Archer Earth Community December Update

[Dianne Hearn]

Dear Friends

December Agape

Our December Agape will be held on Sunday 14 December at 2461 Sandgate Rd Boondall. Our focus will be to celebrate the feast of Christmas.  If you are attending we invite you to contribute to the celebration by bringing:

• A reflection, poem, prayer, song, art piece etc about Christmas to form part of our prayer ritual
• A monetary donation or gift card for us to gift to refugee families
• A Christmas treat to share at morning tea / lunch.

As usual we will gather from 10am for a 10.30 start and conclude with a shared lunch. 

Archer Meditation  

Our meditation gatherings are on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. We gather at 2461 Sandgate Rd Boondall from 9.30am to 10am or via the online option at https://www.worldpeaceprayer.org/

Simply click on this link for the World Peace Prayer site and then click on the candle to join the meditation. Next Meditation Dates: December 3 and 17

Planning for Archer Earth Community 2026

Our planning meeting for Archer Earth Community will be held in February 2026 at a date to be advised.  Our first Agape for 2026 will be held in March. We are tidying our email group contact details so please advise us if you have a new email or would like to be removed from the mailings.  Contact hear...@gmail.com

Corals’ Last Stand Film

Oceania Formation Team have invited us to this screening on Wednesday 3 December from 5pm to 7pm AEST.  The film addresses the challenges to Scott Reef (home to more than 1200 species) by the threatened expansion of the Browse Basin by Woodside who want to sink 50 oil and gas wells in proximity to the reef.  For more details and to register please see the attached brochure.

Advent Reflections

These short reflections commencing on 1 December guide us through slow and prayerful reading of Scripture to prepare for the feast of Christmas.  See https://cathevents.org.au/advent-podcasts/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_term=2025-11-13&utm_campaign=Advent+Faith+and+Professional+Development+opportunites

Reform of Nature Laws

Finally the reform of the EPBC Act has been past!  Some of you will recall the hours spent submitting responses to Prof Graeme Samuel  Review of the Act over 6 years ago. There is a joint webinar hosted by some environmental groups, experts and MPs on Monday 1 December 6-7pm AEST.  For more information and to register see https://www.queenslandconservation.org.au/webinar_latest_epbc_reform_updates

 Key Dates

December 1-7 Coastcare Week is sponsored by Landcare and aims to focus our awareness on restoring and protecting the coastline, waterways, and coastal habitats. 

See https://landcareaustralia.org.au/resources/campaigns/coastcare-week/

December 3 International Day of People with Disability. This UN sponsored day promotes the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.  The theme for this year is Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress.  See https://www.idpwd.com.au/

December 5  Soil Day theme for this year is Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities and reminds us that beneath buildings and streets lies soil that, if permeable and vegetated, helps absorb rainwater, regulate temperature, store carbon and improve air quality.  If sealed with cement it loses these functions making cities more vulnerable to flooding, overheating and pollution.

See https://www.un.org/en/observances/world-soil-day

December 10 Thomas Merton, who is one of the wisdom figures for Archer Earth Community, died in 1968.  He was prolific writer and to glance at some of his works see https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2021/05/21/four-thomas-merton-books-read-jon-sweeney-240722/

10 December  Human Rights Day commemorates the anniversary of one of the world’s most groundbreaking global pledges, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  To read about the Australian Human Rights Awards this year see https://humanrights.gov.au/about-us/human-rights-awards-2025

December 20  International Human Solidarity Day is a commemoration of the United Nations to promote global cooperation and solidarity.  See https://www.un.org/en/observances/human-solidarity-day

December 22 Summer Solstice sees the sun tracking across the sky to its highest point. Midsummer traditions through history focus on reconnecting with nature and celebrate fertility and the life-giving powers of the sun. 

In conclusion we reflect of the gift of Advent, from Rev Mary Luti, as we prepare for the feast of Christmas.

You give us Advent, O God 

And we are grateful and glad

To abide in your time, 

Which is urgent, yet unhurried, 

And pregnant with life. 

You give us Advent, O God

And we are grateful and glad 

To watch by your light, 

Which is candid, yet hidden, 

Our lamp for the way. 

You give us Advent, O God

And we are grateful and glad 

To rest in your love, 

Which is pleasure, yet mystery. 

And gift without price. 

You give us Advent, O God

And we are grateful and glad 

To receive your new hope, 

Which is wholesome, yet fearsome, 

And child-shaped on straw. 

You give us Advent, O God 

And with your grace 

Let us keep it, 

Abiding, watching, resting, receiving.

Let us keep it, with your help,

for our souls’ sake, 

which you love, 

and the sake of the world, 

heart of your heart.  Amen

Blessings from

Archer Earth Community

E: hear...@gmail.com

M: 0448275712