Network of Spiritual Progressives
(Melbourne)
An environmentally responsible Christmas?
Are you Right or Left-Brained?
If we were to take our present course and project into the future, where would it lead us? Where would it leave us? read more
Come back and visit us regularly. We'd welcome you as part of our on-line community.
Check out some of our links:
Hotham Mission Asylum Seeker Project
The Eighth Day is a member of the Baptist Union of Victoria.
... How can a society that exists on instant mashed potatoes, packaged cake mixes, frozen dinners, and instant cameras teach patience to its young? - Paul Sweeney
Apology to the Stolen Generations
We thank God for the decision of the incoming government to begin the new parliament by offering an apology on behalf of the government for decisions made during much of the twentieth century to remove aboriginal people from their families and seek to integrate them into "white" Australia. Acknowledging and seeking forgiveness for the enduring pain and grief which this has inflicted to this day is an important step forward in reconciliation between Indigenous Australia and the land's more recent inhabitants.
We pray that the work of healing will begin in new ways to address continuing disadvantage - a work undertaken as full partners, recognising the dignity and capability of Indigenous Australians in creating solutions and new pathways, and our need to learn.
The folk of The Eighth Day
On the Edge
Being pushed to the edge can often be an exhilarating experience, though many find it not to be a pleasant experience, teetering on the brink and pondering the implications if one loses one's balance. The adrenaline can surge as one propels from a tower with a bungee cord securely attached to both legs... the fall creating the sense of danger, yet with the recognition and hope that the cord will prevent harm.
In recent days, our world has found itself perched on an edge, perhaps for many even feeling like it has left the platform. In Melbourne we have faced the effect of a long drought, threatening the viability of future water supplies, at the same time creating an environment where bushfires have consumeed vast tracts of land and threatened communities. We have been required to live briefly without electricity, our trains have been found wanting and many withdrawn from service and, above all, we are coming to grips with the reality and implications of climate change - which leaves us sitting on the edge of an unknown future, not even sure whether there is a bungee cord attached. There is considerable angst at a community level.
Here at the Eighth Day, we live on the City's edge, able to see its skyline and observe its patterns. It reflects in some meaningful ways our call to live life 'on the edge', or better, 'at the margins', hearing the voices and seeing the faces which are oft forgotten in the hustle and bustle of business and commerce. We seek to live life against the flow which is dictated by the rhythms of the city, seeking to remain at its edge, aware, but not immersed.
It is easy to be seduced by a sense of despair, feeling helpless against the array of forces impacting upon our lifestyles, our sense of security, and our heritage. Whether it be at a personal level, where the pressures upon us from workplace and economic ideals keeps us under pressure, or the more global forces at work create uncertainty, for many there is a grasping for hope grounded in the present moment.
We believe that the gospel provides that hope: that in the life and teaching of Jesus Christ, an alternative pathway has been demonstrated and proven. It is not an easy, nor a simplistic response, but one grounded in present realities, and born of concrete commitments in the present moment.
We would be happy to share together in living this reality, as a sign and seal of faith, hope and love.
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We are spiritual people, and need others around us to maintain our spiritual sense - an attitude which is life-giving and life-forming. Jesus noted that 'he came to give us life, and life in abundance' (John 10:10). The spiritual path is the only pathway to an abundant life.
The Eighth Day is a community seeking to support and challenge one another on this spiritual journey, not just for our own sakes, but for the sake of all - to make a difference in our world, and in our local community.
We'd love to share the journey with you, to offer support and encouragement, guidance and resourcing for the journey. It is our hope that this site encourages you to realise that God is at work, and longing to be in relationship in new and vital ways with us all.
We hope you find this a helpful place to visit. Your feedback is welcomed.
Gary Heard
Pastor
To read more of what "The Eighth Day" means, click here.
To read about ways you might connect in with our journey, click here.
In addition to Image of the week, a weekly reflection written for our printed news each week can be read here.
last updated: February 14, 2008
"things shall not remain as they are..."
Ezekiel 21:26
4 Miller Street
West Melbourne
Victoria 3003
AUSTRALIA
ph:/fax + 61 3 9329 8750
email us at The Eighth Day
A common question we are asked is "What does 'The Eighth Day' mean?". The Eighth Day is an image and a symbol born of three realisations:
As we have shared this image, we have gained further insight into its potential meaning. It is the power of an image to speak more than the original authors intended. For some further reflections on The Eighth Day, check out the following:
Regular Events:
Spirituality through Art
Thursday mornings
Time and Space
Thursday afternoons
update: August 26, 2008
