Dear Inner Circle,
Firstly, we are so grateful to all of you who lovingly showered us with tracksuit pants last week. Every parcel that arrived and every hand-delivered package was an act of silent solidarity, a gentle way of letting light slip through the cracks of what sometimes seems to be an ever-darkening world. It’s the little things that often have the biggest impact. While it is a beautiful act to love generally, what lasts in our hearts are the moments where someone takes a beat out of their busy lives to consider us specifically. Remembering a name, a coffee order, or even a soap preference at our front desks – love comes in all shapes and sizes.
My wife Lisa used to open our lounge room doors wide to mothers she had first met while working in a prison, filling the space with as many toys as we could find. As the children played gleefully, she would prepare a meal for the often-exhausted mums, finishing with gently placing a knife and fork down and lovingly urging, “When was the last time you sat and ate with utensils? Sit now, take a moment while I play with your gorgeous kids!” A tiny act of recognition, to know again that they too were seen and loved, was as significant an act as any.
These special moments are always flowing in our community service centres. Being present before the presence of love is the only way to capture these snapshots for the soul. Last week, our team partnered with a generous local group to throw a “Get Spoiled Day” at our Bondi centre. Chef Pascale’s exceptional meals turned the cafe into a vibrant gathering space, with even more regulars turning up than usual. She fussed over the preparations for the day, making restaurant-quality dishes such as salmon fish cakes, like a scene from ‘Babette’s Feast’. Pascale knows that, regardless of their circumstance, everyone deserves moments of joy and pampering. Our people dropped by for haircuts, manicures, hand massages, nail painting and the chance to take home special items. It won’t surprise you that most chose things to give to others. Love truly is a gift that multiplies, rather than diminishes, with use. Such moments of special care are not just luxuries but essential elements of dignity and humanity.
Recently, a group of women gathered in the community hall to celebrate a significant milestone: the first graduation of our Women’s Wellbeing Group. Each woman received a beautiful, engraved medallion donated by one of our angels, along with a graduation certificate and a heartfelt, hand-written card recognising their growth. This psychoeducation program helps participants explore essential topics like creating safer relationships, staying healthy, managing emotions, and securing financial stability.
The room was full of proud smiles (and some tears), as many reflected it was the first time they had seen anything through or graduated. The women’s program team had crafted realistic-looking mortarboards out of black cardboard, and the joy in the room was palpable as the women tossed their hats into the air in unison.
Thank you for being part of our Inner Circle,
Jon
Rev. Jon Owen
CEO & Pastor
Wayside Chapel
