Sunday 31 October 2010

Congregating on Pitt Street


There has been a Christian congregation for this church close to this site since 1833. Not this building (that came in the 1860s), and not called The Uniting Church (that came in 1977).

With the homeless man camped on their doorstep, I think the words on the plaque are significant:
Believing that change is always possible, we participate in moves towards justice, peace and development for all people every where.

With open heart and mind, and in ways tried and untried, we commit ourselves to this task, believing that 'where the spirit of the Lord is, there is Liberty'.

15 comments:

Birdman said...

Colorful shot! There's story here, I bet. And it might not be pretty.

Jo said...

Amazing that the homeless man has a blanket to lie on and under. Here our homeless people wrap themselves in black garbage bags and sleep on flattened cardboard boxes. (those are the luckier ones) Thanks for sharing.

Dimple said...

The pictures, especially the first, are beautiful for their colors, clarity, and composition; but the post is beautiful for its message. I wonder if the words on the plaque have meaning in the homeless man's life.

Unknown said...

Churches have long been places of refuge, both spiritually and literally. His red blanket coordinates nicely with the red door. I like red doors on churches. It is symbolic of the Holy Spirit. Thank you for a thoughtful set of photos.

Ann said...

Can't place this one, is it opposite (or more accurately across the road and down a bit) to Ted's Cameras?

Jim said...

It's an interesting little church.

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

Is he a real homeless person, or is he part of the decoration?

Peter said...

there is a homeless person in martin place every morning and he has a mobile phone!

Joan Elizabeth said...

Homelessness is a confronting problem for most of us. The inner city church I attend has an affectionate caring relationship with them as I expect this church does ... where the Spirit of the Lord is there truly is liberty.

Vicki said...

Sad. I wonder what his story is...

Julie said...

Yes, Ann. Opposite Ted's Camera shop.

I don't know his story, but he was genuinely there. He is very well rugged, I agree. But even homeless people receive government benefits!

As for having a mobile, he has not rent to pay, and mobiles are cheap depending on how you use them.

Jilly said...

Your homeless man looks a good deal more comfortable than mine - cleaner and in better condition I'd think. So snap for you yesterday and me today. Too many homeless people in our big cities - and elsewhere of course.

Paul Anslow said...

Sadly Michael passes away on the 30/7/12. http://www.flickr.com/photos/anslow/7702072842/

Vicki said...

RIP Michael.

Vicki said...

RIP Michael.