Worship Reflections from 2026
8 March
Boy meets girl at well: Two readings Fellowship@10, 8 March 2026 Alison Sampson, reflecting on John 4:1-42 No doubt you’ve heard a sermon on this broad before. Short skirt, red lipstick, and way too many boyfriends: how gracious of Jesus to speak with her! What a mensch! And what a miracle that the townsfolk turned to him despite her vague and wishy-washy testimony. Isn’t God amazing?! At least, I’ve read those commentaries and I’ve heard those sermons. And if this…
1 March
Living in eternity Fellowship@10, 1 March 2026 Alison Sampson, reflecting on John 3:1-17 ‘How can anyone be born after growing old?’ asks Nicodemus. ‘Can someone enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?’ I’m someone who has given birth three times, and my children are now all bigger than me. The idea of shoving one of them back in is so grotesque, I suspect Nicodemus is playing for a laugh. Either that, or he’s a fool. Because…
22 February
Baptism: The lodestar of love MUC@10, 22 February 2026 Alison Sampson, reflecting on Matthew 3:16-4:11 Today we are baptising a child. I will use his name in the service. However, because this text goes on the website, in the following I’ll call him ‘Ben’, Hebrew for ‘son.’ Jesus said, ‘Let the children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.’ Many flocked to him, bringing sick kids,…
15 February Fellowship@10 Transfiguration
REFLECTION Seeing in a new light Chris Mitchell The story of the Transfiguration is found in the three synoptic gospels – Matthew, Mark, and Luke. As usual the story is slightly different in each version, tailored to each gospel writers’ audience. Details differ but the essential story is the same. We all know the story – Jesus takes Peter, James and John and leads them up a high mountain. There, in front of their eyes, Jesus is transformed. his clothes become dazzling white the…
15 February Family@10 Transfiguration
Trans/figuration MUC Family@10, 15 February 2026Alison Sampson, reflecting on Matthew 17:1-9 What a weird story. Jesus goes up a mountain with a couple of his mates. Then he cracks his neck like a glow stick and lights up, and his friends see him talking to a couple of dead dudes. This story raises about a zillion questions, like, How did Jesus’ face and body light up? What about his clothes? How did the disciples know the other blokes were Moses…
8 February
To be like Birrarung or, Putting the ‘U’ in MUC MUC@10, 8 February 2026 Alison Sampson, reflecting on Isaiah 58 ‘Why have we fasted and you haven’t seen?’ the people ask God. ‘Why have we humbled ourselves and you haven’t paid attention?’ We’ve given up coffee, chocolate, alcohol and even social media: so why aren’t you answering our prayer?! Along with the people of Isaiah’s prophecy, I’d sure like to know. The world is so broken right now. What with…
25 January 2026
Bunjil & the Order of Melchizedek MUC Fellowship@10, 25 January 2025 (Aboriginal Sunday / Day of Mourning) Alison Sampson, reflecting on Genesis 14:17-24 & selected readings from Hebrews I acknowledge that my thinking was shaped by insights from tralwooway man, Rev Dr Garry Worete Deverell, and from Bidjara/Kari Kari woman, Professor Anne Patel-Gray. On 26 January 1788, the First Fleet landed in Sydney Cove. There, Captain Arthur Phillip raised the Union Jack and claimed half the continent for his king.…