Still Thinking – Atonement and Sacrifice The word sacrifice has several meanings in the English language. It comes to us through Middle English, and from Old French with its roots in the Latin word sacrificium. The word sacrifice brings together the word sacred and fare, which means "to make a sacred". While this maybe the etymology of the word its theological meaning for those in the Christian faith is significant.
There is one particular meaning of the word sacrifice that relates to the death of Jesus that has dominated Christianity for 2,000 years and that is, "the act of offering something to a deity in propitiation or homage, especially the ritual slaughter of an animal or a person." This image of Jesus’ sacrifice and his death has caused theologians to build doctrinal edifices that emphasis what has come to be called, "substitutionary atonement theories."
Another way of understanding Jesus’ sacrifice which is compatible with the Biblical narrative, the etymology of the word and a wholistic theology is to see the word sacrifice as "a forfeiture of something highly valued (one’s life) for the sake of one considered having a greater value or claim (the lives of others)". In this way we understand that Jesus' death was unanticipated by Jesus, (although, I am sure he was aware that his message and teaching would enrage the authorities of the day) nevertheless, it was that actions of the Romans and/or the religious authorities of the day that brought about the death of Jesus. In this view Jesus died because of the sins of the world. And in his death we see an act of violence visited not only on an innocent man but one who was God’s anointed one. So "God was in Christ reconciling the world to God-self." No ransom is paid; no punishment is metered out by God; God is not remote and distant, rather God’s love is demonstrated in a selfless act of identification with Jesus and all who are oppressed by the "principalities and powers" in this world.
As we continue our journey through this Lenten season may we be guided and sustained by the witness of Jesus to find love and life even in the dark valley of suffering.
Stonnington Combined Lenten Pilgrimage
which will incorporate contemplation, conversation and prayer on the Theme of the "Hard Places"
The meetings will be in the worship sanctuary of each of the Stonnington Uniting Churches during Lent. Meeting places and times are as below:
St Andrews Gardiner:
10am Wednesday, 4 March and
7:00pm Thursday, 5 March.
Serrell Street:
10am Wednesday, 11 March and
7:00pm Thursday, 12 March.
Toorak:
10am Wednesday, 18 March and
7:00pm Thursday, 19 March.
Ewing Memorial:
10am Wednesday, 25 March and
7:00pm Thursday, 26 March.
Lenten Studies
Led by Bishop Graeme Rutherford retired Assistant Anglican Bishop of Newcastle.
Tuesday, March 17th at
St Peters Catholic Church.
From 7pm – 9pm.
The three studies will give a panoramic view of the Bible. Bishop Graeme's aim is to assist people to reflect on the 'unifying structure' of the biblical story in the light of their own life experience. He says, 'Everyone lives by a story. Everyone has a faith. Let's not be intimidated by those who say that only some do! The Old Testament scholar, Walter Brueggemann speaks of Christian conversion as 'the re-storying of one's life in the stories of the Bible'. Seen in this way, conversion is a word with an ongoing and repetitive force - something that does not happen once, but again and again. My prayer is that the Spirit of God will take the Word of God and apply it afresh to the minds, emotions and wills of all who gather for these ecumenical studies.'
John Macrae Centre – Afternoon Soirée
A special illustrated presentation will be given by Patricia Begg on her recent intimate perspective on the palaces at St Petersberg. This will be followed by an afternoon high tea and a glass of bubbles. The date is Sunday March 15, from 3-5pm and the cost per person is $25. Please book at JMC on 9829 0320.
John Macrae Centre – Driver required
JMC urgently needs a volunteer driver for our 8 seater bus to pick up our members at 10am-11am on Fridays and to drop them home at 3pm-4pm. If you can help please ring Katrina on 9829 0320 for more details. No special driving licence required.
Happy 330th birthday, Johann Sebastian!
To celebrate the 330th anniversary of JS Bach’s birth, our own organ virtuoso, Jennifer Chou will be give an organ concert on Saturday 21 March at 2pm. Admission is free, although any donations towards TUC’s Music Scholarship program will be gratefully received.
Book Launch
On Sunday, March 22, during our service, there will be the launch of two illustrated children’s books, The Parables of Jesus and The Miracles of Jesus. The books were illustrated by Lilia and Valentin Varetsa, who are two of our studio artists at Kinross House. The books will be on sale that morning.
DVD and After-Church Discussion On Sunday, 22 March 11:45 – 12:30 there will be a DVD and After-Church Discussion exploring the future of Religion with Sir Lloyd Geering.
Sir Lloyd George Geering is a New Zealand theologian and Presbyterian minister, who is Emeritus Professor of Religious Studies at Victoria University of Wellington.
The DVD is a part of the Progressive Christian Network of Victoria’s series, Exploring Open Christianity.
Anton Heiller Biography Book Launch
For the first time, Peter Planyavsky's significant biography has now been published by the University of Rochester.
The newly published book is available to the world in English, thanks to extensive and detailed translation work by Christa Rumsey. Sunday, 22 March 2:00pm. The afternoon will include Heiller performances by organists Jennifer Chou (Toorak UCA), Brendon Lukin (St David's UCA, Geelong) and Alan Thomas (Wesley UCA, Geelong).
