​Dear friends,
 
With the marriage equality postal vote looming, I am very concerned about the exposure of homophobic and transphobic messages that you and our LGBTIQ community may encounter over the next several months.  Hurtful and hateful messages that demean us as human beings, are already filling news feeds and the airwaves. There is still so much ignorance in various pockets of our society. This ignorance may be the cause of the unleashing of a campaign of bullying and vilification that can do us great harm. I am particularly concerned for our younger LGBTIQ friends, as well as those who struggle with mental and emotional wellbeing. My fears echo those of Michael Kirby who has expressed that in this campaign ahead our community will be hearing a message of hate, further reinforcing feelings of low self-esteem as well as the mindset that we already carry of being second class citizens.
 
Sadly, some of the greatest opponents to marriage equality will be from people professing to represent our loving God. The damage these voices have already caused our LGBTIQ community is enormous. So many have long given up on ever stepping foot inside a church because of the homophobia that continues to exist in many churches today. Despite the effort of LGBTIQ friendly congregations to build bridges, there is still much suspicion, fear and intolerance between the Christian and LGBTIQ communities. 
 
Now, like never before, you and I have opportunity to stand strong together, under God's rainbow of promises, to show the world what God's love really looks like. Our message continues to be a simple one: We are ALL God's children, created in God's image to share this earth, God's creation, together.
 
DON'T GIVE UP ON GOD 
Please do not let any messages of ignorance or hate cause you to doubt that God Loves you! You are created in God's image TO SHINE! We are ALL God's children, and no matter what, God will always help you, love you, and struggle with you through whatever storm lies ahead. 
 
DON'T GIVE UP ON FAITH COMMUNITY  
God never intended for us to live out our faith in isolation to each other. We need each other, just as much as we need God. This is a time when we can be there for each other, with God in our midst. 
 
There are some other great organizations that can help too if you or a loved one need support, such as Beyond Blue, www.beyondblue.org.au  Q Life https://qlife.org.au/ and ACON http://www.acon.org.au/

My prayer for you is that you stand strong and firm against whatever storm you may encounter. The rainbow is a symbol of God’s promise to the world.  God has promised to be with us, help us and protect us. God's promises are ones you can rely on. May you continue to trust in our loving God in the months ahead to be with you, bringing you reassurance and peace in those moments when you need God’s added blessing.
Love and more Love,
Pastor Sue 

BJays Report 2015

This is our very first report for BJays – we’ve been going nearly a year. Over this time we’ve had some wonderful experiences as we chat over wraps and coffee.

In the latter part of the year we trialled having BJays at the Hub in Mt Druitt – a wonderful experience meeting new people and having a fully equipped kitchen. After much thought, prayer and discussion we have decided however to keep BJays at “home” in Cranebrook. In doing so we can better focus on the needs of the community that is geographically close to the Open Door.

We’ve really appreciated the time, skills, input and presence of Anne and Julie over the year. Many thanks to you both. And of course to Sue, for being faithful to our mission of promoting Christ’s peace and love within our community.

With our constant vision of having a 7 day a week church, we hope to build more of a connection with the community around us; and with the spirit of invitation, be open to sharing Christ’s love and peace with others in a relaxed environment.

Over the next year we hope to tie BJays in with the Community Garden and perhaps our Sunday night worship time. And of course, this involves offering good coffee! Thanks to Alex and Steph, we now have a “proper” coffee machine that makes really good coffee.

It’s also been wonderful having people there to help set up and pack away. As we move into our second year, I would like to see all of us at BJays volunteer more to help in whatever way we can – whether it’s making coffee, helping with serving meals or whatever may come up. We need lots of help – and with our wonderful Open Door people working together, we can really help to make a difference in the world around us.

