Reflecting on the Depth of Christ’s Love

The Apostle Paul in his letter to the church at Ephesus includes the following prayer to the readers:

“I pray that according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fulness of God.” (Ephesians 3:16-19).

What a powerful prayer Paul gave to the Ephesian saints!  In looking forward from that time to the present, how do we measure the extent of Christ’s love to us? Is it by the physical measurements of breadth, length, height, and depth or is it by something more intangible?

I personally measure Christ’s love to myself through feelings I receive when I worship, or am singing sacred songs, or I am reading an inspirational scripture or text.  I also measure Christ’s love towards me when I receive inspiration in preparing for ministry either by giving a talk, giving a prayer of blessing or writing an editorial for the Australian Mission Newsletter.  Again, I also sense Christ’s love when I am providing personal ministry to someone who wants to share what they are encountering in their lives at that time.

Let me tell you a simple story illustrating the meaning of Christ’s love. This happened one Sunday after church when a little boy looked up at his dad and asked, “Daddy, how does Jesus love us?” His father answered, “Son, Jesus loves us with an unconditional love.”

The lad thought for a moment and then asked, “Daddy, what kind of love is unconditional love?” After a few minutes of silence his father answered, “Do you remember the two boys who used to live next door to us and the cute little puppy they got last Christmas?” “Yes.” “Do you remember how they used to tease it, throw sticks and even rocks at it?” “Yes.” “Do you also remember how the puppy would always greet them with a wagging tail and would try to lick their faces?” “Yes.” “Well, that puppy had an unconditional love for those two boys. They certainly didn’t deserve his love for them because they were mean to him. But he loved them anyway.”

The father then made his point: “Jesus’ love for us is unconditional. Men threw rocks at him and hit him with sticks. They even killed him. But Jesus loved them anyway.”

Elisabeth Kubler-Ross MD in her book The Wheel of Life wrote: “I’ve never met a person whose greatest need was anything other than real, unconditional love. There is no mistaking love. You feel it in your heart. It is the common fibre of life, the flame that heats our soul, energizes our spirit and supplies passion to our lives. It is our connection to God and to each other.”

I believe it’s important for us to continually remember that Christ lives in our hearts, not as a temporary guest, but as a life-long resident who changes and transforms us with love beyond understanding. Paul’s words express his deep wish for that character to shine forth as Christ’s indwelling Spirit of love through our individual lives. Paul prays that we come to understand the greatness (the breadth, length, height, and depth) of Divine love, so that we can live in the fullness of that gift.

-Bill Gillard

To the Australian Mission Centre Members and Friends

Below is a letter from Scott Murphy, sent this week to the Community of Christ Limited Board of Directors, regarding a change in the Interim Mission Centre President role. As Director of Field Ministries, Scott has recommended to the Board that Annie Falcke be appointed as Interim Mission Centre President while we await the visa approval for Meredith Carr. I am pleased to share that the Board has approved this appointment. Further details regarding the timing of the sustaining vote for this appointment will be provided shortly.

As was mentioned earlier this week, it is necessary to focus my time and energy in other areas both personally but also as I prepare for my new role should it be approved at the upcoming World Conference. I am deeply grateful for Annie’s willingness to step into this role during this transitional period. Annie brings a wealth of expertise and management skills from her professional career, along with many years of dedicated ministry and volunteer service within the church. Her contributions include directing camps, facilitating workshops and classes, serving as a member of the Board, and most recently being a key leader in the Transformation Process.

Given the significant delays in the immigration department’s visa application process, Annie’s leadership will provide continuity and support until the Carrs’ arrival. Additionally, Annie will assist with Meredith’s onboarding and establishment in Australia, ensuring a smooth transition as Meredith begins her ministry in this new role. I am confident that Annie’s experience and dedication will be invaluable in this process.

Annie can be contacted at: afalcke@cofchrist.com.au and I would encourage you to reach out and add your support for her.

I would also like to take this opportunity to express my deep gratitude to all of you who have supported me during my time as Interim Mission Centre President. Your encouragement, counsel, dedication, faith, and commitment have meant more than I can express. Each day, I was humbled and inspired by the ways in which you chose to respond to God’s call in your lives, living out your discipleship with faithfulness and love.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support as we move forward together in Christ’s mission.

In faith,

Adam R. Wade

Tiona Chapel Dedication

On December 30, 2024, a significant milestone was celebrated during the Tiona Reunion Camp—the dedication of the newly constructed Tiona Chapel. The theme of the evening, “Many Paths We Have Walked, Many Yet to Go,” reflected the rich history and hope filled future of this sacred space.

