Reflections on the Lachlan - A visit from the Moderator

                                       EASTER SATURDAY ON THE LACHLAN

                                       The river, hardly moving.

                                       Gum trees, old and gnarled and knowing, have seen it all before-

                                       patiently standing, stoically holding armfuls of raucous corellas,

                                       and a few cockies, too.

                                       Two pink and grey galahs, quietly chatting (not living up to their name).

                                       A tap, tap, tapping from a hollow branch-

                                       what mystery of life lies in that open tomb?

                                       Not a breath of breeze.

                                       In stillness, so much to be seen.

                                       So much to be heard in the hush.

                                                                                                                                          Brian Brown.

The Moderator of the Uniting Church in NSW and ACT is the leader of the church in NSW & ACT,holding his position for 3 years. His role is to visit, listen, encourage and guide and share information as well as chair the formal discussions of the central committees of the church.The Moderator,Brian Brown and his wife, Helen, visited the Riverina area for Easter. Good Friday was spent at Lake Cargelligo and then on the Hillston,where they stayed with Julie. 

On the Saturday Brian took the opportunity, while thinking about his message for Sunday, to take some time-out down by the river. The above reflection was written during that time and read to us during the service to show the benefits of taking some time to spend in quiet, with God, in His creation. 

I found it very moving to hear about the experience of the "Day Between",Easter Saturday, as experienced in our own surroundings,not having to be translated from UK or American experiences of God. It is something we all could do and use in our worship times too. If you have reflections from your area relating to your time with God send them to the blog so they can be shared.

Brian and Helen after the service

Brian spoke during our Easter Sunday Service about the experiences of the wider church and the struggles we are all facing, as Good Friday times. He then encouraged us with the vibrancy he has found in the rural churches where God's Spirit is doing a whole new thing, which shows God has not forgotten His people. He is with us and with His church. We are the people of the resurrection. After the sadness and pain of Good Friday and  the quiet, waiting time of Easter Saturday, we are renewed to life in all it's fullness with Resurrection Sunday. The rural churches,having faced decline, have now found new life and are in a position to be an example to the city churches as they face similar struggles.

Brian and Helen shared a meal with us afterwards and stayed on to kayak, getting even closer to the river.

We are assured they left refreshed by their time here;an Easter Saturday experience of time-out to reflect and give thanks and be loved by God through His people.