Stories of Mission: Vision Month Week 3
In week 3 of our Vision Month, Missions Minister Carly Cassidy shared a powerful message on the importance of understanding our connection to place, people, and purpose in God's mission. Drawing inspiration from the humble beginnings of Jesus in Bethlehem, Carly challenges us to become "people of peace" in a divided world.
Below you’ll find a video and audio recording of Carly’s sermon as well as a summary blog post including questions for reflection and discussion in small groups.
Please note that this week is the final week of our Vision Month. After three weeks of celebrating God's work in our ministries and mission partners and sharing the exciting plans we believe God has for our future, this week is your opportunity to pray and contribute to our VISION Appeal.
We need $150,000 above and beyond our regular tithes and offerings to support our current OneCare Partners and to begin stepping into our future plans of church planting and refreshing our building to better serve our missional activities, such as Alpha and our midweek kids' ministries.
You can give today on our vision appeal giving page.
In a world where introductions often revolve around our professions and accomplishments, it's refreshing to consider a different approach—one that emphasizes our connection to place, people, and purpose. Inspired by Indigenous traditions and the teachings of the Bible, we are called to reflect on who we are beyond what we do. This perspective not only fosters deeper connections but also aligns us with our mission to be instruments of peace in a divided world.
The Importance of Place and People
I recently had the opportunity to introduce myself in a way taught by Nick White from Indigenous Ministries Australia (IMA). Instead of leading with my job title, I spoke of the land I inhabit—the traditional land of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation—and my heritage as a descendant of Norwegian ancestors from the Alfson family. I mentioned my home in Boronia, within the Council of Knox, a place rich with ancient songlines and a historical meeting point for the Wurundjeri and Bunurong people.
By focusing on place and people, we shift from categorizing each other based on social or economic status to finding common ground and shared history. This approach encourages us to look for connections and similarities, bringing us closer together as a community. It resonates beautifully with our church's theme of "Yesterday, Today, and Forever," reminding us that our past informs our present and shapes our future.
A Biblical Perspective: The Story of Bethlehem
This concept is deeply rooted in scripture. In the book of Micah (Micah 5:2-5), the prophet speaks of Bethlehem—a seemingly insignificant village—as the birthplace of a ruler whose origins are from ancient times. This ruler would stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, bringing peace to the ends of the earth.
Bethlehem was the hometown of David, the most distinguished ruler of Israel. Despite its modest reputation, it became the starting point for a lineage that would lead to Jesus Christ. This pattern of God choosing the unlikely and the humble is evident throughout the Bible:
David: The youngest son of Jesse, overlooked until Samuel anointed him as king.
Joseph: Sold into slavery by his brothers but rose to become a powerful leader in Egypt.
Jacob: The younger twin who received the birthright over his elder brother Esau.
These stories illustrate that God's ways often defy societal expectations. He elevates the lowly and uses the insignificant to fulfill His grand purposes.
Our Role in God's Mission
As followers of Christ, we are invited to participate in this divine narrative. We may see ourselves as ordinary or unworthy, but God sees potential in each of us to contribute to His mission of peace and reconciliation.
Our church supports numerous partners through OneCare, both internationally and locally, who embody this mission:
Our International Partners:
Robynne Jeisman in San Francisco: Assisting young people affected by juvenile justice and homelessness.
The Honeybuns in Cambodia: Providing Christ-centered education at Hope International School.
Alli Mellon with Hard Places Community: Fighting modern-day slavery and restoring hope.
Sherwin Mariano in the Philippines: Empowering vulnerable communities through International Needs.
Pastor Choy, Pastor Elma in the Philippines: Serving through feeding programs, medical missions, and more.
Global Mission Partners in Indonesia: Training church planters and young followers of Jesus.
Empart in India: Empowering communities through social development and leadership training.
Our Local Partners:
Prison Network: Supporting women in and beyond prison to create positive change.
The Babes Project: Assisting women facing crisis pregnancies.
Indigenous Ministries Australia: Supporting Indigenous youth and community programs.
Whitehorse Churches Care: Engaging in community meals, food pantries, and school support.
These partners work tirelessly to bring God's shalom—His peace and completeness—to communities around the world. They demonstrate that regardless of our background or resources, we all have a role to play in God's plan.
Becoming People of Peace
The theme for OneCare this year has been peace. As we reflect on Micah's prophecy and the fulfilment of God's promise through Jesus, we recognise that peace is more than the absence of conflict. It is a deep, soul-nourishing state that transcends circumstances.