The service began in the Green Cathedral, accompanied by the sounds of traditional and contemporary music, including Great Southland of the Holy Spirit, Amazing Grace Gurrumul and Paul Kelly, and Wiyathul by Gurrumul. The gathering embraced the spiritual connection to the land. The Welcome to Country honoured the Worimi people, the custodians of this land, and acknowledged their deep connection to its sacredness.

Through prayer, scripture, and song, attendees reflected on the 84 years since the Green Cathedral was first dedicated on December 30, 1940. A special directional prayer invited participants to face the four cardinal directions, celebrating the unique symbols and gifts of the land.

The congregation then walked a worshipper’s path toward the Tiona Chapel, carrying flickering candles as a symbol of light and hope. Along the way, a smoking ceremony performed by an Indigenous Elder offered blessings and purification, creating a meaningful bridge between past and present.

A special song, We Come to Holy Ground, was written of the occasion by Leanne Johnson, lyrics can be viewed here. Members from Leanne’s Port Macquarie Ladies Choir accompanied Leanne and Fiona Wallis, along with Ross Judd on guitar, singing verses both in the Green Cathedral and later in the Chapel.

Upon arrival at the chapel, worshippers were greeted by music and a display of images showcasing Tiona’s rich history. The service continued with the rousing hymn, Great and Marvellous, prayers, and scripture readings, each emphasising this new space's sacredness and its purpose to serve as a haven for worship, reflection, and community.

A highlight of the evening was the remarks and Prayer of Dedication offered by Community of Christ Prophet-President designate Stassi Cramm, who blessed the chapel, dedicating it as a place where love, peace, and community will flourish for generations to come.

To read the full Statement of Prayer of Dedication for Tiona Chapel given by Stassi Cramm click here

Daniel Jackson delivered a guitar solo of There’s an Old, Old Path. The service concluded with the hymn Now in This Moment and a benediction that sent worshippers forward with hearts full of gratitude and hope. The evening ended with an ice cream supper, a joyful reminder of the paths we have walked together and the many yet to come.

We sincerely apologise for the incorrect link shared for this live event. Unfortunately, we were unable to resolve the issue on the day, but we deeply appreciate your understanding and patience. For those who couldn’t join us in person or, who experienced difficulties with the link, we’re pleased to share the recording of the dedication below, along with photos from the event. We hope this allows you to feel part of the experience and the blessing of this wonderful occasion.

Thank you to everyone who supported and celebrated this significant milestone with us.

May the Tiona Chapel continue to be a place of inspiration, reflection, and community for generations to come.

Tiona Reunion 2025-2026

Request accommodation in January for next Tiona Reunion Camp to avoid disappointment.

Requests for accommodation at Tiona in the next Christmas holidays are now open for people attending Tiona Reunion Camp. 

The Park may open bookings to the public as early as February and accommodation will sell out fast.

 Act before the end of January to avoid disappointment. 

 Steps:

1. Register all your family members individually

2. Request your accommodation using the link in your confirmation email (only one accommodation request per cohabitating group; give us the dates of your full stay including any nights before or after camp)

3. Wait for us to confirm your accommodation allocation and provide instructions on next steps

   Click here for further information and links to the registration platform

New Staff Announcements

Please join us in welcoming three new staff members to our Mission Center Team

Karen Dunbar - Senior HR Officer

Contact details: E: kdunbar@cofchrist.com.au M: 0403 099 392

Karen joined us on 20 November 2024 and will work part-time to provide HR support to Community of Christ Ltd and Saints Care Ltd.

Karen has over 30 years of experience in HR leadership roles, with the last 7 years of experience being gained in the not-for-profit sector, working for organisations such as Sunnyfield, Autism Spectrum Australia, and Seton Villa . Previously she has worked for the College of Law, Getz Healthcare, and the Australian Museum.

Isla Stephenson- Administration Officer

Contact details: E: istephenson@cofchrist.com.au

Isla joined us on 13th December 2024 and will work with us on a casual basis, assisting with archiving projects and general administration duties at the West Pennant Hills office for Community of Christ Ltd and Saints Care Ltd. Isla has recently finished her HSC and will be commencing university studies shortly.

Rebecca Lo- Finance Manager

Contact details: E: rlo@cofchrist.com.au M: 0403 632 020

Rebecca joined us on 16 January 2025 and will work on a full-time basis to manage and assist with the day-to-day financial operations and reporting of Community of Christ Ltd, Saints Care Ltd and associated entities.

