Greetings,
Earlier in the month I, and some others, were invited to attend the meeting of the Mont Albert North Probus Club who meet in Watson Hall each month. I think the invitation was partly in appreciation of the facilities we offer, but it was also a good chance to get to meet some of the members.
The speaker for the day was the Hon. Justice David Harper AM (Retired) who has worked as a judge and also served on panels which have been established by the Victorian Government. He was speaking on the topic Courts, Crime and Consequences and his speech was most interesting.
During question time I asked whether he could comment on how we might change the dialogue and narrative around things like ‘terrorism’ which seem to be so prevalent in our media and are making us fearful. He responded by saying that as a nation we are far more fearful than we should be as many more people in Australia die in road accidents and through domestic violence than from acts of terrorism. Part of the problem is that media present a message that sells and, unfortunately, ‘fear sells’.
Justice Harper went on to say that it is through groups getting together, talking and sharing stories that we can change the narrative, and that the church has a role here. When I thanked him privately at the end of the meeting, he mentioned that the Uniting Church is one of the places that contributes very positively in the public space. I don’t know whether Justice Harper is a man of faith, but this is an interesting and thought-provoking reflection, and something that members of the Uniting Church can be proud of. What we do does make a difference, even if we are too close to it to always see the impact
it has.

On 12 October there will be the opportunity to attend Building Bridges Through Story, an event where we will hear stories from vulnerable members of the community.
The focus will be on indigenous, LGBTIQ+ and refugee people whose stories are so rarely heard. This is a whole day event but would be well worth attending.
(See the notice in this news sheet, or on the table inside the door for more information and to register.)
Let us never tire of having conversations and telling good stories – stories of ourselves, of our faith, and of the one who loves us for all eternity.
Blessings – Rev Heather.