Re-imagining Our Future
Last week I was at clergy conference which was held (mostly) at All Saints Burwood in their new building. It was great to spend time with Bishop Peter and the other clergy as we wrestled with some pretty big questions facing our diocese.
The overall theme of the of the conference was that of “Re-imagining Our Future”. When it comes down to it, some parishes are struggling to function and their two greatest financial burdens are that of buildings and clergy. Over the course of the conference discussion groups imagined how the resources of buildings and clergy could be better utilised through collaboration, coherency and collegiality. In these discussions it was vital not to stray away from our core, that the Church is the Body of Christ and that missio Dei (God’s mission) is our mission. We are not part of a corporation where money is the focus. In practical terms money is important for us to be able further the mission of “filling the whole house of the world with the aroma of Christ”. I think that each of us here at St Marks need to constantly remind ourselves how fortunate we are. How fortunate we are to be part of a vibrant, Christ centred, prayerful worshipping community. St Marks is the place that we are Spiritually filled and communally supported to live out our lives as disciples of Jesus.
Thank you for your birthday well wishes and ordination anniversary gift. I feel blessed being part of “St Marks” and I trust you do to.
God Bless you
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From the Vicar
