By Caro Field
Candidate for Ministry at Centre for Theology and Ministry

Last night I worked my final shift as a Pastoral Care Intern at Peter Mac Cancer Centre.

On the last day of my official CPE unit, I took in a goodbye card and box of chocolates for the staff on the ward where I had been working, and then proceeded to do a Dame Nellie, and kept coming back after the farewell, for a few casual shifts. I was very grateful for the opportunity to work these extra shifts, so my exit from the hospital has been more gradual and gentle (even if some of the nurses have looked confused when they have seen me on the ward after I said goodbye).

But this time it’s final. I have handed in my hospital ID and pager, and said my final farewells to the staff of the Pastoral Care Department. And to mark the auspicious occasion of my final shift, I was treated to a rather eventful night. (more…)

By Adrian Pyle
Director of Mission Participation Resource Unit
Uniting Church in Australia
Vic / Tas Synod

I wonder what might happen if the church said sorry to its members, past and present for lack of spiritual direction?

I found myself ruminating on this question after listening to the apology to the stolen generation of indigenous children.

I am certainly not suggesting that the church’s lack of spiritual oversight to “the flock” is in the same league as the horror of forced family break-up. But the events of 13 February 2008 raise interesting questions about past acts which lead to future dire consequences…..and whether the simple act of saying sorry may open doors to resolution like nothing else ever will. (more…)

By Reverend Paul Creasey
Outreach Ministries in the Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of Victoria and Tasmania

 This movie marks the Coen Brother’s return to the highest level of their craft. This is one of the best movies I have seen in a long time. The Brothers Coen have produced a colourful, well crafted thriller that has been described as “a quirky and bloody meditation on the rising tide of violence in America.” (more…)