2024
Everyone is welcome!
We meet every Sunday at 2.30pm
at Merthyr Road Uniting Church
Should you wish to visit or join us, please click here to view our location:
52, Merthyr Road, New Farm, Brisbane, 4005
Everyone is welcome!
We meet every Sunday at 2.30pm
at Merthyr Road Uniting Church
Should you wish to visit or join us, please click here to view our location:
52, Merthyr Road, New Farm, Brisbane, 4005
Please click here to view our livestreamed services
Please support the activities and outreach of Pilgrim People Brisbane
Sunday - November 24
The Reign of Christ
Each year at the end of November, the church year ends with the festival of the Reign of Christ (sometimes known as the festival of Christ the King). After this festival, we enter a new church year. It begins with the season of Advent. The church’s year is organised differently from the calendar year; it revolves around the key events of our faith: the birth of Jesus, which we celebrate each Christmas; the death and resurrection of Jesus, which comes into focus at Easter; the birth of the Church which we recall at the celebration of Pentecost; and the long season after Pentecost, when we pay attention to our life as disciples and the mission into which we are called as people of faith. Then we close each year with the special festival, remembering the Reign of Christ. The lectionary readings for the Reign of Christ (next Sunday) undermine the pomposity of powerful monarchs and present Jesus as the one who stands against the damaging and aggressive ways of these leaders. (With Love to the World, Vol. 17)
The Reign of Christ
Each year at the end of November, the church year ends with the festival of the Reign of Christ (sometimes known as the festival of Christ the King). After this festival, we enter a new church year. It begins with the season of Advent. The church’s year is organised differently from the calendar year; it revolves around the key events of our faith: the birth of Jesus, which we celebrate each Christmas; the death and resurrection of Jesus, which comes into focus at Easter; the birth of the Church which we recall at the celebration of Pentecost; and the long season after Pentecost, when we pay attention to our life as disciples and the mission into which we are called as people of faith. Then we close each year with the special festival, remembering the Reign of Christ. The lectionary readings for the Reign of Christ (next Sunday) undermine the pomposity of powerful monarchs and present Jesus as the one who stands against the damaging and aggressive ways of these leaders. (With Love to the World, Vol. 17)
Sunday, December 1
The Year of Luke Sunday, December 1, is the first day of the new church year, Year C. Most Gospel readings will come from the Gospel of Luke. Uniting Church President Rev Charissa Suli writes in an introduction: "The Gospel of Luke invites us into a unique and profoundly compassionate vision of Christ’s ministry—a vision that speaks especially to the lost, the marginalised, and the least among us. We see Jesus fulfilling a radical mission of liberation, with salvation woven in as an inclusive hope for all people." "Some of the most beloved parables and stories are found uniquely in Luke: the Good Samaritan, the Prodigal Son, the lost coin, the annunciation to Mary, and the shepherds who visit the newborn Jesus. Each of these stories holds a mirror to our own lives, challenging us to see Christ in the stranger, to forgive unconditionally, to celebrate the return of the lost, and to find God in the ordinary." "As we journey through this liturgical year, may Luke’s witness inspire us to embody and weave Christ’s love that knows no bounds, welcoming all with the same compassion, justice, and joy that Jesus embodied."
(Charissa Suili in Uniting Church in Australia, National Update)
The Year of Luke Sunday, December 1, is the first day of the new church year, Year C. Most Gospel readings will come from the Gospel of Luke. Uniting Church President Rev Charissa Suli writes in an introduction: "The Gospel of Luke invites us into a unique and profoundly compassionate vision of Christ’s ministry—a vision that speaks especially to the lost, the marginalised, and the least among us. We see Jesus fulfilling a radical mission of liberation, with salvation woven in as an inclusive hope for all people." "Some of the most beloved parables and stories are found uniquely in Luke: the Good Samaritan, the Prodigal Son, the lost coin, the annunciation to Mary, and the shepherds who visit the newborn Jesus. Each of these stories holds a mirror to our own lives, challenging us to see Christ in the stranger, to forgive unconditionally, to celebrate the return of the lost, and to find God in the ordinary." "As we journey through this liturgical year, may Luke’s witness inspire us to embody and weave Christ’s love that knows no bounds, welcoming all with the same compassion, justice, and joy that Jesus embodied."
