{"id":3504,"date":"2020-09-04T12:07:46","date_gmt":"2020-09-04T02:07:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.leighmoorunitingchurch.org.au\/?p=3504"},"modified":"2020-09-04T12:08:02","modified_gmt":"2020-09-04T02:08:02","slug":"sunday-sermon-07-09-2020","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.leighmoorunitingchurch.org.au\/?p=3504","title":{"rendered":"Sunday Sermon 06-09-2020"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sermon and Service September 6th<\/sup> 2020 Leighmoor Uniting Church<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

-Rev Barbara Allen<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Suggested hymns:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

TIS 156: Morning has broken<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

TIS 693: Come as you are, that\u2019s how I want you<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

TIS 635: Forgive our sins, as we forgive<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

TIS 699: A new commandment<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

TIS 650: Brother, sister, let me serve you<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

TIS 598: Dear Father, Lord of humankind<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Prayers of Adoration, Thanksgiving, and Confession<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

(we begin with words from today\u2019s Psalm-had to include it because of the use of the word couch-appropriate for worship from home!)<\/i><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Praise the Lord!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Sing to the Lord a new song.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Let us praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

For the Lord takes pleasure in his people;<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He adorns the humble with victory.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Let the faithful exult in glory;<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Let them sing for joy on their couches.\u2019 (Psalm 149)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Lord of life, and love, and hope, and peace, we praise you and thank you for all your blessings,<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

for church family, for our own families, for friends, and children, and pets.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

We thank you for a new day, with opportunities to reach out to people via technology.\u00a0 <\/span>We give you thanks for the inventors of this means of communication, knowing it has made a difference during these past months.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

May our hearts and minds be open to your presence in our lives and to trust your guiding hand.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Do not let anxieties and fear overcome us, but help us to continue to be instruments of your love and peace, even in the midst of a pandemic.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Loving God,<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

often we forget to notice, or to acknowledge, your many blessings in our lives.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Forgive us.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

We sometimes neglect to tell others how much we love them, or appreciate them, or how proud we are of them.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Forgive us.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

As we become over critical, perhaps due to lockdown, help us to be forgiving-of ourselves-and of others.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

You showed us how to forgive in the death of Jesus,<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

help us to be more Christ-like in our behaviour.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Help us to be less judgmental and more forgiving.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The tongue is indeed a powerful instrument.\u00a0 <\/span>Let us use it to bless you and others, rather than as a sword to hurt others, by the cutting things we say.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In a time of silence, we bring before you other things for which we seek forgiveness.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

(silence)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

God is love!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Through Christ our sins are forgiven<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

(thanks be to God!)<\/i><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Take hold of this forgiveness, and live your life in the power of the Spirit, as forgiven people, being free to forgive others.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Amen<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Bible Readings<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Exodus 12: 1-14<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Psalm 149<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Romans 13: 8-14<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Matthew 18: 15-20<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Sermon<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In the book Why Forgive?<\/i>\u00a0 <\/span>the story is told of Steven McDonald , a young police officer\u00a0 <\/span>who was shot in 1986 by a teenager in New York\u2019s Central Park, an incident that left him paralyzed. \u201cI forgave [the shooter] because I believe the only thing worse than receiving a bullet in my spine would have been to nurture revenge in my heart,\u201d McDonald wrote.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Another story about forgiveness:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

After a long shift at the fire department, Matt Swatzell fell asleep while driving, and crashed into another vehicle, killing June Fitzgerald and injuring her 19-month-old daughter. Fitzgerald\u2019s husband, a pastor, asked for the man\u2019s diminished sentence, and began meeting with him for coffee and conversation. Many years later, the two men remain close. \u201cYou forgive as you\u2019ve been forgiven,\u201d Fitzgerald said.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

And another:\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In May 2014, Peter Hiogo began a photo essay project in Rwanda to demonstrate the forgiveness between the Hutus and Tutsis\u2014the two cultures involved in the 1994 Rwandan genocide that took millions of lives. In the photos, members from both cultures stand by side illustrating a story of forgiveness and how their lives are now connected in a positive, forgiving way.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

How do we feel after hearing those stories? Could we forgive in a similar situation? Forgiveness is tied to love.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u201cIf we really want to love, we must learn how to forgive.\u201d \u2014Mother Teresa,<\/i><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone.\u2019<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

(Matthew 18: 15)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018forgiveness is the key to action and freedom.\u2019<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018forgiveness is the key to action and freedom.\u2019<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

People often say that religious people are idealistic, unrealistic.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Religious people walk around with their heads in the clouds, never touching the earth, never in the \u2018real world.\u2019<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

I am sure you have all heard that before-and I must admit, most church people I have met over the years DO NOT FIT this category!\u00a0 <\/span>We are part of the world, the community\u2026not apart from it.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

