a public show of support.

A younger generation is dispensing with outdated hostilities and fears regarding race and religion. By discussing what we have in common – rather than our differences – the light of truth reveals misplaced fears. Be a leader and a peace maker by choosing to identify our common humanity amidst difference. 

基督城Christchurch屠殺震憾遍全世界。這事件暴露了種族主義最醜陋的一面。相反，我每星期在Meeting House的遊戲班裏的經驗卻具極端的對比。四年來奉咖啡和糕點給孩子的母親（主要的監護者）的經驗，我聽到她們初為人母的喜樂與傷感。多年來，那裏添了受歡迎而面貌一新的多文化成員。我放棄辨別種族和口音已經很久了！我觀察到她們為父母者的“共同故事”，大多為身處異地的經歷而并非她們的差異處。在那人手不斷變動的廚房裏，我暖心地看到不同種族的小朋友們混在一起玩耍，照顧著他們的母親則閑話日常。
 
在那些學前兒童的母親中有一名矚目者：Jacinda Arden。她對紐西蘭屠殺原由的反應表現她的智慧和善意。有什麼令她與眾不同？我見到高度的同情心，發放於她給與一名悲傷的穆斯林婦女擁抱之時。那名婦女穿著黑袍和頭巾－穆斯林的表記－用以保留她的身分。她表現勇敢，無可懷疑地感到這團結一致的表記不為大多人認同。果斷和智慧的決斷辦法不少－拒絕公開侵犯者姓名來挫折模仿者、派節者到土耳其來了結外交沖突、於一星期內改變槍法！她還把祖國的正面價值道出來讓世人認識。
 
於仇恨泛濫中，愛的光芒出現了還擴散。其他宗教和民族公開地擁抱穆斯林教徒來表示支持。
 
新的世代正擺脫過時的，對種族和宗教的仇視和恐懼。討論我們共同的好處－有異於差異處－真理就能顯明迷途的恐懼。在別異中選取認同普遍人道，當一名領袖及和平製造者吧。
…………………………………..
充透着希望        （译自Karen牧师的‘Hope Shines Through’）
 
基督城Christchurch屠杀震憾遍全世界。这事件暴露了种族主义最丑陋的一面。相反，我每星期在Meeting House的遊戏班裏的经验却具极端的对比。四年来奉咖啡和糕点给孩子的母亲（主要的监护者）的经验，我听到她们初为人母的喜乐与伤感。多年来，那裏添了受欢迎而面貌一新的多文化成员。我放弃辨别种族和口音已经很久了！我观察到她们为父母者的“共同故事”，大多为身处异地的经历而并非她们的差异处。在那人手不断变动的厨房裏，我暖心地看到不同种族的小朋友们混在一起玩耍，照顾着他们的母亲则闲话日常。
 
在那些学前儿童的母亲中有一名瞩目者∶Jacinda Arden。她对纽西兰屠杀原由的反应表现她的智慧和善意。有什麽令她与众不同？我见到高度的同情心，发放于她给与一名悲伤的穆斯林妇女拥抱之时。那名妇女穿着黑袍和头巾－穆斯林的表记－用以保留她的身分。她表现勇敢，无可怀疑地感到这团结一致的表记不为大多人认同。果断和智慧的决断办法不少－拒绝公开侵犯者姓名来挫折模仿者丶派节者到土耳其来了结外交冲突丶于一星期内改变枪法！她还把祖国的正面价值道出来让世人认识。
 
于仇恨泛滥中，爱的光芒出现了还扩散。其他宗教和民族公开地拥抱穆斯林教徒来表示支持。
 
新的世代正摆脱过时的，对种族和宗教的仇视和恐惧。讨论我们共同的好处－有异于差异处－真理就能显明迷途的恐惧。在别异中选取认同普遍人道，当一名领袖及和平制造者吧。

I was momentarily taken aback when my friend casually told me he was worth many million! We had been talking about housing, which provided the context, but even so, the equation with his own worth shocked me. Equating one’s value with one’s acquisitions is so far from being valid, the comparison simply astounded me.