(Charissa Suili in Uniting Church in Australia, National Update)
Magnificat by J.S. Bach
Sunday, December 22 at 2.30pm
Included in the regular PPB afternoon service
Presented by the Pilgrim People Singers and Orchestra
conduced by Adele Nisbet & Dr Steven Nisbet (organ)
Delicious afternoon tea afterwards
Enquiries & RSVP for catering purposes: 0407 -037-091
Sunday, December 22 at 2.30pm
Included in the regular PPB afternoon service
Presented by the Pilgrim People Singers and Orchestra
conduced by Adele Nisbet & Dr Steven Nisbet (organ)
Delicious afternoon tea afterwards
Enquiries & RSVP for catering purposes: 0407 -037-091
Who We Are
|
In the same way that our ancestors could no longer bear being non-people
and left, travelling together through the perils of the sea and the privations of the desert towards a new life of freedom and responsibility under God, so we have come together to allow the triune God to make of us a community. We believe that we are called to be of one mind with Jesus… seeking to be a people of peace and joy, in service to others, liberating the oppressed, caring for the poor and comforting the afflicted. In common with other Christians we will live and work within the faith and unity of the one holy catholic and apostolic church, bearing witness to that unity which is both Christ’s gift and his will. |
We believe in our community and look to each other for encouragement, direction, love, and forgiveness.
God shows no partiality
We are a ‘no partiality’ church.
We seek to not only know Jesus, but also strive to be like him, even when it involves change in us and our daily lives.
We are asking “Who are we becoming?”
Instead of, “How will people like our decisions?” we ask, “How would God have us respond in this situation?”
God shows no partiality
We are a ‘no partiality’ church.
We seek to not only know Jesus, but also strive to be like him, even when it involves change in us and our daily lives.
We are asking “Who are we becoming?”
Instead of, “How will people like our decisions?” we ask, “How would God have us respond in this situation?”
Mission
As Pilgrim People with a link to the Uniting Church in Australia, we seek to be a visible and diverse presence of Christ in the world living lives shaped by Jesus; embodying the tradition of sacred rituals; employing our customs and gifts of language, music and art when gathering together; and offering love, care, and encouragement to all those whom we encounter on this journey. In living out the traditions of the Uniting Church, we also strive for distinction and relevance in liturgy, preaching, and music to inspire and nurture our people. On our journey, we seek renewal and recreation for ourselves, for the whole of humanity and the physical world.
As Pilgrim People with a link to the Uniting Church in Australia, we seek to be a visible and diverse presence of Christ in the world living lives shaped by Jesus; embodying the tradition of sacred rituals; employing our customs and gifts of language, music and art when gathering together; and offering love, care, and encouragement to all those whom we encounter on this journey. In living out the traditions of the Uniting Church, we also strive for distinction and relevance in liturgy, preaching, and music to inspire and nurture our people. On our journey, we seek renewal and recreation for ourselves, for the whole of humanity and the physical world.
Pastoral Care Circles for Pilgrim People
At our Vision afternoon earlier this year, one of the desires expressed by everyone was to have a working pastoral care structure. We want to be a warm and loving community, committed to the care and inclusion of each other and to any others who may join us as time goes by. A working group talked our way through to the formation of seven Pastoral Care Circles. They have been formed with residential location in mind. We are all included in one of these Circles. Although our worship and fellowship on Sundays strengthens and enlightens us, we can use this new network to ensure we stay in touch and support each other in various ways.
Each Pastoral Care Circle (PCC) has a coordinator. These coordinators will strive to create a network which “looks out for each other”. These coordinators are not in the mould of the usual job of Elder, but rather will act as facilitators for connecting, organising, supporting within and across the circles. At times, we can all use a phone call, coffee together, assistance with transport, a shared meal, or an unburdening of some of life’s challenges – any of these activities can reassure us we are not alone.
The poem by Teresa of Avila (1515- 1582) sums it up.
