​The lovely flower had seen better days. Battered by the harsh weather conditions, its exquisite petals fell prematurely, leaving behind a rich centre unlikely to be fertilised. Life is about survival in order to reproduce, explained my science teacher long ago. Did that extraordinary colour and form count for nothing then? The delicacy and detail involved, spoke to me of something higher than mere functionality. In it, I saw the extravagance of a Creator who wants to evince joy in us!

Extravagant emotions, such as joy, accompany precious moments in life. From the beaming toddler’s proffered bouquet of brightly flowering weeds, to the heartfelt union of a marriage ceremony, such moments can catch us unaware, deeply touching our souls. A point to ponder: from where does that ‘inner gasp’ of delight originate?

Although beauty and creativity are abundant, we need to be open to their delightfulness. A revelation of beauty changes us and our outlook on life for the better. Have you been touched deeply by art or poetry or music? These pursuits may seem superfluous when productivity is prioritised. Yet for those who have cultivated their ability to appreciate their beauty, they add an unparalleled richness to life.

Lane Cove Community Chaplaincy aims to help people experience ‘life in all its fullness’. Our Walk and Wonder activity is designed to grow participants’ appreciative capacity of the natural wonders around them, for a couple of hours a month. Afterwards there is an optional, culinary experience to delight our tastebuds at a local restaurant for Dinner. Our Book Club appreciates the writing talent of Australian authors while savouring wine, cheese and good company. An hour of weekly Meditation may superficially appear to be a waste of time, but brings peace and counters anxiety and stress.
​
Come and spend some time pursuing these, or other activities, that bring delight to your soul. Remember, we are lovingly and intentionally created with the capacity to enjoy life extravagantly.

奢侈! (譯自Karen牧師的‘Extravagance')


那朵可愛的花曾經歷較好的日子。在嚴峻的天氣打擊下，它精致的花瓣提早凋落了，留下花肥也挽救不了的花柱。生命有關乎存活來繁殖下一代，這是多年前我的科學老師解釋的。但是那精美的顏色和形態就算白廢了的嗎? 那朵花的柔嫩和細微之處告訴我，它有比實用較高的層面。從而我看到，造物主要顯示奢華現象來使我們歡欣!


奢侈的情緒，諸如歡欣，是隨著生命中寶貴一刻而起的。由愉快地微笑的幼兒送上多彩的野花至婚禮的衷心結合，都能無意中觸及心靈的深處。有一點我們要考慮：這喜悅的‘內心突諤’原自哪裏呢？


雖然美麗和創作隨處都可以找到，我們需要開懷接受才可享受那分愉快的。美感的默啟改善我們和我們的前瞻。你們有沒有深受藝術、詩詞或音樂感動？這類追求或許於生產力為尚的想法裏看來是多餘的。但是那些培養了欣賞美感能力者，可增加了無可比美的生活滿足感。


Lane Cove社區牧師意圖幫助您們體驗‘豐滿的生活’。我們的步行中體驗驚嘆Walk and Wonder活動是為了參與者每月只花兩個鐘頭來欣賞週遭的自然奇景而設計的。其後有隨意參加的在本區食肆用晚膳。


我們的閱讀俱樂部Book Club讓你們於賞識澳洲作家的才華之餘，享受美酒、芝士及同伴。逢星期一花一個鐘頭的冥想表面上是費時的，但帶來平安感和消除焦慮及壓力。


請蒞臨花點時間參與以上的，或其他的活動，在在都能帶給您心靈愉快的。請記著，我們是為了愛而給著意地受造的，具能力奢華地享受生活。


。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。


奢侈! (译自Karen牧师的‘Extravagance')


那朵可爱的花曾经历较好的日子。在严峻的天气打击下，它精致的花瓣提早凋落了，留下花肥也挽救不了的花柱。生命有关乎存活来繁殖下一代，这是多年前我的科学老师解释的。但是那精美的颜色和形态就算白废了的吗? 那朵花的柔嫩和细微之处告诉我，它有比实用较高的层面。从而我看到，造物主要显示奢华现象来使我们欢欣!