But for many secular folk they think we are sweet, idealistic, having fluffy notions and not concerned about what is happening in the world.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Reality.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

What is reality?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Who defines what is real?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The gospel doesn\u2019t just want us to reach out and speak to our present situation, it wants us to CHANGE it!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

And sometimes that means changing ourselves!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Today\u2019s passage from Matthew is not idealistic, indeed, it is painfully practical.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

This is a text which is simple, clear, specific, practical-real.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

And isn\u2019t that just the problem?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Jesus says, \u2018When someone [in the church] sins against you, tell the offender.\u00a0 <\/span>You, as victim, must take charge and attempt to work it out.\u00a0 <\/span>If that fails, tell the church and let the church take charge and try to work it out.\u00a0 <\/span>Failing that-the church takes the extreme step of excommunication.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Sounds like something from a previous era,\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

And of course there would be none of those problems in Leighmoor Uniting Church, or at Heatherton-Dingley Uniting Church.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

I was only with you for two weeks before lockdown, and I didn\u2019t see any disharmony-so I can still picture in my mind two congregations of angels, never a harsh word said.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Am I correct?\u00a0 <\/span>Or has lockdown saved me from reality?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

We know that, in the past, the church took these exhortations seriously.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

This text-urging us to go and confront, face-to-face-the one who has wronged us-and then-if that doesn\u2019t work-confront the issue in public in the church-sounds archaic.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Surely we have moved beyond such primitive rules.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Or have we?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Too often, our usual way to treat conflict and division in the church is to ignore it.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

-ignore it.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Wounds are swallowed and never mentioned.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Cruelties go unchecked.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

If you ask why we ignore the wrongs, perhaps we will say that it is because \u201cI don\u2019t want to make a big deal out of it\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

BUT<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Maybe,<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

just maybe,<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

the problem is that we may have lost the resources and the ability to forgive.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

This best we can do is to attempt to forget.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

So the church is reduced to being nice.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Everything is kept superficial, polite.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Today\u2019s gospel comes from a church which was convinced that division in the church was deadly, that rifts between Christian and Christian were a life-and \u2013death matter, that reconciliation was too important to be left to chance.\u00a0 <\/span>So specific, practical step-by-step direction is given to achieve reconciliation.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Think about some undeserved wrong you have suffered at the hands of a friend.\u00a0 <\/span>Remember how unjust it was, and how it hurt!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Now imagine yourself forgiving that person.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s tough to forgive, isn\u2019t it?\u00a0 <\/span>Tough to ask for it too.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Whenever someone asks me: \u201cWhat are the hardest words to say?\u201d and, knowing they are wanting to hear as the answer, \u201cI love you\u201d I say, instead, \u201cI am sorry.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Much harder to say \u2018sorry\u2019 than to say you love someone.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Forgiveness.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

That is what Jesus commands us to do here.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

We are not told to do it IF<\/i> or WHEN<\/i> we feel like it.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

We are told to take the initiative and attempt to work at reconciliation, to sort out the important task of forgiveness.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

How is that possible?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

I think it is only possible for those who know what it is like to be forgiven.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

We have to know what it is like to be forgiven\u2026to realize how important it is\u2026before we can forgive someone.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cForgiveness is not an occasional act, it is a constant attitude.\u201d \u2014Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.<\/i><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

All of this practical advice about forgiving a brother or sister in the church occurs against the backdrop of God\u2019s forgiveness of us.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

When we say the Lord\u2019s Prayer (which we would say collectively on Sundays in church-difficult now, but I do hope you are continuing to pray that prayer)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

We pray \u2018Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.\u2019<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

This can be difficult-can be the most difficult part of the Lord\u2019s Prayer to pray.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Sometimes ministers are guilty of presenting the gospel as if Christians are eager to forgive, and as if this comes naturally and easily.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

But it doesn\u2019t.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

What is the part in the Lord\u2019s Prayer, before forgiving others?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

We ask for forgiveness\u2026for ourselves!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Forgive us our sins\u2026as we forgive those who sin against us.\u2019<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The Lord\u2019s Prayer assumes, and rightly so-that we have sinned.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

We have sinned.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

BUT if we are to be forgiven-we must be able to forgive.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

It isn\u2019t easy.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

BUT<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

in our forgiving and being forgiven-we are part of God\u2019s vision for the new creation.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

We imitate God.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

We imitate God when we forgive.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Think back to a time when you forgave someone. \u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Afterwards, did you feel a sense of peace, a sense of freedom?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

When we forgive, we participate in God\u2019s work, in that divine energy that was released into the world when God in Christ forgave us for what we did to God\u2019s son.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Deep theology\u2026but it comes down to forgive\u2026and be free.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

