Ministry Moments by Rev Don Dowling

Stations of the Cross, 2007 St Ives Uniting Church

This Podcast is about the Stations of the Cross Art Exhibition conducted at St Ives Uniting Church, St Ives Sydney, NSW at Easter 2007. It was initiated by Rev. Dr. Doug Purnell, who was the Minister at the time. 15 Artists were commissioned and invited to create an Artwork on one Station each. Here is a link to the video I created of the event: https://youtu.be/tGEk8bZy5aA
 

The Blackhawk Disaster, 12th June 1996

It was the night of Wednesday, 12th June 1996. There were 18 fatalities, 15 from the Special Air Service Regiment and three from the 5th Aviation Regiment. The nation really felt it. We lost some very special people in this tragedy.  
I was one of the Army Reserve Chaplains called upon to inform and support a family who husband and father had died. It was a unique time and ministry and on this occasion demanded a great deal of me.

Ministry to Wesley College Boarders

For 11 years I was the Chaplain at Wesley College. Today's Podcast is about my connection with the Boarding School in particular, a couple of stories that made an impact on me and my ministry.They were special years and I loved being there. I met so many great people, students, parents, staff and a huge past student network. Something was always happening. I hope you enjoy listening to this podcast

1st Nations experiences

My first encounter with 1st Nation’s people was through my father. It was a positive connection. This Podcast shares some more of those experiences. In the spirit of reconciliation I acknowledge the Wadandi people of the Noongar nation, Traditional Custodians of the land on which I recorded this podcast.  I pay my respects to their Elders past and present and those emerging. I extend that respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 

A Woman and her Hat

A Woman and her Hat – A few years ago, I was working with the Board of Mission within the Synod of NSW. My role was Mission Planner and my task was to visit congregations supporting them to connect with the community in which they lived. I often asked, "What helped you belong?" One reply was: “I came to belong because I didn’t have a hat”. Have a listen, I'm sure you will be surprised!

Experiences - In the Wake of a Suicide

I will be sharing my experiences when a suicide has occurred. On four occasions I have been involved with the issue of suicide. If what I say affects you, or triggers something for you, please seek help. I am sure that in your area there will be places and people who can offer support. People like lifeline and Beyond Blue.
 

A Big Mistake!

It had been a really hectic week at the school where I was Chaplain, and I was heading into a very busy weekend. I had three weddings booked for the Saturday, one in the morning and two in the afternoon. All of the grooms were past students of the school and it was rather special for them to begin their married lives from that point. After I finished the last wedding, I was happy. However, and it's a big however!!

The Wedding in Jakarta - Toby and Rita

My favourite wedding. I've done hundreds of weddings over the years, but this wedding has to be my favourite. It had everything, it had colour, it had life, it had the sounds and energy of a different cultures. It had people who were just so wonderful to us. So many things made it special and I guess the thing that made it extra special was that here were two people who were pledging to continue their love journey together.   

A Stranger comes to Church!

This story shares an experience of helping a woman, who I discovered was a worker. She came to church seeking help. Our conversation helped her and shaped my thinking around ministry to those who live on the fringes of our communities.

The Drowning at Sea - a Ministry to the Family

On a plaque, set against a peppermint tree in the Dunsborough Cemetery are these words: “Gone Fishing, Together, Forever”.
Under the same tree are three other plaques in memory of three people who died at sea, on 30 of December 1996. A father and husband, his son, and a son in law. Here is part of their story and my connection with them. Another experience that I will never forget.