We belong through sharing
Our focus is outward even as we centre our hearts on God
I understand that as someone who is priest in charge for a few months that my task doesn’t involve changing everything around.
This week I attended one of our Rest Homes Holy Communion at Chatswood.
A heart felt thank you to the Rev Alastair and his team (both those who fulfilled this ministry for years and those who are learning what it means) for faithfully each month leading a service of Holy Communion for our Rest Homes.
A number of the residents who attend have been strong leaders of Parish Ministry in their younger days. Some people who just like to be at the service. What an amazing congregation they create.
This week as we gathered in Chatswood we remembered Keith Chapman who died earlier in the week. Keith had been a very active presence in Chatswood and very supportive of their Holy Communion service.
It was very moving being a part of the service.
Have you noticed: The Black Box
The black box is handed over to someone at the end of some services contains the consecrated bread and wine.
It will be taken to a Rest Home or the home of a housebound person so that they too can share in Holy Communion.
We remind them that they are part of the community that gathers each week to share in the Eucharist and that our prayer is with them.
If you listen carefully you will hear which home is to be visited for their name is used in the prayer asking God's blessing upon those who carry and those who receive.
This sacramental act reminds us that we all belong through the sharing of the body and blood of Jesus to the wider church and that our focus is outward even as we centre our hearts on God.
From the Vicar
On Friday we celebrated of the Feast of St Mary the Mother of Jesus. We know from the Gospel according to Luke that Mary was a young Jewish girl living in Nazareth.
Each school’s context is different but for any teaching programme to be effective the engagement of the school Principal and teachers is vital.
All that makes us thrive, young and old, is within the great sweep of God’s love for all creation, which is the pulsing movement of God’s Spirit that makes its way by touching people, at particular times and in particular places.
Parish Officers
Parish Governance
The executive team of Vicar, churchwardens and treasurer meet constantly on parish business.
Parish Groups
Worship leaders, lay readers, servers, ushers, greeters, flower arrangers, cleaners, counters, intercessors and cup bearers all join together to support the service.
On Friday we celebrated of the Feast of St Mary the Mother of Jesus. We know from the Gospel according to Luke that Mary was a young Jewish girl living in Nazareth.
Each school’s context is different but for any teaching programme to be effective the engagement of the school Principal and teachers is vital.
Despite the persecution he faced, Stephen remained steadfast in his faith. He did not back down or compromise his beliefs, but instead, he boldly proclaimed the truth of the gospel. His staunch devotion to God ultimately led to his martyrdom, as he was stoned to death for his faith.
Community Fair bringing affordable toys, books, china, vintage clothes and more from the Opawa - St Martins Parish.