Coming to terms with loss in our lives is part of the journey we all face in our earthly walk. In part 1 I pointed out that there are various stages of grief that go with loss and it is helpful to be able to step back in times of loss and work out exactly what is going on within yourself. Easier said than done but worth trying to do!

The question that I want us to consider in this second paper is this: Is there such a thing as good grief? …

When you consider all that is going on in the world at the moment it is easy to be overwhelmed by the level of pain and suffering. This year we have seen earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, cyclones and bushfires not to mention the incredible people's revolution engulfing North Africa and the Middle East. It is difficult to think of a time in recent history when there has been such a level of suffering due to both 'natural' and human causes. …

As a Parish there are a number of people and families facing some big challenges at the moment. It has been a joy to see the St Alban's family rally in love and support on a wide scale. The prayer meetings have been very encouraging and well attended, the food ministry has kicked into over drive and there has been a genuine outpouring of love amongst God's people. This is wonderful and it is part of what makes being in a Church family so meaningful. …

Our current sermon series in 1 Timothy is raising a lot of discussion about church life and conduct - which is a good and healthy thing. One issue that seems to be causing considerable debate - concerns the roles of men & women in the church as taught in 1 Timothy 2.11-15.

If you haven't heard my sermon on this passage then you might like to go and listen to it as a first point of call. In essence - what I said was, …

As many will know - my life before full time ministry was in finance and stockbroking. I would descibe myself as a compassionate capitalist if I had to identify my preferred economic position. Of all the systems we have for operating in our world capitalism seems to be the best in a democratic society. However, the capitalism I see in our world today is making me sick! There is little compassion and we seem to have learnt little from the GFC. …

Having just returned from India after a two week trip in which I visited various christian groups and spoke at many Pastor's Conferences one thing is clear - India is a country on the move and undergoing enormous transformation!
Economically, India is becoming a superpower. You probably already knew that - but the changes that have taken place in the four years since my last visit have been substantial. For example, …

India is as colourful & chaotic as the last time I visited. There is much evidence of the economic growth in this country but very little has reached the poor people of rural India where the India Gospel League does most of its work. The needs for people to hear the gospel and for Pastors to be trained continues to be great. IGL now supports over 6000 pastors!! They provide training support and care. …

Surely Michael Jackson's death is a reminder that death happens to everyone - even if untimely and that money solves nothing - in fact it often creates problems! Following on from the GFC you would have thought that the lesson of 'you can't take it with you' had been spelt out for all the world to see. If the circus surrounding the Oz Lotto draw is anything to go on - we don't seem to have learnt much at all. …

On Thursday evening, we screened the film 'A Walk to Beautiful' in the Parish Hall. It was wonderful to see over 150 people gather from St Alban's and the wider community to witness this powerfully moving story.

In brief, the film depicts the plight of young women in Ethiopia who are married at a young age ie. 13 and fall pregnant soon after. However, their small bodies are still developing and unable to successfully deliver a healthy baby. …

The Four Corners programme screened on the ABC last Monday night, highlighted the sordid details of a number of unsavoury sexual encounters involving Rugby League players. One of those players was Matthew Johns, who has lost his job at Channel 9 on the 'Footy Show' due to his involvement in a sexual encounter back in 2002 in Christchurch, NZ, when he was playing for the Cronulla Sharks. It has led to huge public comment on a wide front. …

God in his kindness designed us to live in close knit communities. At the heart of our communities is the family unit and at the heart of the family unit is the mother, who holds a unique and special place.  
A mother has the privilege, joy and challenge of bringing to birth the next generation. She has a special bond with her children, that is very different from that of a father.   
A mothers' love for her children is a deep well that often knows no bounds. …

The out break of Swine Flu has World Health authorities VERY nervous! Maybe you are as well. Today I received an email from a concerned friend quoting his doctor as saying, _'whatever you do get a prescription for a dose of tamiflu NOW - and put it in the fridge.' Clearly there is 'cause for concern but not alarm' if President Obama is to be believed. What amazes me is how responsive we are to physical concerns but almost dismissive of any suggestion of a spiritual or even moral pandemic. …

With Easter here once again we have an opportunity to do more than just have a holiday - we have the opportunity to consider the claims of Jesus once again. The testimony of the Bible is that he was the Son of God who came in fulfillment of God's promises to rescue his people. He said he was the lamb of God who came to take away the sin of the world. He did this by laying down his life - by taking the wrath of God in our place - he did this willingly - because of love. …

Sunday 5 April was Palm Sunday and members of St Alban's decided to embark on an Easter Door Knock to wish the residents of Lindfield a Happy Easter, offer them and Easter egg (who could resist) and an invitation to one of our services this coming weekend.

My wife and I visited a section of the community and the response was overwhelmingly positive. When the door opened - at first you could see the dread (Oh no - who is this? …

It has been interesting to watch the G20 Summit unfold in London this past week. At one level it could be argued that this summit was all about saving the political careers of those who were present because people back home want to see something done about the worsening recession - and we all know recessions are not usually good news for incumbent governments. …