(Sydney) Advent 2019 at the Grail: Deep Despair, Ferocious Hope

Evening #1 - Rev Dr Jason John

A series of two-evenings opening space for us to acknowledge the deep despair many feel as they reflect, for example, on the state of the world in the shadow of the ecological crisis, or the state of the Church in the wake of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Childhood Sexual Abuse. Yet whatever situation we each face, whatever overwhelming challenges we encounter, we can choose our response. With ferocious hope, Jason John and Robert Fitzgerald will invite us to do just that.

Rev Dr Jason John completed an honours degree in zoology before converting to Christianity and studying for ordination in the Uniting Church. His ministry has focused on encouraging all people to live as better members of the Earth family, and especially trying to help the church move away from a human-centred theology.

In the past, he started the Adelaide and Bellingen eco-faith communities and now focuses more specifically on climate action as a half-time member of the Uniting Advocacy Team. Recently, Jason found a cathartic outlet for the often-arduous path of environmental engagement in slam poetry, winning the 2019 Bellingen poetry slam and placing 3rd at the Australian Poetry Slam national final at the Opera House in 2019. He lives in the forest with his family, and many other members of the Earth family, trying to be a good neighbour to all of them.

When: Light supper from 6pm. Prompt start at 6:30pm. Conclude by 8pm.

Contribution: $10.00 or what you can afford.

RSVP: By Friday 27 November via grailsydney@ozemail.com.au or 9955 3053.

Venue: The Grail Centre - 22 McHatton Street, North Sydney. Easy to reach via public transport. Street parking available.