Pre Dinner Thinks: North Ryde Discussion Group

Pre-Dinner Thinks

For all those who like something to chew on….

Join us for Cheese, Crackers, Drinks, Discussions and more. Topics considered so far include Meditation, the Church in the Modern World, Indigenous Spirituality and Meaningful Aid to Overseas Countries.

We have also looked at  the life and work of controversial Australian cartoonist and poet, Michael Leunig, and the ongoing contention about young men and growing up male in contemporary society. 

Whatever your viewpoint, or if you have no viewpoint, or if you are searching for a viewpoint, you are welcome to join us for a relaxed (but informed) discussion with twenty or so friendly people of all ages. There is convenient parking nearby in the Community Aid car park.

5.00 pm Every 2nd Sunday of the Month in Winston Hall*

August PDT: An Intergenerational Conversation

This month we are hosting a special PDT event led by Satara Uthaykumaran, the Australian Youth Representative to the United Nations. This discussion will be from 4-6pm and in the main Church building (not Winston Hall).

It will be a fabulous opportunity for people of all ages to hear about Satara’s work, travels and experiences and discuss issues affecting young and old Australians.

Past topics of Discussion

  • Experiencing God in Art

    A personal experience of looking at and appreciating how art helps us to recognise and engage with God. In general, we all know that religious art serves multiple purposes including: displaying religious authority in the world and expressing faith and spirituality.
    A number of art forms will be presented and be open to discussion. We are NOT experts but we know what we like!

    April 2025

  • What Would Jesus Do?

    Ever wonder where the phrase "What Would Jesus Do?" originated? Ever wonder what it means? Ever wonder whether it is POSSIBLE?

    May 2024

  • Leunig: Saint or Sinner?

    For decades the cartoons of Michael Leunig charmed, entertained and sometimes bewildered numerous Australians of all ages and backgrounds.

    Yet his life was also controversial. At times he was accused of both anti-semitism and Islamophobia, as well as being anti-marriage equality and anti-vaccination. Then in 2019 his sister Mary, also an accomplished cartoonist, accused him of sexually abusing her during her childhood.

    Are his art and his spiritual explorations contaminated by his guilt, if it existed, or by the accusations which may never be proved true or false?

    March 2025

  • A Faith response to Climate Change

    How long have we got until climate change ruins the planet? What can we do about it before it is too late? Why SHOULD we do anything about it?

    August 2024

  • What it means to be a Man

    A discussion on 'What it means to be a Man', led by Murray Debus.

    October 2024

  • Learning about AUSLAN

    An enthusiastic audience filled NRUC's Winston Hall on Saturday, 11th May, to learn more about AUSLAN, the sign language most widely used in Australia. Presenter, Sharon Xabregas, who has been deaf since birth, shared her over 18 years of experience, both personal and as a teacher in disability employment services. She taught us a number of key signs and answered numerous questions as she broadened our understanding of the benefits AUSLAN can bring to all in the community.

    May 2024