Trish Sammut

I often talk about yin and yang and how the good the bad and the ugly often go hand in hand. Without a doubt, this has been the most difficult of all the years that I have been pastor. Stresses and challenges have been ongoing. It’s been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, and, at times, school teaching seemed like a holiday! But when I look back over the past twelve months, I am filled with much joy at the amazing ways God is leading us, the Open Door congregation, to grow into a tree that bears much fruit.  I am humbly aware of my shortcomings in this role at times and am so grateful for the support, direction and leadership of my two counsellors, Bill Gillard and Helen Taylor. I am also filled with joy to see our new priesthood growing in confidence as they step into new roles and responsibilities in our congregation. But most of all I see you, our congregation, being the hands and feet of Jesus for each other, and those around you. And I realise that it is not the visible, noticeable jobs, but the behind the scenes, unenviable tasks that are quietly taken care of, that give me most joy. Giving the toilets a clean, helping someone carry stuff in from the car, taking out the rubbish bin, picking someone up for church. In each small task, I see the spirit of Christ in action, in you, for which I am truly grateful.

Our average weekly Sunday night attendance for the year is 22.  Wouldn’t it be great to see this rise to 30 by the end of 2016? People loving being together with God and each other! Yahoo! When we stop to consider all the other things that have been going on, however, we see that we are actually being the church more than just Sunday evening. We are becoming a seven day a week church!

In February of this year BJays café began under the leadership of Trish Sammut. Meeting every Wednesday for two hours, this new ministry has averaged around ten people in attendance each week. Thank you to Julie Bradley and Anne Bonnefin for working with Trish in this first year of BJays.

Another new initiative that began this year is the ‘Youth is Knocking’ youth group. We have welcomed Jamie and Leanne Powell who, with Liam Baird and Stephen Elliott, have become trained youth leaders for the formation of a rainbow youth group. We look forward to seeing this group grow in the coming year.

The Western Sydney Transgender support Group under the leadership of Stephanie Purdy, Alex Foster, Robyn Beasy and Rachel, as well as the Coming Out Group, coordinated by Liz Rayner, have continued to meet monthly, providing support to our LGBTIQ community.

The congregation has benefited from twice monthly bible studies and care and share groups, capably led by Rob Millington and Trish Sammut.

Other important events this year included participation at Fairday and the Mardigras Parade. Close to thirty people marched with the Open Door in the parade this year under our wonderful ‘Love is Love’ banner. And more than twenty volunteers assisted in running our stall at Fairday in February.

Our IDAHOTB event this year was quite memorable as we combined the planning with other Western Sydney LGBT groups. More than 200 people attended the picnic on May 17 at Regatta Park, Penrith, with local performers presenting music and entertainment, to ‘Shine the Light’ on homophobia and transphobia.

Marriage Equality lobbying and workshops were a part of our calendar this year, under the leadership of Wayne Chilver. Some of our congregation met and spoke with local member Fiona Scott, and collected signatures to present to her. On August 30th Fiona Scott was our guest at our Family Night, and God’s presence was strong as we combined religion, politics and marriage equality into a worshipful time together.

The formation of the Care team this month is also a highlight for our congregation. Seventeen people have volunteered to be care bears and attended our workshop a couple of weeks ago to be part of this pastoral care ministry. 

We have had so many wonderful moments together this year, that when I look back, the difficult moments start to fade. God is blessing us, helping us, and directing us to make a difference!

I happened to open up my Pastor’s report from 2004, back when we were about ten in number,  and saw back then that I had written,

What is next? You may well ask. I believe that God has work for us to do.  God has empowered us to create and solidify this community for a purpose.  It is up to us to be ready to be who God wants us to be and to have that door open for who God next sends our way. Let’s be prayerfully open to where the Spirit is leading us in the next twelve months.  I believe God has a work for us to do.  And I hope and pray that we each are ready to say “Here am I Lord, send me.”

When I think about ‘what is next?’ for 2016, I see how truly how God has been growing us over the past decade. I see God’s transforming power at work in each of you.   I see how you respond to the gentle promptings of the good Spirit and find new ways to show Love for one another and the world around you. We are about the mission that matters most, the mission of Jesus Christ. May Christ’s mission bring you added joy in the year ahead.  What a privilege it is to be sharing this joyful journey with each of you! 

Thanks be to God!

Sue Palmer

Youth Leader Report - 2015

It has been a very interesting year for the youth group - Youth Is Knocking.
We have had many highs and a few challenges, all have led to a really good starting year.