Rebecca holds a Bachelor of Economics and Master of Commerce and is a Certified Practising Accountant of CPA Australia with over 20 years’ experience gained in Finance and Accounting roles. Her experience has been gained across a range of sectors such as Not for Profit, Disability, Healthcare, Wholesale Marketing and Distribution working for organisations such as Assetlink Services,  Careflight and Metcash.

WoW "The Authentic Life" 2024

Last weekend Drummoyne Church hosted a wonderful Weekend of Well-being (WoW) where over 20 people gathered for an opportunity to refresh, refocus and rebalance by centring around the theme of "Living an Authentic Life".

After Marshall Leaver shared an acknowledgment of country, Anne Bonnefin and Roxanne Taylor led us on a path of discovery through meditation and art, along with a whimsical journey of imaginative story telling using miniature models of people. This proved to be enormously creative and comical, with echos of laughter reverberating around the church. It lifted our spirits and set the scene for an uplifting and memorable evening. We shared a great meal together whilst being entertained by Daniel Jackson who provided insights into songwriting when I interviewed him. Daniel also entertained us by singing and playing many of his heartfelt compositions. 

Another highlight of the evening was the keynote address from our overseas guest Matt Frizzell who shone his light on the "The Authentic Life". Matt, with his background as a theologian, educator and world church minister, gave profound insights and was both inspiring and motivating.

Sunday was balanced with positive energy from our Tai Chi Master Aaron leading us through an hour of movement. It was followed by Matt who shared Part 2 of his message on Authenticity from a Christian perspective, followed by a lunch together and fellowship.

We are grateful to the many who generously gave of their time to make this event possible. David and Jane Henricks spent many hours in preparing the Drummoyne Church to host our event. David Drake helped decorate the room in which we met. Janine Wood co-ordinated the dinner and lunch catering helped by the many who provided scrumptious food for morning and afternoon teas. The passion and organisation of WoW lies with the WoW team, Marshall Leaver, Anne Bonnefin, Janine Wood and myself. The church is blessed to have the wisdom and enthusiasm of this collective team.

We are grateful to the Australia Mission Centre, too, for its generosity in helping contribute to this event. Its leadership sees the value in investing in the lives of us all, to create communities of Joy, Hope, Love and Peace. WoW is indeed a prized expression of the call to inclusivity in our unique religious movement. 

Robert Thompson 

Exploration Session for the Nonviolence Draft Statement

Exploration Session for the Nonviolence Draft Statement

In preparation for World Conference 2025, join the online Exploration Sessions to discuss the 2024 Draft Statement on Nonviolence! These Zoom gatherings are a chance to share your insights and hear diverse perspectives from the community. You do not need to be registered for World Conference to participate—everyone is welcome!

Session Dates & Times have been converted to AEDT:

Tuesday, Nov 12 — 11:30 am to 1:15 pm

Wednesday, Nov 13 — 12:30 am to 2:15 am

Thursday, Nov 14 — 12:30 pm to 2:15 pm

Friday, Nov 15 — 3:30 am to 5:15 am

Sunday, Nov 17 — 5:30 am to 7:15 am

The First Presidency requests feedback on this statement, with a submission deadline of February 28, 2025.

Register Here: https://cofchrist.org/.../legislation-exploration.../

To read the NonViolence draft statement, click here: https://cofchrist.org/draft-statement/

Ordination of Ruth Walshe to the Office of Elder

Taree congregation was filled with love and joy as congregations from around the Mid-North coast and beyond gathered together to celebrate the ordination of Ruth Walshe to the office of Elder on Sunday, the 20th of October.

Excitement gathered on this special occasion as friends and family caught up with each other and shared in the excitement of this very special day.  As the congregation burst into song, the windows were rattling with beautiful voices ringing through the air.

The service was led by Helen Taylor and Wendy Ballard with special messages of love and support from all of the congregation brightening up the front of the church as red hearts were hung on a tree at the front of the church.  The ordination of Ruth was given by John Rawson and Julie Crittenden.  The holy spirit filled the whole church as love was passed from person to person.

The love present in the church was at times overwhelming as each person was reminded of their role in supporting Ruth in her new calling as the charge was given to Ruth and the congregation by Helen.  As we were reminded that all are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, we left the service feeling uplifted and ready to support Ruth and each other.

We are reminded on days of great celebration of the Hope, Joy, Love and Peace that we all share together and that we have to share with our surrounding community and those who are in need.

Robert Millington

On behalf of the Taree Congregation