History is full of heroes who weren’t financially blessed. Often, the truly great left wealth behind in pursuit of a higher ideal. The world was impressed when Pope Francis declined to live in the Apostolic Palace, preferring basic and more social accommodation nearby. Indigenous peoples, including our famous painter, Albert (Elea) Namatjira, weren’t even allowed to own or rent property. Their intrinsic value was not altered by their lack of possessions.

So what is our true value? My Christian tradition is valuable in this regard and I wish more of us could benefit from this understanding of being completely loved and acceptable to our Creator.
 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten in God’s sight.  But even the hairs of your head are all counted. Do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows. (The Bible, Luke 12: 6-7 NRSV)

A central premise of my life is that we are loved and valued for who we are now and who we are becoming. The Easter story celebrates the immense value of each person to our Creator and gives real purpose for our lives as explained here. 

Our true value is so much more than our earning capacity. Nor is our value bound to what we accomplish. No matter who we are, what we do, irrespective of personal circumstances and the vagaries of life, we are all loved; all worthy; all valued for who we are. Who can you help to understand this by the way you treat them?

Happy Easter to you!  

當我的朋友不經意地說他身價值數百萬元時，我給他驀然地嚇了一跳！事情是我們正談論屋宇價錢，但縱如此，這身價的衡量使我震驚，這般的比較簡出乎我的意料之外。
 
歷史上貧窮的英雄人物多的是。很多時那些真正偉大者為了崇高理想而放棄家財的。當方濟各教宗拒絕教皇宮殿，改而入居附近基層的較接近社會的住所時，世界有感深了。原住民中，包括著名畫家Albert (Elea) Namatjira，甚至不獲准租住或擁有居所呢。
 
究竟我們的真正價值是甚麼？我的基督徒傳統，在這方面具無窮的價值，而我希望我們中多些認知而受益於那份完全被愛和蒙受造物主接納的感覺。
 
五隻麻雀不是賣二分銀子嗎？在上神面前一隻也不遺忘；就連你們的頭髮，也都一一被數過了。不要懼怕，你們比許多麻雀還貴重。（聖經路加福音第12章6－7節）
 
我的生活主要設定之一是,無論現在及將來，我們都是被愛而貴重的。復活的故事慶祝上神付予每人的無限價值和給予我們生命真正的價值，其解釋可見如下：
https://www.insights.uca.org.au/news/beyond-the-cross
 
我們的真實價值在質量上比賺得的金錢多得很。我們亦不被所作業績所困。無論我們是誰，我們所作，不論個人環境及生活的變幻，我們都是被愛者。哪些人你們能夠以身作則，幫助明白這道理呢？
 
復活節快樂！


我们的真正价值                   （译自Karen牧师的‘Our True Value’）

​当我的朋友不经意地说他身价值数百万元时，我给他蓦然地吓了一跳！事情是我们正谈论屋宇价钱，但纵如此，这身价的衡量使我震惊，这般的比较简出乎我的意料之外。
 
历史上贫穷的英雄人物多的是。很多时那些真正伟大者为了崇高理想而放弃家财的。当方济各教宗拒绝教皇宫殿，改而入居附近基层的较接近社会的住所时，世界有感深了。原住民中，包括着名画家Albert (Elea) Namatjira，甚至不获准租住或拥有居所呢。
 
究竟我们的真正价值是甚麽？我的基督徒传统，在这方面具无穷的价值，而我希望我们中多些认知而受益于那份完全被爱和蒙受造物主接纳的感觉。
 
五只麻雀不是卖二分银子吗？在上神面前一只也不遗忘；就连你们的头发，也都一一被数过了。不要惧怕，你们比许多麻雀还贵重。（圣经路加福音第12章6－7节）
 
我的生活主要设定之一是无论现在及将来，我们都是被爱而贵重的。复活的故事庆祝上神付予每人的无限价值和给予我们生命真正的价值，其解释可见如下∶
https://www.insights.uca.org.au/news/beyond-the-cross 
我们的真实价值在质量上比赚得的金钱多得很。我们亦不被所作业绩所困。无论我们是谁，我们所作，不论个人环境及生活的变幻，我们都是被爱者。哪些人你们能够以身作则，帮助明白这道理呢？
 
复活节快乐！

As a busy mother of 3 young children, I was desperate for them to develop some independent skills early in life. Our determined daughter didn’t need much convincing! She began preparing her school lunches from grade 2, to keep up with her older brothers. I was delighted to be relieved of lunch-making duties and decided if our 7-year-old could do it – my husband must be capable too!