奢侈的情绪，诸如欢欣，是随着生命中宝贵一刻而起的。由愉快地微笑的幼儿送上多彩的野花至婚礼的衷心结合，都能无意中触及心灵的深处。有一点我们要考虑∶这喜悦的‘内心突谔’原自哪裏呢？


虽然美丽和创作随处都可以找到，我们需要开怀接受才可享受那分愉快的。美感的默启改善我们和我们的前瞻。你们有没有深受艺术丶诗词或音乐感动？这类追求或许于生产力为尚的想法裏看来是多馀的。但是那些培养了欣赏美感能力者，可增加了无可比美的生活满足感。


Lane Cove社区牧师意图帮助您们体验‘丰满的生活’。我们的步行中体验惊叹Walk and Wonder活动是为了参与者每月只花两个钟头来欣赏週遭的自然奇景而设计的。其后有随意参加的在本区食肆用晚膳。


我们的阅读俱乐部Book Club让你们于赏识澳洲作家的才华之馀，享受美酒丶芝士及同伴。逢星期一花一个钟头的冥想表面上是费时的，但带来平安感和消除焦虑及压力。


请莅临花点时间参与以上的，或其他的活动，在在都能带给您心灵愉快的。请记着，我们是为了爱而给着意地受造的，具能力奢华地享受生活。

Alain de Botton寫的《Religion for Atheists 無神論者的宗教》是不可能為一名基督教
牧師閱讀所選的！但de Botton所提供的大前題具魅力：有什麼宗教思想能給無神論者
‘盗取’的（書皮的擇要）？這本是使人驚奇而敬佩作者的書籍，其內容包括眾多基
督徒生活模式的價值觀和功能性的社會運作。無論如何我選擇‘為了大眾而分享智慧
’這途徑。其他信仰和背景的人仕可供學習的榜樣甚多。
故此，我停了下來作回顧Lane Cove Community Chaplaincy 供獻什麼給這社區。我們
的活動是廣納地傳播‘good news好消息’給教會外的友人。當人際關係切斷了時我
們提供活動來讓群眾創作地和肯定地參與。沒有競爭而來者不拒的。
我對這著手法并無後悔，但它隱藏著欺騙來者的危險，就是這些貢獻被認為是‘基督
教的最優點’。創造肯定的社會是好的，但不能認為這是最好的辦法。組織支緩性的
社會已經是眾多教會數百年來所作的事了，但這是基督教的副產品。對上神的信仰帶
來更濃的深度和豐饒！由此帶來極需要的品質如強適應、對現在和將來有希望、羞恥
和罪惡得解脫等少數例子。
我不帶領傳統性的教會，雖然受助於其中之一的Lane Cove Uniting Church。相反地，
我一如其他同道，主持空間讓人們自行探索，基督教能供獻給他們的東西。有關以上
或我們的活動 (link to https://www.lanecovecc.com/groups-and-events.html )的詳情請跟
我聯絡，全部都是來者不拒而互相充實你我的。
耶穌說：‘我的目的是給他們豐盛滿足的生命。’（聖經約翰福音 第10章第10節
NLT）
…………………………………………
令人诧异的学习来源 （译自Karen牧师的‘Surprising Sources of Learning')
​
Alain de Botton写的《Religion for Atheists无神论者的宗教》是不可能为一名基督教牧
师阅读所选的！但de Botton所提供的大前题具魅力∶有什麽宗教思想能给无神论者‘
盗取’的（书皮的择要）？这本是使人惊奇而敬佩作者的书籍，其内容包括众多基督
徒生活模式的价值观和功能性的社会运作。无论如何我选择‘为了大众而分享智慧’
这途径。其他信仰和背景的人仕可供学习的榜样甚多。
故此，我停了下来作回顾Lane Cove Community Chaplaincy 供献什麽给这社区。我们
的活动是广纳地传播‘good news好消息’给教会外的友人。当人际关系切断了时我
们提供活动来让群众创作地和肯定地参与。没有竞争而来者不拒的。
我对这着手法并无后悔，但它隐藏着欺骗来者的危险，就是这些贡献被认为是‘基督
教的最优点’。创造肯定的社会是好的，但不能认为这是最好的办法。组织支缓性的
社会已经是众多教会数百年来所作的事了，但这是基督教的副产品。对上神的信仰带
来更浓的深度和丰饶！由此带来极需要的品质如强适应丶对现在和将来有希望丶羞耻
和罪恶得解脱等少数例子。
我不带领传统性的教会，虽然受助于其中之一的Lane Cove Uniting Church。相反地，
我一如其他同道，主持空间让人们自行探索，基督教能供献给他们的东西。有关以上
或我们的活动 (link to https://www.lanecovecc.com/groups-and-events.html )的详情请跟
我联络，全部都是来者不拒而互相充实你我的。
耶稣说∶‘我的目的是给他们丰盛满足的生命。’（圣经约翰福音 第10章第10节
NLT）

It’s been a full-on week for me. Suddenly everything has come at once professionally, with a family crisis calling for my attention in the midst. With many demands swirling in my head, my sleep is also somewhat disturbed. But it’s okay, because it is just for a season and rest is coming. I am about to hit the pause button and take some time out for a one-day retreat.

