Greetings,
It is amazing to think that I have now been minister at Koonung Heights for six months.
What a blessing this time has been to me as I slowly get to know the members of our
congregation. When I received and read the Church Profile I remember thinking that Koonung would be a place that I thought I would feel happy to call home. This was, in part, due to the Mission Plan of the congregation, a plan which is approached from “the position of an open, generous and hospitable theology” which the congregation will “strive to attend to, both the inward-facing and the outward-facing.”
We have seen in Luke’s gospel that Jesus was a person who moved on the margins, including those who were on the outside of the established church. As the established church in this space, how do we move on the margins? How do we become relevant and invitational to others?
In some ways, I believe that a sign is one way to be outward-facing to those who are in our
community. It is a place we can share messages of faith, inclusiveness, welcome and social
justice, along with information about special events we are hosting, our worship services
and the market.
I do not see the sign as being about recruitment (what it can do for us) but rather about
community (what we can share with others). We have a light to shine in the community
and the sign is one way we can do this … a light which ultimately reflects on the goodness
of God. As Matthew 5:16 reminds us … let you shine your light before others, so that they
may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
I heard some concerns about the sign distracting drivers, and can assure people that the
sign would only be placed where the Local Council stipulates. They have already been
spoken to and been helpful in conversation. There is also the cost of the sign to be
considered, but rather than taking money away from our mission, a sign is one way to
enhance our mission, especially in the post-Christendom context that we find ourselves.
People are wary of the church and in recent times the media has portrayed our darker side.
This is a chance for us to provide a truer narrative of who we are at Koonung Heights.
I would encourage everyone to continue to pray as we strive to be the church that God calls us to be.
Blessings – Rev Heather.