We desired for our kids to be strong and capable individuals, encouraging their independence wherever possible. However, there were times when it would have been better if they had involved us. When a mentor raised the value of interdependence, I recognised this was a preferable concept for parenting and life generally.

Interdependence connotes shared responsibility, where each contributes what they can, for the good of all. There is an underlying valuing of others inbuilt. I work interdependently with Gaye, who is talented with layout and pictures, while I contribute the words. We are both rewarded by the final outcome of a piece, because it is better and more efficient than either of us could do alone.

Whereas contributing from areas of strength makes us feel good about our abilities, the biggest gain is the joy of community. It can be a huge relief to work, play or make important decisions with helpful others, rather than on our own. Often an independent response is required and easier, but when greater wisdom and skill sets are needed, you can’t beat a cohesive team.

Hugh Mackay observes in his 2019 edition of ‘What Makes Us Tick’ (p xiv): ‘…in the end, our responsibility to the species usually prevails: we are, by nature, cooperative, collaborative communitarians.’

The Bible agrees: ‘Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ,’ Galatians 6:6 (NIV)
​
Do you have the humility to ask someone else into that project you are struggling with? Alternatively, you could contribute your talents to a joint project that benefits others. Take the risk first - to enjoy the benefits later!

 
我身為三個年幼孩子的忙碌母親時,已經拼命地令他們於早年發展自立的技巧。我們具自決能力的女兒不需太多鼓勵！打從二年級她就能夠像她的兄長般弄校內午餐。我得放下做午餐的工作責任而感到安慰，亦希望七歲的女兒也能做到－我的丈夫當然也在內！
 
我們願意兒女成為壯健能榦的個體，鼓勵他們於許可情況下獨立。雖然如此，有時還需要我們的介入的。當一名提升獨立價值的顧問，我承認這是普遍接受的父母和人生責任。
 
自立意即分享責任，各自為大我獻出所能。其中具有潛能的價值觀的。我和好友Gaye互相倚賴合作，她具編排和插圖的天才，而我提供文字。結果完成一篇文章，效果比獨自進行更佳的。
 
供獻出自己的優點使我們對自己的能力感覺快慰，但最大的收獲是處身團體中的樂趣。我們於遊戲，工作或作重要決定時，單方處理不如有他人輔助的莫大解決方法。很多時須要獨自反應而實行容易，但需要較高度智慧和技巧之時，一個整合的團隊是不可缺少的。
 
Hugh Mackay 於他2019年出版的《What Makes Tick什麼東西令我們興奮》裏觀察到“........最終，我們對種族的責任占優勢：我們的天性是一個合作、協作的團體。
 
聖經也同意：“你們各人的重擔要互相擔當，如此，就完全了基督的律法” 加拉太書第6章第6節
 
你有沒有謙虛的意願請求他人幫助解決正在掙扎著的任務呢？抑或獻出所能參加一個有利他人的任務。冒險一點 － 等待他日享受的利益吧！
 
…………………………………..
 