Jesus said in John 14:27, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
Embracing this peace requires intentional effort:
Seeking Reconciliation: Mending broken relationships and promoting unity.
Practising Forgiveness: Letting go of grudges and extending grace.
Extending Love: Showing compassion even when it's challenging.
Cultivating Inner Stillness: Trusting in God's presence amidst life's storms.
The Story of "BANAHM"
During a visit with our IMA partners at Jurai, I learned the Bundjalung word "banahm," which means "little brother." Joel Slabb, a proud Bundjalung man, shared a story illustrating that everyone has a place and role at the table.
In their culture, the big brother collects the large branches for the fire, symbolizing leadership and provision. The little brother gathers the kindling, representing support and service. Both roles are essential; one cannot fulfill its purpose without the other.
This story teaches us that no role is more important than another in God's mission. Whether we are in positions of leadership or serving behind the scenes, our contributions are valuable and necessary.
A Call to Action
As we consider the kind of person we want to be known as, let's embrace the example set by Jesus—the Prince of Peace who humbled Himself to serve others. Let's strive to be "people of peace" who actively participate in God's mission.
Here are practical ways to engage:
Prayer: Commit to praying for our partners and for guidance in your role.
Generosity: Consider contributing financially to support OneCare's mission.
Service: Volunteer your time and talents in local ministries or outreach programs.
Education: Learn more about the issues our partners are addressing and share this knowledge.
Community: Engage in small groups or discussions to foster deeper connections.
Conclusion
We are part of a grand narrative where God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. By embracing our place, honouring our people, and stepping into our purpose, we become instruments of His peace.
Let us echo the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi:
"Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith."
May we, as a community, support one another in this mission, recognizing that together we can make a profound impact in our world.
Discussion Questions
Place and Identity: How does understanding your connection to a place and its history influence your sense of identity and community?
God's Use of the Humble: What are other examples in the Bible where God used unlikely individuals for His purposes? How does this encourage you in your own walk?
Peace in Practice: What does being a "person of peace" look like in your daily life? How can you cultivate inner peace amidst external turmoil?
Roles in Mission: Reflect on the "banahm" story. What role do you feel called to in God's mission, and how can you fulfill it effectively?
Overcoming Social Labels: How can shifting from introducing ourselves by what we do to who we are help break down social barriers and foster genuine connections?
Engaging with Partners: In what ways can you support our OneCare partners beyond financial contributions? Consider prayer, advocacy, or volunteering.
Embracing Humility: How does Jesus' example of humility challenge societal norms about status and significance?
Community Impact: What practical steps can our small group take to become instruments of peace in our local community?
Sermon Transcript
Good morning. I would like to introduce myself a little bit differently today. Some of you have had the opportunity to attend one of our Songlines walks, so you may remember this, but for the rest of you, it goes a little something like this.
I live and work on the traditional land of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation. My house is in Boronia, in the Council of Knox, which stands on the edge of the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri and the Bunurong people. Many ancient songlines are roads around Knox, such as Stud Road, and prior to settlement, Knox would have been a meeting place for the Wurundjeri and the Bunurong people. Some of my personal heritage is Norwegian, and some of my ancestors are from the Alfson family, who came out here on a boat. More recently, my people consist of my husband and three children. My name is Carlie Cassidy, and I'm the Missions Minister here at One, and I'm also the National Church Relationships Manager for Global Mission Partners.
That role is a little bit of a mouthful, but both of those jobs are making my heart full, and it's such a pleasure today to be able to share more about our OneCare partnerships with you. What I really love about that way of introducing ourselves is how Nick White from IMA—Indigenous Ministries Australia—taught us the importance of place, people, and person. The reason I love that is, you see, when we meet people, we often introduce ourselves by what we do. We say, "Hi, I'm Bob; I'm a lawyer," and when that happens, without knowing, we are often categorising people. We start ranking each other, thinking about what makes each other stand out—the importance of the job, the financial status—and we are separating people and sorting them into groups, often on a needs or gains basis.
So what I learned from that Songlines walk was when we introduce ourselves beginning with where we have come from and who our people are, we look for connection instead—similarities—and it brings us together. Any other Norwegians in the house? [Laughter] Mum? So it works beautifully as well with this month's theme of "Yesterday, Today, and Forever."
