A Note from Fr Keith – Epiphany 7A and 8A February 19, 2011
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There are a number of important occasions over the next few weeks which will be important steps on our journey together. First, there is the ordination of Carl Lanham to the Diaconate on 24 February. The word “Deacon” comes from the Greek word diakonos, meaning “servant”- literally the man or woman serving at the table. This reminds us that the most important ordained ministry is that of service, and that all of us are called to serve each other.
In March there will be Special General Meetings to wind up the affairs of the old separate parishes, followed by an Annual General Meeting for the new parish. At the AGM we will elect a new Parish Council; we also will move forward in consolidating the administration of the new Parish. Please take a full part in these meetings and let your voice be heard.
On 10th April we celebrate the Centenary of the consecration of Christ Church, Mount Vincent. This will be an ideal opportunity for all of us to come together again, not for meetings but to share time, food and fun with each other; and to give thanks for the last hundred years and to pray for the next century together.
Autumn promises to be a busy time: in the same period we also have the Nostalgia Festival, a State Election, Easter, and Anzac Day! In all of this, may our service to each other and to our community be a strong witness to the light of Christ and a blessing to all in our community.
However, if we put the love of Christ into practice we will deal constructively with any difficulties, and continue to be a light to each other and to our communities.
GENERAL MEETINGS SCHEDULE February 18, 2011
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Special General Meetings
Mt Vincent—6 March 10.00am eucharist followed by meeting—no eucharist at Christ Church
Weston—13 March 8.30am eucharist followed by meeting—morning prayer at Christ Church
Annual General Meeting
20 March—One parish eucharist St Paul’s 8.30am ; AGM to convene at 10.00am—no eucharist at Christ Church or St Mary’s
Parish electoral roll will close on Sunday 6 March.
A Note from Fr Keith – Epiphany 5A and 6A February 18, 2011
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As we have a late Easter this year, we have a long season of Epiphany, in which we celebrate the light of Christ that is made known to us. The Gospel readings from Matthew for the fifth and sixth Sunday of Epiphany tell us that we should also make this light known to others: we are to be the light of the world (Matthew 5:14). How do we do this?
Some people think that the most important thing is to follow rules and traditions. It is a good thing to follow rules, and usually rules and traditions are there for a good reason. Jesus stresses the importance of God’s law in Matthew 5:18. However, what is more important is having the love of God in our hearts and minds. Jesus makes it absolutely clear that the greatest commandments are to love God and to love neighbour (Matthew 22: 34-36); all the other laws and traditions and sayings depend on this. It is through love, ultimately, that we make known the light of Christ.
Since my arrival here I have been blessed by seeing this love being put into practice — for example, in the way in which you have helped me settle into the parish, and in the welcome you have given to Br Matthias Tovotasi from the Solomon Islands. I am sure that he will speak highly of the parish when he returns to Melanesia after he leaves us on 6th February. For us, there will be challenges ahead as the two former parishes learn to live as one, and as I adapt to life back in Australia. Sometimes our rules and traditions will be in conflict as we face new situations.