倚赖的程度 （翻译自Karen牧师的文章‘Degrees of Dependence’）
 
我身为三个年幼孩子的忙碌母亲时，已经拼命地令他们于早年发展自立的技巧。我们具自决能力的女儿不需太多鼓励！打从二年级她就能够像她的兄长般弄校内午餐。我得放下做午餐的工作责任而感到安慰，亦希望七岁的女儿也能做到－我的丈夫当然也在内！
 
我们愿意儿女成为壮健能榦的个体，鼓励他们于许可情况下独立。虽然如此，有时还需要我们的介入的。当一名提升独立价值的顾问，我承认这是普遍接受的父母和人生责任。
 
自立意即分享责任，各自为大我献出所能。其中具有潜能的价值观的。我和好友Gaye互相倚赖合作，她具编排和插图的天才，而我提供文字。结果完成一篇文章，效果比独自进行更佳的。
 
供献出自己的优点使我们对自己的能力感觉快慰，但最大的收获是处身团体中的乐趣。我们于遊戏，工作或作重要决定时，单方处理不如有他人辅助的莫大解决方法。很多时须要独自反应而实行容易，但需要较高度智慧和技巧之时，一个整合的团队是不可缺少的。
 
Hugh Mackay 于他2019年出版的《What Makes Tick什麽东西令我们兴奋》裏观察到“........最终，我们对种族的责任占优势∶我们的天性是一个合作丶协作的团体。
 
圣经也同意∶“你们各人的重担要互相担当，如此，就完全了基督的律法” 加拉太书第6章第6节
 
你有没有谦虚的意愿请求他人帮助解决正在挣扎着的任务呢？抑或献出所能参加一个有利他人的任务。冒险一点 － 等待他日享受的利益吧！

The Christmas season heralds a return to our Adelaide family and friends. Although we keep contact throughout the year using various technologies, Christmas is a special time to soak in some relationships we hold dear. Only extended time together brings back the true reality of who we are as family. For better and for worse, we love these times, even though the details may not be exciting to anyone else.

Love of these relatives, renders an observation by a number of those in our Community Chaplaincy groups particularly sweet. ‘It feels like family’ is a comment that has been made to me on a number of occasions. I am so pleased! Like so many in Lane Cove, David and I left our own families to come here, so the need for close companionship, warts and all, is something we understand. The importance of human connection in ordinary and deeper ways should not be under-estimated. Much of what Lane Cove Community Chaplaincy seeks to do is provide opportunities to foster relationships of warmth and trust between people. This no longer ‘just happens’, given the increased mobility of people and jobs, not to mention the isolating effect of technology and older age.

Recent studies show that one in four Australians are lonely and half of us are lonely for at least one day a week! Loneliness has significant negative impacts on our physical and mental health. Hence, actively addressing our need to connect with others is more crucial than ever. It takes some discomfort and courage to make the first step to engage with new people. But think of the benefits for you and others in making that move. Why not resolve to do so this month?

If you would like to know more, please contact me. I can send you a list of ideas to connect with others or recommend some local groups to try. Our Groups and Events page lists many activities where you will be welcomed like one of the family!

​
 
聖誕節帶來我們對Adelaide 那裏的家人及朋友的回顧。雖然我們整年都有透過各類媒介接觸，聖誕節是一個獨特時光，讓我們浸淫於親切的關係裏。只有同堂一聚才找回家庭的真正現實的意義。甘苦與共，我們懷念這些時間，故然其中細節未必為他人知曉。
 
對親戚的愛，是我們這社區教士團體裏視為特別甜蜜的。在不少場合裏，‘如同一家’這詞經常可聽到。我感到極為快慰啊！有如Lane Cove社區裏大多的人們，David 和我遠離家庭至此，親近的同伴和患難與共者，其需要可想而知。平常的和深入的人際聯系為絕對不能低估的。Lane Cove教士尋求的，是供給機會來培養人際的熱誠與信賴關係。這種關係，由於人口和職業的激烈變動，還有科技轉移及老邁的隔離效果，已經不是‘發生於偶然’的了。
 
最近有研究發現，4個澳洲人中就有1人感到孤獨，而半數每星期最少有一天是孤獨的！孤獨感負面地沖擊我們的身心衛生。因此，積極地致力於聯系他人為前所沒有的關鍵。何不在這個月裏決定進行呢？
 
 
………………………………….
家庭与朋友      （译自Karen牧师的‘Family and Friends')
 