Tomorrow, I am going to the Blue Mountains for a day and taking 8 people with me to enjoy the experience. It’s a time to nurture the spirit, let the mind run free, while nourishing the body - with some optional, light exercise thrown in.

It always amazes me how much better I feel after a short break. As one who enjoys a multiplicity of activities, sitting still and deliberately being slow appears to be an anathema. Yet the reverse is true. Give me a flat rock with a nature view in the sun, or a seat by a good fire, with something to gently ponder and its close to heaven for me. Add in delicious food and company between sessions and I reckon I’m there!

So many of us in Sydney have hectic lives. Some readers may not be able to afford a full day to retreat. However, it is important to step away from constant stimulation and be reflective. Hence, Lane Cove Community Chaplaincy offers a diversity of contemplative activities. Weekly meditation is held Thursdays at 11.30am - 12.15pm. Our 90-minute Sunday afternoon ‘Walk and Wonder’ is intentionally contemplative, connecting us with nature and each other. Contemplative spirituality offers enough space for people holding different beliefs to come together peacefully and find refreshment.

Contact me if you would like to try one of our contemplative practices. More information is available on our website (www.lanecovecc/groups-and-events.html). Or you may have a suggestion that we can facilitate for you? We love to welcome newcomers to our peaceful community.

                        Be still, and know that I am God. (The Bible, Psalm 46:10 ESV)
 
 

​我過了整星期每天繁忙的日子。突然公事湧至，其中加上（回南澳）作家庭急事需處理。無數要求在我頭裏旋轉，我的睡眠給打擾了。但無妨，因為只是一點生活醬料而休息就快到了。我將會按暫停鍵花一天時間來退省。
 
明天我會帶8個參與者到藍山Blue Mountains 來享受這經驗。是時候照顧心靈，讓思維開放，同時滋養身體 － 納入輕易運動。
 
我常驚訝來一點小休息就感到身心恢復了。我享受多類活動，坐著不動和刻意放緩表面上看是極端厭惡的事情。但相反地静坐是需要的。給我一塊具自然風景的平坦大石讓我沐浴在陽光下，或一個火爐旁的座位來作淺度深思就像接近天堂了。添了食物和伙伴我一定到會的。
 
有些悉尼居民過著忙碌的生活。甚至讀者中有不能花整天作退省的。雖然如此，離開經常的刺激來回顧生活是重要的。因此，, Lane Cove Community Chaplaincy 獻給大家多元的思考活動。每星期有星期四上午11時30分至12時15分的冥想。星期日下午的‘步行中驚嘆自然的美妙Walk and Wonder'是深入思考性的，連接自然和參與者的活動。思考性的心靈交往，供給足夠的空間讓不同信仰者和平地相處和分享。
 
假如您有意嘗試我們的思考性活動，請跟我聯絡。詳情在網頁(www.lanecovecc/groups-and-events.html)。或者您有提供建議，待我們促成的呢？ 我們誠意地歡迎新團友來這和平的團體。
 
安靜下來，你就知到我是上神。（聖經，詩篇第46章第10節 ESV）
……………………………………….
按暂停键                   （译自Karen牧师的‘Hit Pause!'
 
我过了整星期每天繁忙的日子。突然公事湧至，其中加上（回南澳）作家庭急事需处理。无数要求在我头裏旋转，我的睡眠给打扰了。但无妨，因为只是一点生活酱料而休息就快到了。我将会按暂停键花一天时间来退省。
 
明天我会带8个参与者到蓝山Blue Mountains 来享受这经验。是时候照顾心灵，让思维开放，同时滋养身体 － 纳入轻易运动。
 
我常惊讶来一点小休息就感到身心恢复了。我享受多类活动，坐着不动和刻意放缓表面上看是极端厌恶的事情。但相反地静坐是需要的。给我一块具自然风景的平坦大石让我沐浴在阳光下，或一个火炉旁的座位来作浅度深思就像接近天堂了。添了食物和伙伴我一定到会的。
 
有些悉尼居民过着忙碌的生活。甚至读者中有不能花整天作退省的。虽然如此，离开经常的刺激来回顾生活是重要的。因此，, Lane Cove Community Chaplaincy 献给大家多元的思考活动。每星期有星期四上午11时30分至12时15分的冥想。星期日下午的‘步行中惊叹自然的美妙Walk and Wonder'是深入思考性的，连接自然和参与者的活动。思考性的心灵交往，供给足够的空间让不同信仰者和平地相处和分享。

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!