There are many reasons why people don\u2019t come to church, or believe in Christ.\u00a0 <\/span>One of the reasons is because sometimes we don\u2019t look very different from the world<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

-we operate the same as clubs<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Divisions are found, arguments erupt, harsh words are said\u2026<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Brothers and sisters, this should not be so.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The church is NOT a social club, though we gather for fellowship. The church is not OUR church, though we make decisions about its running, and functions.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

No, the church is not ours, Leighmoor Uniting Church, or Heatherton- Dingley, and every other church in the world, belongs to Christ.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Every church belongs to Christ<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

We make earthly decisions on behalf of Christ.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

As a faith community, there will be times of great joy\u2026and of great sorrow and hurt.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

And\u2026as a last resort:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

vs 17: \u2018If the member refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.\u2019<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Exiled?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>OR\u2026<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

How does Jesus treat Gentiles and tax collectors?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He called a tax collector to be a disciple-part of his inner circle.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

-he healed the servant of a Roman centurion, and dined with \u2018many tax collectors and sinners.\u2019<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He loved them. He called them.\u00a0 <\/span>He embraced them.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He loves us.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Acceptance, repentance and forgiveness are to work together to restore community.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Jesus has called us to be the light in a darkened world.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In us, in our life together in the church, the world ought to be able to see God\u2019s reign breaking through.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

We have got to forgive<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

and we can\u2026with God\u2019s help.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

For we can never be free, until we learn to forgive others\u2026and forgive ourselves,<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

because<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

forgiveness is the key to action and freedom,<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

and because we are called to \u2018love one another.\u2019<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Amen.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Let us pray:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Loving, forgiving Lord, teach us to deal with others as you have dealt with us.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Forgiveness is not easy.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Sometimes we prefer to nurture our wounds, dwelling on our hurts, focusing on the injustices we have endured.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Deep within are gnawing resentments, memories of old offenses.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

As you have welcomed each of us, despite our sins, help us to welcome others too.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

You love us, despite our faults.\u00a0 <\/span>Help us to love our brothers and sisters in Christ.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Amen.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

(the opening stories were from this website: https:\/\/www.rd.com\/list\/inspiring-forgiveness-stories\/<\/a>)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Prayers of the People<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Almighty God, we acknowledge that it is sometimes hard to always know what is right and proper, and what the church\u2019s role is in the wider world.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

We bring before you all who serve in isolation and danger.\u00a0 <\/span>We pray for those who lack basic resources with which to do their work.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

We remember those who face hostility daily, especially those who work in countries where they are under constant surveillance and are in danger.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

We ask that they may be blessed through our prayers.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

We continue to pray for those suffering or dying from covid-19.\u00a0 <\/span>We pray for their friends and families.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

We pray for our faith community, for those who are sick-for Alan and Fredrica, for Rohini and Jaya, for John. For the families with children at home, for Elijah, Erica, Adrian and Sherine, Hayden, Kaitlin and Peter, for Chloe, Lauren, Erica and Adam,\u00a0 <\/span>for Noah, Harvey, Leanne and Brendan,\u00a0 <\/span>for Noah and Zoe, Gavin and Radhika, for Sarah, Tom and Shireen, and for others we know, and grandparents who are helping to home school their grandchildren.\u00a0 <\/span>Be with them.\u00a0 <\/span>Give them patience, understanding and little blessings each day.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

We pray for an end to racial conflict, especially in the United States, and here in Australia.\u00a0 <\/span>We are all your children, made in your image.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Hear the prayers we offer, those we have read and said, and those written deep upon our hearts.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

And in the words our Saviour taught us, we are confident when we pray to say:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Our Father in heaven\u2026<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Amen.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Blessing<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

May the love of Jesus Christ<\/strong><\/span>
\nbring us wholeness,<\/strong><\/span>
\nthe grace of God the Father<\/strong><\/span>
\ngrant us peace,<\/strong><\/span>
\nthe breath of the Holy Spirit<\/strong><\/span>
\ninstill passion,<\/strong><\/span>
\nand the unity among them<\/strong><\/span>
\ngive us strength<\/strong><\/span>
\nfor this and every day.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Amen<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

