Alison and the whale

The Ten Commandments aren't rules. Instead they simply indicate who we truly worship. A reflection on Exodus 20:1-20 shared shared with Manningham Uniting Church, 4 October 2026 (Proper 22 Year A).

If we expect heaven's gifts to drop out of the sky like a brightly packaged bag of TipTop fortified sliced white, we will be perpetually hungry and disappointed. So, how do heaven's gifts show up? With a nod to Wendell Berry, RIP. Reflecting on Exodus 16 with Manningham Uniting Church, 20 September 2026 (Proper 20 Year A).

Why not love, forgive and flourish like Dolly: joyfully, unashamedly, wholeheartedly? A reflection on Matthew 18:21-35 shared with Manningham Uniting Church, 13 September 2026 (Proper 19 Year A).

The God of freedom calls us to shape the future through our collective choices. A reflection on Exodus 3:1-15 shared with Manningham Uniting Church, 6 September 2026 (Proper 17 Year A, one week out).

Again and again I hear people say that Jesus never intended the church. And if the church looks like every other kingdom, then this is certainly true. But Jesus certainly came to establish a sign and cipher of the kingdom of heaven, built on the rocky foundation of wobbly disciples who struggle to work out what it means. So what does it actually look like? A reflection on Matthew 16:13-20 shared w...

In his encounter with the Canaanite woman, Jesus rethinks Joshua’s policy of no mercy. Revisiting a piece from 2023, in light of the rejection of the Voice to Parliament. A reflection on Matthew 15:10-28 shared with Manningham Uniting Church, 16 August 2026 (Proper 15 Year A).

A rainbow reading, and other stories. A reflection on Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 shared with Manningham Uniting Church, 9 August 2026 (Proper 14 Year A)

Through struggle, we are transformed. A reflection on Genesis 32:22-31 shared with Manningham Uniting Church, 2 August 2026 (Proper 13 Year A).

Notes on sibling rivalry. A reflection on Genesis 29:15-30, shared with Manningham Uniting Church, 26 July 2026 (Proper 12 Year A).

On weeds, seeds, scoundrels, and descendants like dandelions. Reflecting on Genesis 28:10-22 and Matthew 13:24-43 with Manningham Uniting Church, 19 July 2026 (Proper 11 Year A).

Could a common story interrupt thirty centuries of violence? Reflecting on Genesis 12:1-9 with Manningham Uniting Church, 7 June 2026 (Pentecost 2 Year A).

It seems doubt is part and parcel with faith: and this should be deeply encouraging. Reflecting on Matthew 28:16-20 with Manningham Uniting Church, 31 May 2026 (Trinity Year A).

(From the archives) If you want to see Jesus, don’t stand there peering into heaven! Reflecting on Acts 1:6-14 with Manningham Uniting Church, 17 May 2026 (Ascension).

A promise to all who have been judged and found wanting. Reflecting on John 14:15-21 with Manningham Uniting Church, 10 May 2026 (Easter 6 Year A; Mother's Day).

A people grounded in Christ will not be violent, but gentle, humble and hospitable. Reflecting on 1 Peter 2:1-10 with Manningham Uniting Church, 3 May 2026 (Easter 5 Year A).

The hallmarks of the voice which is good. Reflecting on John 10:1-10 with Manningham Uniting Church , 26 April 2026 (Easter 4 Year A).  

In the shadow of empire and its death-dealing gods, the Risen One comes quiet and unobtrusive. Reflecting on Luke 24:14-35 with Manningham Uniting Church , 19 April 2026 (Easter 2 Year A).

(From the archives) The medium is the message, and our guy is the clown. Reflecting on Matthew 17:1-11 with Manningham Uniting Church , 29 March 2026 (Palm Sunday, Year A).

In the places of death, speak words of life. Reflecting on Ezekiel 37:1-14 with Manningham Uniting Church , 22 March 2026 (Lent 5 Year A).

(From the archives) To encounter Jesus is to invite change. Reflecting on John 9:1-41 with Manningham Uniting Church , 15 March 2026 (Lent 4 Year A).

In which Jesus hooks up, and heals some ancient wounds. Reflecting on John 4:5-42 with Manningham Uniting Church , 8 March 2026 (Lent 3 Year A).

Transcending our secular age. Reflecting on John 3:1-17 with Manningham Uniting Church, 1 March 2026 (Lent 2 Year A).

In which a Baptist pastor affirms infant baptism. Reflecting on Matthew 3:16-4:11 with Manningham Uniting Church on 22 February 2026 (Lent 1 Year A, reading extended backwards two verses).

Transfiguration, crucifixion, and a trans man alive in Christ. Reflecting on Matthew 17:1-9 (Transfiguration Year A) with Manningham Uniting Church, 15 February 2026.

In a media landscape that threatens to overwhelm, Isaiah offers a way of hope. Reflecting on Isaiah 58 with Manningham Uniting Church, 8 February 2026 (Epiphany 5 Year A).