Two Years On

Walking through Lane Cove now, is vastly different to my early days in 2014 when I arrived to become our first Community Chaplain. Short, friendly stops to catch up with young mums; waves and smiles with sporting colleagues, neighbours and friends; and some deeper talks, now punctuate my outings.
Early Lane Cove observations showed that, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive,’ is well understood and applied here, creating a highly-resourced community. Care of the natural environment features alongside the care of other people, and of an abundance of pets!
Significant transformation has been occurring. The demographic is rapidly changing, along with the upward trend of buildings. Problems and inevitable conflict accompany these physical changes, often beyond our local capacity to influence. Frustration, grief and sorrow for some existing residents is an unfortunate consequence that ought to be acknowledged.
This younger community comes with different needs. I frequently encounter young couples and families who have travelled great distances hoping for a better life, or have been transferred temporarily by their companies. Whereas these newcomers are courageous and capable, they often lack immediate family support at this pressurised time.
Innovative readers, how do we address this need? Our Community Chaplaincy team organises groups where people can meet in a casual, supportive way. The Mums’ Network welcomes all mums and young children to meet over a shared Sunday lunch and varied activities. Walk and Wonder is an intergenerational, group activity giving time to relax with others while admiring our local bush. We are considering an intergenerational book club where friendship and experience may be shared.
I would love to hear more of your ideas. If you would like to be involved, please contact me. Here’s to the next two years of cooperative learning and responding.

我這兩年來的經歷 （譯自Rev Karen的‘Two Year On’)
我現在走遍Lane Cove的街道上，和兩年前初抵達這地方當社區牧師時的感覺不一樣了。我跟上年青的母親作短而友善的交談；和正在作運動的同事、鄰居及朋友作微笑,揮手打招呼；還有參與深切談話，間中作遠足的。

我早已觀察到，這裏的居民明白和實踐‘施比受更得福氣’的道理，因而創立一個高度自供自給的社群。這裏的居民保護自然環境和樂於助人，令我吃驚的是他們養那麼多的寵物！
但是具重大影響的轉變正在醞釀中。隨著新住屋的數目增加，這裏的人口密度急劇上升了。人際問題和無可避免的衝突便多起，經常超出當局所能應付的。部份不幸遭受那些後果的人, 他們所產生的頹喪、痛楚和悲傷可不容忽視的。
這新一輩的社群帶來他們不同的需要。我常常遇到那些年輕夫婦，他們從遠方到此尋求較好的生活，或有給公司調派來臨時公幹的。這些新居民雖然勇毅及能幹，卻往往在這忍受壓力的期間，缺乏家人及時的幫助的。
能創新的讀者啊，能不替他們解決這等需要？我們的社區牧師團體有各類組合，讓人們無拘束地於輔助的環境下敘會。‘母親網絡’組歡迎任何母親及幼兒分享其主日午餐和各類活動。‘步行來感受自然的美妙’組是老幼咸宜的群體活動，借此放鬆下來，跟他人一起欣賞本地的郊野。我們正考慮增添老幼溝通的讀書會，好讓友誼和經驗交流的。
我很想知到你們所提供的多些意見。假使你們願意參與，請和我聯絡。這是我們另兩年的合作性學習和回應需要。……………….
我这两年来的经历  (译自Rev Karen的‘Two Year On’)
我现在走遍Lane Cove的街道上,和两年前抵达这地方当社区牧师时的感觉不一样了.我跟上年青的母亲作短而友善的交谈; 和正在运动的同事,邻居及朋友作微笑,挥手打招呼;还有参与深切谈话,间中作远足的.
我早已观察到,这里的居民明白和实践’施比受更有福气’的道理,因而创立一个高度自給自足的社群.这里的居民保护自然环境和乐於助人,令我吃惊的是他们养那么多宠物!
但是具重大影響的转变正在醞釀中. 隨著新住屋的数目增加,这里的人口密度急劇上升了, 人際问題和无可避免的衝突便多起，经常超出当局所能应付的.部份不幸遭受那些後果的人, 他们所產生的頹喪、痛楚和悲伤可不容忽視的。
这新一輩的社群帶来他们不同的需要。我常常遇到那些年轻夫婦，他们從远方到此寻求較好的生活，或有給公司調派來臨時公幹的。这些新居民虽然勇毅及能幹，卻往往在这忍受壓力的期间，缺乏家人及时的幇助的。
能創新的讀者啊，能不替他们解決这等需要？我们的社区牧師團体有各類組合，让人们無拘束地於輔助的環境下敘会。‘母亲网絡’組欢迎任何母亲及幼儿分享主日午餐和各类活动。‘步行来感受自然的美妙’組是老幼咸宜的群体活动，借此放鬆下来，跟他人一起欣賞本地的郊野。我们正考慮增添老幼溝通的讀书会，好让友誼和经驗交流的。
​我很想知到你们所提供的多些意見。假使你们愿意參与，請和我联络。这是我们另兩年的合作性学习和回应需要。