A season full of community life
Since November, I’ve attended numerous Templer activities and occasions and was genuinely impressed by the efforts of so many members and friends.
From the TTHA Christmas market, three different Advent celebrations, our Community Christmas event, two Christmas services, the two end-of-year German School evenings, setting up and more recently packing down of the Christmas tree in Bentleigh and, not to forget funeral and memorial services, there has been much going on.
Each event addressed specific purposes and needs and drew in different members of the community. Well done, everyone! Without the considerable input and commitment from many individuals, attention to detail, advance planning, care for others, this vibrant community life would not be possible. The more people who help with these events, the more enjoyable they are for all.
An invitation for the year ahead
While the new year is still young, and you look through your recently received excellent TSA calendar, may I please invite you all to consider when and how you can help ensure our community remains connected and flourishing. Please note services and events in your calendars and plan to attend. Perhaps you can use these occasions to get together with family members and your friends. Invite them to join you. Please respond to requests to help and be involved. Giving back to our community is so rewarding and grounding. We get to know each other better, working alongside each other, and strive towards our goal of being “building stones” in a spiritual temple. We help create something positive beyond our individual selves.
Caring for one another
I’m proud of the TSA’s efforts to support people who need help and to be aware of challenges, illness and struggles both in our immediate and wider community. This also reminds us that we, as individuals, don’t have to be strong all the time. Inevitably we all have occasions when we feel frail or vulnerable and need support or advice. When I see what members of our community do for each other, it is truly inspiring and makes me want to do more myself. There is such wisdom, generosity and integrity amongst us. I am so grateful to witness this.
Serving with generosity
It is up to each one of us to help nurture and foster a sense of community, serving it to the best of our ability, humbly and freely. The season of life in which we find ourselves often determines how much we can give. And, of course, there will be an ebb and flow in what and when we can give. If this is the year for you to offer a bit more, please do so generously. If you or someone you know needs help, please also let us know.
Giving back to our community is so rewarding and grounding.
I look forward to seeing you soon and wish everyone much happiness and good health in 2026.
