Dear Circle of Hope,

How do we express love in our community? I was reflecting on this question recently and wondering how we are living into our mission of “Loving God and loving our neighbours.” Often when questions like this come to mind I find myself seeking after the big answers. What are the obvious and prominent ways that we demonstrate love to people in our community? 

Today as I visited our Op Shop in Byron Bay I was reminded that sometimes love is demonstrated in the simplest and often overlooked ways. Our Op Shop is a safe place for people from all parts of our community to visit. It is a place where affordable and recycled clothing, essential items and other odds and ends can be purchased. It is a place where those who are sleeping rough or stepping out from domestic violence can come to receive free clothing and essential supplies. It is a place where the local homelessness hub comes to source free clothing that they can distribute to their users. It is a place where our ‘regulars’ can come and have a chat with the wonderful volunteers as they browse. It is a place where over twenty volunteers from our community come to serve each week, express love and find community amongst their daily teams. It is a place of loving community.

Each and every weekday love for our community is expressed in this place - The Uniting Church Op Shop. This expression of love may not be heralded in the media or on social media feeds but it is beautiful to witness and it is a reminder of the faithful service of volunteers in our community and the loving spirit that exists in Byron Bay.

Thank you for being part of our Circle of Hope.

Grace and peace, 

Phil