At the start of this year, I was reading scriptures and praying over the theme for OneCare for the year, and I was drawn to this passage in Micah. Let's read it together:
"But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel, whose origins are in the distant past, will come from you on my behalf. The people of Israel will be abandoned to their enemies until the woman in labour gives birth. Then at last his fellow countrymen will return from exile to their own land. And he will stand to lead his flock with the Lord's strength, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. Then his people will live there undisturbed, for he will be highly honoured around the world. And he will be their source of peace."
It's a beautiful passage, and it speaks of hope, of promise, the arrival of a great leader, and it talks about place: Bethlehem, a humble town that was chosen as the birthplace of a leader who would bring transformation and peace to the world.
So much of how we connect with our place stems from story, from our yesterdays. There's a history there, a story. So where are the places that our church supports through OneCare? We have partners in San Francisco, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, and of course, our local partners here in Australia. There's a story attached to each place—a history and a reason for why we're standing with them: human trafficking, hunger, education, evangelism. While we don't have time to go through each one in fine detail, I really want to encourage you to stick around after the service and head out to the tables in the foyer and have a chat to our partners out there, interact with them, and ask them about the places that they are serving in.
The passage in Micah also talks about people. Bethlehem is David's birthplace, and David was the most distinguished ruler of Israel in the Bible. By the time Micah came into the picture, David's reign was in the distant past. Later in the passage, he uses that metaphor: the coming ruler is pictured as a shepherd, in the image of his famous ancestor. Bethlehem was considered to be a bit of a small backwater town—I'm from Boronia, so I can relate—so the one who came from Bethlehem was never really expected to amount to much. However, we know today, in the case of Bethlehem, those who did come from there, that biblical pattern holds true: the insignificant are often exalted, the most unlikely people are used as God's instrument of salvation.
So from that insignificant little village, a young shepherd boy grows up to become the most beloved king in Israel's history—a story that even the unchurched know. There are so many David and Goliath references, especially in politics and sport. When the Bulldogs won the AFL Premiership in 2016! Then a descendant of that king fulfils God's long-awaited promise—the promise of deliverance not only for Israel but for the whole world.
And it's not the way of the world; we know that phrase, "the upside-down kingdom," the exaltation of the lowliest. But it's the way that God works over and over and over again: an insignificant village, a child born to a young unmarried girl, and a story that is still heard today. The one who comes from that village becomes the one Micah proclaims as the one of peace.
It's a beautiful reminder that God works through the most unassuming circumstances to bring about his plans. And what are those plans? As Tim so powerfully shared with us in week one of our Vision Month, we all have a missional calling. We, the church, are called to be people of peace, to bring God's shalom to this world. And so, church, who are the people that we are supporting through OneCare?
Internationally, we support Robynne Jeisman in San Francisco, going through Turntable. They're cultivating places for young people who are impacted by juvenile justice, trafficking, exploitation, or homelessness. They aim to help them experience health, independence, and a safe place of belonging, and Robyn is kicking goals over there. They have a place; they have young people moving in the lead tenant housing system that they're using. Please keep Robyn in your prayers and please speak to Kim out at the Pioneers table after the service.
We support the Honeybuns in Cambodia at Hope International School. They're supporting world mission by providing quality, Christ-centred educational services for families of Christian workers in Cambodia.
We support Alli Mellon in Cambodia through the Hard Places Community. They're in the fight against modern-day slavery, bringing hope to the hopeless in the darkest corners of this world to help see justice prevail, pain redeemed, hope reborn, and life restored. We have a beautiful table set up by Vincent and Mei out in the foyer too, and their young people, so go and visit their table for the Hard Places.
We support Sherwin Mariano and International Needs Australia in the Philippines. Sherwin is with Vineyard of His Grace Ministries, and they aim to improve livelihoods by helping vulnerable people within those communities, helping them to become self-sustainable, educated, and enabled to break the poverty cycle.
We support youth camps through INA; go and learn more about that out at the table for INA.
We support Pastor Choy, Pastor Elma at ACCC in the Philippines, a Christ-centred community in Legazpi, which is serving many outreaches through feeding programs, medical missions, jail ministries, and so much more. We have Greg here today representing them. There will be another exposure trip to the Philippines in January and the following year. If you'd like to be involved, go and have a chat to Greg and he can tell you all about it.
We support Global Mission Partners in Indonesia through API and CCTSI, the two colleges there in Indonesia. Their vision is to train church planters and equip young people to follow Jesus.
We support Empart in India, who are empowering and partnering with communities through various social development programs, equipping local leaders, empowering women, nurturing children, restoring health, improving livelihoods, and responding to emergencies.