(Blessing adapted from John Birch, 2016)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Sermon and Service September 6th 2020 Leighmoor Uniting Church -Rev Barbara Allen Suggested hymns: TIS 156: Morning has broken TIS 693: Come as you are, that\u2019s how I want you TIS 635: Forgive our sins, as we forgive TIS 699: A new commandment TIS 650: Brother, sister, let me serve you TIS 598: Dear Father, Lord of humankind Prayers of Adoration, Thanksgiving, and Confession (we begin with words from today\u2019s Psalm-had to include it because of the use of the word couch-appropriate for worship from home!) \u2018Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song. Let us praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre. For the Lord takes pleasure in his people; He adorns the humble with victory. Let the faithful exult in glory; Let them sing for joy on their couches.\u2019 (Psalm 149) Lord of life, and love, and hope, and peace, we praise you and thank you for all your blessings, for church family, for our own families, for friends, and children, and pets. We thank you for a new day, with opportunities to reach out to people via technology.\u00a0 We give you thanks for the inventors of this means of communication, knowing it has made a difference during these past months. May our hearts and minds be open to your presence in our lives and to trust your guiding hand.\u00a0 Do not let anxieties and fear overcome us, but help us to continue to be instruments of your love and peace, even in the midst of a pandemic. Loving God, often we forget to notice, or to acknowledge, your many blessings in our lives. Forgive us. We sometimes neglect to tell others how much we love them, or appreciate them, or how proud we are of them. Forgive us. As we become over critical, perhaps due to lockdown, help us to be forgiving-of ourselves-and of others. You showed us how to forgive in the death of Jesus, help us to be more Christ-like in our behaviour. Help us to be less judgmental and more forgiving. The tongue is indeed a powerful instrument.\u00a0 Let us use it to bless you and others, rather than as a sword to hurt others, by the cutting things we say. In a time of silence, we bring before you other things for which we seek forgiveness. (silence) God is love! Through Christ our sins are forgiven (thanks be to God!) Take hold of this forgiveness, and live your life in the power of the Spirit, as forgiven people, being free to forgive others. Amen Bible Readings Exodus 12: 1-14 Psalm 149 Romans 13: 8-14 Matthew 18: 15-20 Sermon In the book Why Forgive?\u00a0 the story is told of Steven McDonald , a young police officer\u00a0 who was shot in 1986 by a teenager in New York\u2019s Central Park, an incident that left him paralyzed. \u201cI forgave [the shooter] because I believe the only thing worse than receiving a bullet in my spine would have been to nurture revenge in my heart,\u201d McDonald wrote. Another story about forgiveness: After a long shift at the fire department, Matt Swatzell fell asleep while driving, and crashed into another vehicle, killing June Fitzgerald and injuring her 19-month-old daughter. Fitzgerald\u2019s husband, a pastor, asked for the man\u2019s diminished sentence, and began meeting with him for coffee and conversation. Many years later, the two men remain close. \u201cYou forgive as you\u2019ve been forgiven,\u201d Fitzgerald said. And another:\u00a0 In May 2014, Peter Hiogo began a photo essay project in Rwanda to demonstrate the forgiveness between the Hutus and Tutsis\u2014the two cultures involved in the 1994 Rwandan genocide that took millions of lives. In the photos, members from both cultures stand by side illustrating a story of forgiveness and how their lives are now connected in a positive, forgiving way.\u00a0 How do we feel after hearing those stories? Could we forgive in a similar situation? Forgiveness is tied to love. \u00a0\u201cIf we really want to love, we must learn how to forgive.\u201d \u2014Mother Teresa, \u2018If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone.\u2019 (Matthew 18: 15) \u2018forgiveness is the key to action and freedom.\u2019 \u2018forgiveness is the key to action and freedom.\u2019 People often say that religious people are idealistic, unrealistic. Religious people walk around with their heads in the clouds, never touching the earth, never in the \u2018real world.\u2019 I am sure you have all heard that before-and I must admit, most church people I have met over the years DO NOT FIT this category!\u00a0 We are part of the world, the community\u2026not apart from it. But for many secular folk they think we are sweet, idealistic, having fluffy notions and not concerned about what is happening in the world. Reality. What is reality? Who defines what is real? The gospel doesn\u2019t just want us to reach out and speak to our present situation, it wants us to CHANGE it! And sometimes that means changing ourselves! Today\u2019s passage from Matthew is not idealistic, indeed, it is painfully practical. This is a text which is simple, clear, specific, practical-real. And isn\u2019t that just the problem? Jesus says, \u2018When someone [in the church] sins against you, tell the offender.\u00a0 You, as victim, must take charge and attempt to work it out.\u00a0 If that fails, tell the church and let the church take charge and try to work it out.\u00a0 Failing that-the church takes the extreme step of excommunication. Sounds like something from a previous era,\u00a0 And of course there would be none of those problems in Leighmoor Uniting Church, or at Heatherton-Dingley Uniting Church. I was only with you for two weeks before lockdown, and I didn\u2019t see any disharmony-so I can still picture in my mind two congregations of angels, never a harsh word said. Am I correct?\u00a0 Or has lockdown saved me from reality? We know that, in the past, the church took these exhortations seriously. This text-urging<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center 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