We have started the year by hitting the ground running. We hit the schools in the local area to promote the group, with the help of the fliers provided by Anne. We didn't get a lot of response from this venture, but it was a great way of promoting for both YIK and Open Door.

Most of our YIK nights have been very fun. On the nights that we do have youth in attendance, we provide a nice meal, fun games and end the night with a peace candle. We did have one really good night up at Sue's house, where we had a potentially questionable barbecue, a lot of laughs, falling off chairs and a good chat.

On the nights we didn't have youth, we took the opportunity to bond as a team and build our skills to better serve our youth.

Our biggest challenge was lack of youth, which we hope to improve, one strategy is to create partnerships with agencies, schools and other youth programs.

Next year will be much bigger than this year, with many events in the pipeline, and hopefully much more youth, laughter and fun.

Jamie Powell

2015 HAS BEEN A BIG YEAR FOR THE WSTSG (WESTERN SYDNEY TRANSGENDER SUPPORT GROUP) IT MAY HAVE STARTED SLOW BUT WHEN SUE MADE A CLOSED SUPPORT GROUP WITH THE PAGE ON FACEBOOK WE NOW HAVE 144 MEMBERS AND 10 TO 15 COMING TO MONTHLY GROUP MEETINGS ON THE SATURDAY NIGHT.

THIS YEAR HAS BEEN GREAT STEPH WENT WITH ALEX TO THE FTM GROUP AT THE GENDER CENTRE AND MEET SOME OTHER GUYS FROM THERE THAT LIVE OUT WEST SO THEY JOINED THE GROUP MAKING IT MORE MIXED. WE’VE HAD A FEW BIRTHDAY DINNERS AS WELL.

WE’VE ALSO HAD A FEW INQUIRES FROM OTHER ORGANISATIONS WANTING HELP AND ASSISTANCE WITH TRANS YOUTH SO STEPH AND ALEX HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH THEM TO HELP THE YOUNG ONES AND THEIR FAMILIES, WE HAVE ALSO BEEN ADVOCATING WITH GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS THROUGH EMAILS TO ASSIST MEMBERS IN CHANGING THEIR DETAILS.

IN AUGUST WE MET WITH THE MT DRUITT LAC NSW POLICE GLLO OFFICER AND HAD THEM COME ALONG AS A GUEST SPEAKER FOR ONE OF THE MEETINGS. THIS WAS VERY WELL RECEIVED AND WE ARE LOOKING AT GETTING OTHER GUEST SPEAKERS IN THE FUTURE.

SOME OF THE MEMBERS EXPRESSED INTEREST IN HAVING MONTHLY/BIMONTHLY SOCIAL GET TOGETHERS THE FIRST ONE WAS ON THE 7TH OF NOVEMBER  A FEW WENT WAS A RELAXED CHAT WITH FRIENDS, WE WILL BE LOOKING AT FUN ACTIVITIES TO DO LIKE AQUA GOLF, FISHING DAYS, POOL, PUB NIGHTS, DINNERS WHATEVER THEY FEEL LIKE ORGANISING.

ON THE 21ST NOVEMBER WAS THE TDoR WE HAD A SERVICE TO REMEMBER THOSE THAT HAVE BEEN MURDERED FOR JUST BEING TRANSGENDER, STEPH MADE A BELL THAT WE RUNG FOR EACH NAME THAT WAS READ OUT AND ALEX DID A PRAYER, 4 MEMBERS OF THE GROUP RANG THE BELL.

OUR HOPES FOR 2016 WOULD BE TO HAVE MORE ATTENDING, LOOKING AT A GRANT TO PURCHASE SOME EQUIPMENT FOR PRINTING DOCUMENTS AND FORMS FOR UPDATING MEMBERS DETAILS WITH GOVERNMENT DEPT’S AS STEPHANIE IS NOW A JP.

WE WOULD ALSO LIKE TO GET SOME EQUIPMENT THAT THOSE TRANSITIONING NEED TO USE AS THEY TRANSITION EG THE MAN BITS/BINDERS AND THE WOMENS BITS/BREAST FORMS, WERE ALSO HOPING FOR AN OFFICE AREA TO HELP THOSE IN NEED FULL-TIME.