And locally, we support Prison Network. They journey with women in and beyond prison, providing the support and courage they need to navigate positive pathways and create change. They help strengthen family and community ties and improve outcomes for children with a mother in prison, and they're selling calendars today to support that ministry, so please go out and have a look at their table and have a chat to the team out there. I've seen Laurel and Andrea and crew, so go and say hello to them. We love our Prison Network and all of the workshops that they run—craft days and Fun with Mum and Game On sports days. There are some wonderful stories to hear if you go and have a chat to them.
We support The Babes Project, who are working with women facing crisis and challenging pregnancies. They have a very special perinatal program that is delivered by trained, experienced volunteers, creating safe spaces and helping families thrive.
We support Indigenous Ministries Australia, and IMA is the Indigenous arm of Global Mission Partners, and Nick White is our connecting point there. They provide support for those working in Churches of Christ Indigenous ministry settings, networking with Churches of Christ churches that connect with Indigenous young people, supporting the Pathways programs for Indigenous youth in places such as the Dajon Youth and Community Centre. We've had Songlines walks in the past, and there is a possibility of an on-country experience up in Dalby in Queensland next year. If you're interested, feel free to go and have a talk to Elise out at the Global Mission Partners table.
We also support Whitehorse Churches Care, Blackburn Primary School across the road, Mitcham Community Meals, our food pantry—there are so many OneCare people doing so many wonderful things in the world.
And there's a common thread because the message—the message in Micah, in that passage of Micah—they talk about a person, place, people, person.
When the wise men from the East came to Jerusalem expecting to find the King of the Jews, King Herod's scribes quoted this passage in Micah as evidence that the Messiah is to be born in Bethlehem: "But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, are the one of the little clans of Judah; from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel."
The Message version actually says: "But you, O Bethlehem, David's country, the runt of the litter—from you will come the leader who will shepherd-rule Israel. He'll be no upstart, no pretender. His family tree is ancient and distinguished."
It was understood by the Gospel writers as a prophecy about the coming Messiah, and it has continued right through the centuries to be understood as that. The ruler that Micah is talking about is the one whose birth we will celebrate—of the line of David from Bethlehem—a king who would shepherd his flock in the power of the Lord.
I love that Bethlehem is one of the little clans. The Hebrew word translates to "least" or "insignificant," and it's used elsewhere in the Bible to describe one who is younger or who is lesser in social status or power.
We know that story well: Joseph, Jacob, David himself—these are the younger brothers, the ones not supposed to be chosen. In fact, the biblical law commands that the older brother gets the birthright no matter what the feelings of the father—in Deuteronomy 21:15–17. Yet it happens time and time again: the youngest is chosen. Jacob gets the birthright and the blessing. Joseph is exalted over his brothers. David is overlooked until all of his brothers have been paraded before Samuel, until finally he's called in from the pastures to stand before the prophet and to be anointed as king. The most unlikely, the most insignificant are exalted.
So the place is Bethlehem, a humble town. The people are the descendants of David, a shepherd, the younger brother not supposed to be chosen. And the person is a baby born in a manger, and yet it is God with us, God in the flesh—a saviour born in a lowly manger destined to rule and bring salvation and shalom to all humanity.
It's so intentional, and how blessed are we to have this template, to have this model to us, because it paints a picture showing us that we can all be involved in mission, no matter what our story is, no matter what we're speaking over ourselves. Our yesterdays are there to teach us.
This passage in Micah anticipates Christ's incarnation—the Old Testament, inspired by God and spoken through a prophet centuries before Jesus came, tells us about who he is, but also tells us what he would do as God in the flesh. Today we have a role model, a mentor to guide us.
So this passage shows us God's intention to shepherd his people. It points to the birth of Jesus Christ, the fulfilment of that prophecy—a saviour born, destined to rule and bring salvation to humanity. His life, his teaching, and his sacrifice—Jesus exemplifies the qualities of a true leader: compassion, humility, unwavering love.
Because Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever, we have the gift of hope. Micah 5:2–5 shows God's intention to bring peace to his people: "And he will be their peace." This promise of peace is a cornerstone of our faith, and it's a reminder that through Christ we find peace—and not just the absence of conflict, but a deep, soul-nourishing peace, a peace that transcends our own understanding. It's a peace that heals, unites, and brings hope amidst the turmoil of this world.
So this year, the theme for OneCare has been peace, and as we've seen a couple of videos throughout the year—and so well put together just before I spoke—some of our partnerships with little missional highlights, each with a passage on peace, we've been learning more about the activities of each of our partners and having a better understanding of how they are working towards shalom in their communities.
