Synod meeting - Oct 2023

Mikall and I attended the Synod meeting that was held in Katoomba two weekends ago. It was a large gathering and the representatives from 12 presbyteries affiliated with Uniting Churches in NSW and ACT attended. Bexley UC belongs to the Georges River Presbytery and we were part of the representatiion from it. 

Many agenda items were proposed, discussed, and voted upon. Hundreds of people gathered to express their opinions. The meeting was not a majority vote system, but a unanimous system in which if even one person objected, the opinion was heard and a vote was held again. It could be tiring and sometimes tedious, but I believe it was a meaningful process. 

During this conference, I often asked myself, "Why am I here?" At first glance, it seems like my choice to be there at that time. But later, I thought many attendees were probably sent by God, whatever the reason. It might sound somewhat humorous but my question continued as follows, "Why am I here in this world?" 

A philosopher argues that humans are simply thrown into the world because · our birth is not a reflection of our choice. We, however, believe in God, the Creator of all things and listen to Jesus' confession. Jesus confessed that He was sent by the Father to save the world. He lived a sent life, and His purpose was to save the world. 

Similarly, we too have been sent by God to exist in this world. When we were born, we didn't choose our parents, siblings, or surroundings. We were sent by God to exist in those circumstances and that context. There must be a reason for our existence. And God did not leave us unattended. When God created Adam and Eve (humanity), the very first thing He did was to bless them (Genesis 1:28). The same goes for us. The first thing God did after creating us was to bless us. There is no human being who has not been blessed! These days the weather is getting warmer. If we go out, the radiant sunshine welcomes us. Whether you are young or old, your days are gifts from God. I hope your days are filled with blessings of the Lord. Amen.