AND PLAN MORE GROUP ACTIVITIES FOR MEMBERS AND THEIR PARTNERS AND FAMILIES…….

Alex Foster for the WSTSG

Scriptures:   Isaiah 6:1-6, John 3:1-17, D&C 164:9

Be still and know that I am God.

These beautiful scriptures all describe our journey towards what God is calling us for.

How can I know what direction I’m going in if I don’t listen – to God, my instincts and my fellow brothers and sisters? I must take time to be with God – quiet moments when I can connect with God and myself, and take time to listen to each other. We often pray for direction and help, but then we often don’t stop to listen to the spirit in response.

Part of the reason for this is that there is often lots of noise, not only around us, but inside – in our head…. Noise is stressful!!

I’d encourage each of us to take time to stop and reflect …. Quieten the noise. I know when I haven’t taken enough time out – I become stressed and can’t see things clearly. It can be difficult in our busy lives, but it’s to our detriment – both psychologically and spiritually – if we don’t. We must take time out before we’re forced to.

We can take time while we’re doing the relatively mundane things in life – I often think and pray when I iron early in the morning before everyone else gets up. And when I’m in the car alone I turn the radio off so I can be in quiet. So we can often fit some quiet time in – we just need to be mindful of doing it.

And take time to absorb the scriptures – we had a great time on Tuesday night looking at these same scriptures. It’s a wonderful thing to be in a group that is so diverse, with different viewpoints, and being ok with that. We can learn so much from each other.

The sacraments of the church are another way we can connect to God in a special way – in sacred community.

And when we connect to our outer world, and see it through God’s eyes …….. in the midst of the beauty of creation, we see brokenness, pain and suffering; and in response we say “Here I am, Send me”.

I don’t need to be perfect – we are all called. Yet it’s the nature of things that I can’t give of myself if I don’t know who I am giving away. I can’t give of myself if I don’t know who that ‘self’ is. It can be painful to let go of our old way of thinking, or reacting, especially to a perceived threat, but take heart – be courageous, because we can’t and shouldn’t try to be someone we’re not. And we never stop learning and growing – growing is cyclic …… I remember the first time I became aware that I over-reacted to some things (and became somewhat irrational) - I booked in to see a counsellor …. I had 6 issues I wanted to look at, so I figured it would take 6 weeks to work through. Here I am 30 years later and still at times confronted with some of my old ways of thinking and reacting.

However, as we become more authentic, we reflect those things that set us apart from most of the wider world - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control - in increasing measures.

The miraculous happens when we take time to connect to the God who is Love and has the ability to transform us. I think of the woman at the well and Mary Magdalene – just two of the women who stopped and spent time with Jesus – they saw God in him and their lives were transformed. And the other disciples spent so much time with Jesus, and wanted to share that new reality with the lost and broken. This too is our journey – what we are called for – Christ’s mission is our mission.

In closing I’d like to read a poem that was written back in 1974, based on one of Jack Spong’s sermons:

CHRISTPOWER

Look at him!

Look not at his divinity,

But look, rather, at his freedom.

Look not at the exaggerated tales of his power,

But look, rather, at his infinite capacity to give himself away.

Look not at the first-century mythology that surrounds him,

But look, rather, at his courage to be, his ability to live, and his ability to love,

And the contagious quality of his love.

Stop your frantic search!

Be still and know that this is God:

This love,

This freedom,

This life,

This being;

And when you are accepted, accept yourself;

When you are forgiven, forgive yourself;

When you are loved, love yourself.

Grasp that Christpower

And dare to be yourself!

And may God’s peace be with us all.