As we reflect on that message of peace, we also need to reflect on the role that we play in bringing about this peace, because we are called to embody the qualities of Christ in our lives—to spread love, to show compassion, and to work towards reconciliation in the world, in a world that often feels divided.
So our place—our partners are spread out in many countries across the world: the Philippines, Cambodia, Indonesia, India, San Francisco, right here in Australia. We know our place. You've seen photos of our people, our brothers and sisters in Christ, and heard some of their stories, and you have the opportunity to speak to them out in the foyer after the service. We know our people.
So the challenge is person. Well, that's my challenge, and I invite you to join me in reflecting on that today. What kind of person do you want to be known as? In a world filled with uncertainties, injustices, struggles, let us hold on to this promise here in Micah and this month's passage of Hebrews 13. Let us remember that God's plans are bigger than our circumstances, and his promise of a ruler and a peace-bringer has been fulfilled in Christ. Because Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Amen? Yeah.
So may we be inspired by our partners, and like them, strive to live lives that reflect the light of Christ, bringing hope and peace and love to all those around us. Let us join in God's mission of bringing peace. Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. So do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid." This peace isn't dependent on external conditions but springs from a deep connection to God, an assurance that regardless of what unfolds around us, we can find stability and calm within our soul.
However, embracing this peace requires effort on our behalf. It involves seeking reconciliation, practising forgiveness, extending love even in challenging situations. It demands that we cultivate an inner stillness amidst life's storms, trusting in the guiding presence of a higher power.
I want to thank you because you have done this time and time again here at One Church. You've given so generously to all of our OneCare appeals—to the Feed the Kids campaigns, to our Mother's Day Babes appeal, Super Soup Sunday, Ping-Pong-A-Thons, our pantry, and so much more, partnering together to bring peace. So thank you so much for your support over all of those activities. Thank you for your generosity.
However, please do consider giving to our Vision Appeal this month. Together, for the whole month, we're praying for $150,000. However, we need to raise at least $50,000 to support our OneCare partners next year, so please continue to pray over what your part can be, contributing towards that vision.
Let us keep reflecting on "person." How can we contribute? Yes, financially is important, but really reflecting on that word "person." The organisation Praxis describes a person of peace as someone who God has prepared, who is open to the working of the Holy Spirit, someone who is hungry to learn more and then willing to share that information with others. A person of peace can be anyone—young, old, rich, poor, in community or out.
So above everything else, I encourage you to pray. As we strive to bring peace to this world, may we draw inspiration from the words of St Francis of Assisi, who prayed: "Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; and where there is doubt, faith."
Since I started with a lesson from Nick from IMA, I'm going to leave you with a word that I was taught from our IMA partners up at Jurai. Joel Slabb, a proud Bundjalung man, taught me a word in his language, and that word is "banum." "Banum" means "little brother." They shared a story with me about how we are all welcome at the table. There's a place for everyone and a role for everyone. No one role is more important than the other. It's the big brother's job to collect the big branches for the fire, to teach and to lead the way. You may have the resources and the ability to bring a big branch, and that is so needed, but it's also the little brother's job to collect the kindling, and it's his role to listen and to learn from the big brother; it's his role to serve, and that is just as important and just as needed.
When we all step into our calling, when we all play the unique role in God's mission—the role that he has designed just for us—when we remember that we are called to mission, when we do that with humility, we find his peace.
And that's my prayer for each one of us today: that we might be a person of peace for God's kingdom building. Let's pray together.
Heavenly Father, thank you so much that we could come together today to worship you. Thank you that you have given us your Son, the Prince of Peace, and that through him we are part of your family. We lift up all of our OneCare partners; thank you for their sacrifice and their willingness to serve you in all that they do. Lord, protect them and provide for them. May they continue to see you glorified, Lord, and to see your fruit in these various ministries.
And Lord, we as your children come before you today with humble hearts, seeking your guidance and your grace. Help us to be people of peace. We ask for the strength and the wisdom to be vessels of your love, to let it flow through us and touch the lives of those around us. Help us to love as you love, showing kindness and compassion to all we encounter.
As we seek to be more engaged in your mission, Lord, help us to remember the little brother in that story. Grant us the clarity to understand the unique role that you have for each of us. Help us to see the needs of others and to respond to them with open hearts and willing hands, knowing that in serving others, we are serving you. Use us to be instruments of your peace, bringing your healing, your reconciliation, and your hope. In the name of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.