圣诞节带来我们对Adelaide 那裏的家人及朋友的回顾。虽然我们整年都有透过各类媒介接触，圣诞节是一个独特时光，让我们浸淫于亲切的关系裏。只有同堂一聚才找回家庭的真正现实的意义。甘苦与共，我们怀念这些时间，故然其中细节未必为他人知哓。
 
对亲戚的爱，是我们这社区教士团体裏视为特别甜蜜的。在不少场合裏，‘如同一家’这词经常可听到。我感到极为快慰啊！有如Lane Cove社区裏大多的人们，David 和我远离家庭至此，亲近的同伴和患难与共者，其需要可想而知。平常的和深入的人际联系为绝对不能低估的。Lane Cove教士寻求的，是供给机会来培养人际的热诚与信赖关系。这种关系，由于人口和职业的激烈变动，还有科技转移及老迈的隔离效果，已经不是‘发生于偶然’的了。
 
最近有研究发现，4个澳洲人中就有1人感到孤独，而半数每星期最少有一天是孤独的！孤独感负面地冲击我们的身心卫生。因此，积极地致力于联系他人为前所没有的关键。何不在这个月裏决定进行呢？

What relevance does a baby born in the middle-east a couple of millennia ago have for us now, I ask myself?

There have been just a few people whose memory has survived that long. They clearly all had a profound influence on history. However, we rarely relate back to them and what they’ve taught us on a regular basis. Yet, I think of the influence of this baby every day, as do many others across the world. He only survived 33 years and really only became influential in a small geographical sphere for 3.5 years. He didn’t have any biological children, he didn’t even marry. How extraordinary that his influence lives on!

This baby was named Jesus. As he grew, he proclaimed a message of love, hope, peace, acceptance and reconciliation. Here are a few Jesus’ quotes taken from the Bible (NRSV):

• ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’  This is the greatest and first commandment.  And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ Matthew 22: 37-39 
• ‘Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’ Matthew 11:28-30

In the end, Jesus’ followers claimed He was God, and when pressed, Jesus didn’t deny it. In fact, that’s what led to his early, excruciating death. It made sense of statements like:

• ‘I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!’ John 16:33

And my favourite:

• ‘The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly’. John 10:10

I find such teachings still hold relevance for us right now, here in Australia in 2018. We continue to desire to be at peace with ourselves, our families and friends and with other nations. Learning to love God still leads to learning to love and forgive those around us and also ourselves. And this tends to lead to an abundant life, not without its problems, but with a resilient hope to help us through.
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Wishing you all the blessings associated with that obscure, middle-eastern baby this Christmas!

Being a brave mother, I changed our Christmas gift-giving tradition a few years ago! Our children were all in their twenties, and well-supplied with the essentials of life and more. As they have been raised to be ‘givers’, we substituted exchanging presents within our family, for giving gifts to those who really needed them. To be honest, opening a card detailing the gift was less exciting than present opening around our Christmas tree. Although not everyone was keen the first year, we continue this new tradition, believing it represents the meaning of Christmas so much better.

The essential meaning of Christmas is of a loving God becoming human and living amongst us, hence identifying with our humanity completely. This event continues to provide us with a recorded example of Jesus’ life, including bold teachings on how to live justly and compassionately with our fellow humans. We are assured of God’s unconditional love for us, and encouraged to follow the way of life modelled by Jesus. Some people choose to do this very consciously. Others, less so, but often their lives show similar compassion towards others, offering hope and support to them when systems lack justice.

Everyone is welcome to come into churches or join the celebration at Christmas carols. While each gathering is slightly different, a time of joy and celebration it will be. Lane Cove Uniting Church would happily welcome you on Christmas Day at 9.30 am, corner Figtree St and Centennial Ave, Lane Cove.

If you aren’t keen on church, but would like to celebrate Christmas by rectifying some of the world’s inequalities, join me in utilising the Everything in Common Ethical Gift catalogue https://everythingincommon.com.au/  to purchase some thoughtful gifts.

After all, life is a precious gift worth celebrating!

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! (from The Bible, 2 Corinthians 9:15 NIV)