Elder Trish Sammut 
presented at the Open Door Sunday May 3st, 2015

TOGETHER AT GOD’S TABLE by Pastor Sue Palmer

'Pass the potatoes please!' Family meals are often the place where we have learned table etiquette. Chewing with your mouth closed. Offering someone else the last piece before taking it yourself. Remembering to compliment the cook. Good table manners help us show gratitude and consideration of those who matter most to us. 
At church we talk about making room at the table for everyone.  The idea of our congregation sitting at a big dinner table is great allegory since we all know how much we love to eat together. But The 'table' idea of course is not just about meal times. The ‘table’ is a symbol for how we interact with each other in all of our activities, worship and relationships, as a congregation. When we gather with Christ ‘at the table’ we become a part of His story and we become a part of the story of one another.

Sometimes there can be discomfort at the table. It is a reality that being together at God’s table can at times mean rubbing shoulders with people who you may disagree with, who you don’t understand, who may not understand you, or who you may not even like much. Diversity does have its challenges!

God does help us, however, to not only become one body, but to then go out and change the world together.  The mystical happens when you honor your place at God’s table.  Love with a capital L envelops us and connects us as brothers and sisters. The differences are still there but God’s Loving Holy Spirit empowers us in a way that we truly are woven together into loving community. We find that our diversity actually becomes our strength. The chefs, the waiters, the washer upper-ers, we all have our gifts that benefit the body!

I invite you to come to the table and find your place and sit together in faithful and enduring commitment not only to your God who has called you here, but to each other, and to the mission of Jesus Christ, the mission that matters most.

So what do good table manners look like? The best place to begin I think is with:

PUTTING OTHERS FIRST - the Good Samaritan Effect: Your brothers and sisters will feel valued!
Bringing blessing through the power of our words as well as our deeds: It is good to consider how we can bring comfort, upliftment, encouragement and strength to those at our table, just by thinking about the power of what we say. And when our words are accompanied by positive non-verbal cues and body language, we are on the path to creating joyful people around us!

Sometimes our words may cause pain. Even if we are not intentionally trying to hurt anyone, misunderstandings and conflicts can arise. It is sometimes difficult to stop in the heat of discussions, arguments or topics we feel passionate about to reflect on what we are about to say. But pre-conflict reflection – as opposed to post-conflict reflection, is a wonderful way to avoid the bush fire from starting in the first place.

Pre-conflict reflection:

o   Are my words going to hurt my sister or brother?

o   Am I speaking from a place of anger or pain? If so, does this justify me then to hurt someone else?

o   Would it be better to communicate in a less threatening way

• When I am not hurting as much
  
• By changing my words
  

When our words are accompanied by positive uplifting actions, it’s a double whammy of joy that we are bringing to those around us.

Care, and Show you care
o   Compliment someone (truthfully)

o   Ask if anyone would like a cuppa, and make it for them!

o   Offer to give someone a lift

o   Call someone to just say hi and to see how they’re doing

o   Let someone else have the best seat at the restaurant

o   Let someone tell their story without interrupting them

o   Invite someone for dinner 

Be the difference to someone this week!

In the New Testament the laying on of hands was associated with the receiving of the Holy Spirit (See Acts 8:14-19). Initially the Apostles laid hands on new believers as well as believers. (See Acts 6:5-6).


LAYING ON OF HANDS FOR THE SICK (ADMINISTRATION) "For us, no sacrament is more closely bound to the human condition and God’s yearning to meet us in the tangle of life. Administration is the sacrament of emergency rooms, hospital rooms, and living rooms; of camps, reunions, and retreats; of pastors’ studies, inner-city streets, and even prisons; of bad news from the doctor, of phone calls at 2 a.m., and of life’s final moments."This rite has become for us the sacrament of desperate choices, of unexpected turns, of broken hearts and dreams, of endings and beginnings, of spiritual deserts, of renewed vision. With the warm flesh of human hands, this sacrament clothes that most breathtaking of all promises: that nothing--not even suffering and death—shall be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus, our Lord (Romans 8:38–39)."
- Tony Chvala-Smith, Community of Christ Theologian

Any person who is sick or faces spiritual or emotional challenges may ask for a special prayer of blessing, regardless of church membership. 

During this sacrament, ministers of the church anoint the head of the person with consecrated oil, which symbolizes the love of God. The ministers then lay their hands upon the head of the person and approach God in prayer for the blessing and healing ministry of the Holy Spirit.