Christ has no body but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes with which he looks,
Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good,
Yours are the hands with which he blesses all the world.
Rev Bob, our founding Pastor, emphasises that our agape love should motivate all of us to share in this ministry, looking out for each other. Friendship is a life-affirming state. And our established friendships will continue to flourish both outside and inside the PCCs. Beware, new friendships may also grow! And we stand ready to welcome new members to our Pilgrim People community. In the light of St Teresa’s poem, we are all invited to take our place within our PCC.
Adele Nisbet
At our Vision afternoon earlier this year, one of the desires expressed by everyone was to have a working pastoral care structure. We want to be a warm and loving community, committed to the care and inclusion of each other and to any others who may join us as time goes by. A working group talked our way through to the formation of seven Pastoral Care Circles. They have been formed with residential location in mind. We are all included in one of these Circles. Although our worship and fellowship on Sundays strengthens and enlightens us, we can use this new network to ensure we stay in touch and support each other in various ways.
Each Pastoral Care Circle (PCC) has a coordinator. These coordinators will strive to create a network which “looks out for each other”. These coordinators are not in the mould of the usual job of Elder, but rather will act as facilitators for connecting, organising, supporting within and across the circles. At times, we can all use a phone call, coffee together, assistance with transport, a shared meal, or an unburdening of some of life’s challenges – any of these activities can reassure us we are not alone.
The poem by Teresa of Avila (1515- 1582) sums it up.
Christ has no body but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes with which he looks,
Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good,
Yours are the hands with which he blesses all the world.
Rev Bob, our founding Pastor, emphasises that our agape love should motivate all of us to share in this ministry, looking out for each other. Friendship is a life-affirming state. And our established friendships will continue to flourish both outside and inside the PCCs. Beware, new friendships may also grow! And we stand ready to welcome new members to our Pilgrim People community. In the light of St Teresa’s poem, we are all invited to take our place within our PCC.
Adele Nisbet
It makes sense to reflect on the journey we have begun as a group of pilgrim people.
In the last quarter of 2020, we set out with a degree of trepidation, but high hopes.
Our course has been enhanced by shared faith and fellowship. It is heartening to examine all that has been accomplished, as we have travelled, confident of God's presence among us, and enthusiastically undertaking to be worthy of His Love.
We have been ably led and guided by our Reverend Bob and our steering group. Meeting every Monday, they have kept all our folk fully informed in weekly newsletters.
Our weekly worship services include a high level of congregational participation, with inspiring preaching and fine music from our organist and choir.
In addition to our monthly communion services, we have had joyous special services for Advent, Christmas, Easter Anzac Day and our Wesley celebration.
Our calendar has included a well-attended Vision planning day and our Lenten Study group –both challenging and affirming.
In the area of pastoral care, we have organised ‘circles of care’ which will further develop our support for our fellow pilgrims.
As a group we are filled with hope and enthusiasm for the task at hand. We are eager to play our part in working towards the coming of the Kingdom. With God's help we will be able to strengthen our faith and use our gifts and talents to spread the Good News.
Mona Black
In the last quarter of 2020, we set out with a degree of trepidation, but high hopes.
Our course has been enhanced by shared faith and fellowship. It is heartening to examine all that has been accomplished, as we have travelled, confident of God's presence among us, and enthusiastically undertaking to be worthy of His Love.
We have been ably led and guided by our Reverend Bob and our steering group. Meeting every Monday, they have kept all our folk fully informed in weekly newsletters.
Our weekly worship services include a high level of congregational participation, with inspiring preaching and fine music from our organist and choir.
In addition to our monthly communion services, we have had joyous special services for Advent, Christmas, Easter Anzac Day and our Wesley celebration.
Our calendar has included a well-attended Vision planning day and our Lenten Study group –both challenging and affirming.
In the area of pastoral care, we have organised ‘circles of care’ which will further develop our support for our fellow pilgrims.
As a group we are filled with hope and enthusiasm for the task at hand. We are eager to play our part in working towards the coming of the Kingdom. With God's help we will be able to strengthen our faith and use our gifts and talents to spread the Good News.
Mona Black
Please support the activities and outreach of Pilgrim People Brisbane