Christa will give a comprehensive presentation of the translation work and share rare personal recordings from her private Heiller library.
Following the presentation and mini recital, Christa will be available to sign copies of the new book.
For more information contact Brendon Lukin, Ph: 0408 212 210. Society of Organists (Victoria) Inc.
Musical Comedy in Peace and War
Popular songs, ensembles, costumes and dances that evoke the period before and during the first World War. Performed by talented singers and musicians.
Sunday, 22 March 2015 4:00pm at St Aidan’s Nth Balwyn.
Admission: $25 and $20 concession. Please pay at the door. Refreshments provided after the concert. Enquiries and Bookings: David Ross-Smith 9809 0550 / 0429 907 908.
This is a fundraising concert for UnitingAgeWell Carer Respite Service’s ‘Music for David’ Program. www.unitingagewell.org
ANZAC Centenary Sunday, 26 April 2015 A Special Service of Remembrance of the Great War 1914-1918 will be held on Anzac Sunday, 26 April, at 10:15am at TUC. In part we will be honouring those whose names are recorded on the Toorak Presbyterian Church Honour Board and the Roll of Honour.
We wish to invite family members of those whose Names are inscribed to join us. This is a call to our present congregation to assist if they have knowledge of any relatives and a current contact address or phone number.
The brass Roll of Honour of Fallen Soldiers listing 24 names, is situated on the east wall of the transept. The Honour Board listing 129 men and women who served in the Great War is situated in the Dunlop Porch, the main south-east porch.
Please read the names, or collect a listing from the entry porch table or the church office. All information will be useful – please contact the Archives Committee – Pamela Wilson 9822 0089 or Jeanette McArthur 9818 2205 or leave a message with the church office. Thank You.
Palm Sunday
The Stonnington Uniting Churches are gathering together at TUC for our Palm Sunday service at 10:15am on Sunday, 29 March.
There will also be a 9am service.
Easter @ TUC
2nd April – Maundy Thursday – 7:30pm.
3rd April – Good Friday – 10:00am.
5th April – Easter Sunday – 10:15am.
TUC Flower Roster
Attention contributors!
Please check your emails for the dates on which you are rostered to arrange flowers for the Sunday morning service as there seems to be some confusion about dates.
Funeral planning
Are you interested in lodging a funeral plan with the TUC Office? It can give as little information as the hymns that you would like sung, or as elaborate as you like. If you would like to investigate the possibilities, please contact the office on 9829 0300 or email us at ToorakUC@bigpond.net.au
Moments in a Dream – The world of Ink Art – Seifu Sandaiji Seifu Sandaiji is a Bokusho artist who studied her art form under the guidance of Kofu Ohashi and Jikihara Gyokusei in Japan.
She has had group and solo exhibitions in Japan, the USA and Australia.
From March 12th - April 26th Kinross will display a solo exhibition by Seifu Sandaiji of new work created for Australia.
The Opening of the Exhibition is on Thursday 12th March; 6pm - 8pm
Enquiries & RSVP to: uat@toorak.unitingchurch.org.au; tel 03 9829 0340
Come and see brilliant contemporary Japanese ink art in a special exhibition.
Open 8:30am - 3:30pm Monday to Friday.
Sunday, 15 March 2pm – 4pm
Visual Art Performance – Seifu Sandaiji As part of the Moments in a Dream exhibition, A visual art performance by Seifu Sandaiji on Sunday 15th March 2pm - 4pm.
Accompanied by the bass flutist Peter Sheridan and and Japanese drummer Takeo Doi.
The event will also be enriched through the service of Japanese green tea by tea master - Scott Rogers.
Gold Coin Entry.
Manse Gallery Café
The café is filled with light, warmth, flowers on the table and good food. Please call in for great coffee, hot soup or delicious cake. It has a wonderful atmosphere with outstanding meals and coffee. Why not meet up with friends or conduct your next meeting there? The Café now has EFTPOS – no need to remember to have cash.
For enquiries and (group) bookings contact Raz Psonis on 9829 0341 email: meetatmanse@gmail.com Raz and her team will make you very welcome. Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am – 3:30pm.
Gallery Contacts:
For all exhibition enquiries and bookings please telephone Lyndel Wischer on: 9829 0340 or email: uat@toorak.unitingchurch.org.au or visit the Kinross House page on the TUC website. You are also welcome to call in to the Kinross House Office which is normally attended 10 am – 3 pm, Tuesday – Friday or by appointment.
Lectionary Readings for 22 March 2015, Lent 5
Jeremiah 31: 31 – 34; Psalm 51: 1 – 12; Hebrews 5: 5 – 10; John 12: 20 – 33.
The liturgical colour for Palm Sunday is purple.
For recent issues of 'Update' select the Sunday of the month or the year below
The word sacrifice has several meanings in the English language. It comes to us through Middle English, and from Old French with its roots in the Latin word sacrificium. The word sacrifice brings together the word sacred and fare, which means "to make a sacred". While this maybe the etymology of the word its theological meaning for those in the Christian faith is significant.
On Sunday, 22 March 11:45 – 12:30 there will be a DVD and After-Church Discussion exploring the future of Religion with Sir Lloyd Geering.
Moments in a Dream – The world of Ink Art – Seifu Sandaiji