The purpose is to provide assurance of God’s care and concern and also of the community's special interest in that person.

If you are in need of the laying on of hands, or would like more information, please contact Helen at Community of Christ  (02) 98717400 or call Pastor Sue Palmer on 0411330212

What is Baptism?
What does baptism mean and why is it so fabulous?
Why get baptised?
remarks given at Shelly's baptism by Pastor Sue Palmer

There are many varied, personal reasons that can lead a person to the decision for baptism. Here are some that I have encountered as a pastor to people who have been preparing themselves to enter the water:

• To ensure life with God in the hereafter
• A natural progression in becoming a disciple
• To show love and commitment to the congregation
• To start a new life
• To belong
• To gain equality
• To show Jesus you love Him.

Maybe you see your reason listed here, maybe not, for each of us are drawn to the water in a very personal way. Underlying each reason is the movement of the Holy Spirit that whispers and prompts us to a longing for partnership with God. Baptism is your gift to God as you publicly declare this partnership to your family and friends.

Yes, but what is baptism?
Well let's start with this scripture from Matthew:
As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea -  for they were fishermen. And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fish for people." Immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James, son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him. Mat 4:18-22

It begins with this call to you from Jesus -  ' Follow Me' 

Jesus, Love in the flesh, calls you to leave your net. This is a very radical thing! Peter and Andrew were throwing their nets into the sea. James and John were mending their nets. All of these men were absorbed, focused on the task in hand. And indeed, their task was a noble one, their livelihood, providing for their families. This was what they knew.  They had grown up with nets and boats and fish. They knew their work, they were at home on the sea. It was familiar, and it was where they belonged. And from this very life that they knew so well, this familiar family trade that was born and bred in them, Jesus called.

Fishing  wasn’t some pleasantry or leisure activity that Jesus called them from. Peter and Andrew weren't sitting around with their feet up. They weren't watching the cricket. James and John weren't  at the movies, or having an afternoon nap. Jesus called them in the MIDDLE of their work! Jesus didn't say,  'hey boys! You're not doing anything -  why not follow me..?' It wasn't  'hey you guys, you bored? You  want some purpose in your life? You want some action? Follow me, and I'll give you something to live for..' No, Jesus was calling them in the MIDDLE of something that was their life!

Jesus was calling them not to stop being fishermen, not to change their occupation.  Jesus was calling them to change their FOCUS. No longer would fish be their focus.. Fish would still be important, their livelihood, but something changed. It would no longer be for the fish that these men would be striving. Fishing would become no longer the reason to get out of bed each day. By responding to Jesus, these disciples shifted their priority from simply providing for themselves, to bringing the bread of life to others. From self-focus and self-absorption comes a new way of living. Jesus calls us to live differently.

The disciples seemed to instantly drop their nets in response. What was it about the Christ that drew them to Him? Perhaps they had already met him, heard about him, had dinner with him? All we know is that their encounter with Jesus changed them. They immediately left what they were doing and followed. What a gob-smackingly powerful act of faith! No loitering, putting Jesus on hold.. No waiting till the repairing of the net was finished, or the catch of fish was completed. These disciples left what they were doing and straight away followed.

All of the choices that the disciples had made in their lives led to this moment. They were ready to respond.
We daily make a choice to follow Jesus. To lay down our nets and the things that are important to us, in order to be able to love others -  for in doing so there is a far greater joy. Perhaps the disciples caught a glimpse of this joy - or perhaps they acted on their trust in Jesus, that if, by following Him, they would find more than just fish. 


What is it that prevents us from doing the same?

Baptism declares your partnership with God. Baptism is a sacrament that validates how God has led you, helped you, directed you, and loved you.  And through baptism you have a chance to acknowledge God's presence and love in your life. As you permit yourself to be lowered under the water, you are acknowledging you live not by yourself or for yourself, but in partnership with God.  This public declaration to family and friends is that you and Jesus journey together. The 'washing away' of self-centeredness,  is a symbol of how your new life in partnership with Christ calls you to love not just yourself, but all people everywhere.

Don't worry, you will still be a fisherman  But now you don't just fish for fish.