Dear Friends,
Today is Back to Church Sunday. Welcome to you all, and especially to visitors and those of you who have chosen to come back to church today.
Back to Church Sunday is being held throughout the diocese. It acknowledges that the Church, which was once reasonably central to our society, is now extremely peripheral. And yet its gathering together Sunday by Sunday to affirm that the world is God’s, and that it works best for all if we all acknowledge that, is vital.
At S. Michael’s we take great care to praise and thank God whom we see in Jesus Christ, to hear what God may be saying to us in the Scriptures, and to be empowered to take our part in God’s continuing work wherever we are and whatever we do.
S. Michael’s is a wonderful community of hospitable and committed and able people which gathers in this lovely place. With a generous theology and spirituality, a strong worship life, and a willingness to take a responsible part in the events of the day, we can be a community that is a real and credible witness in this city.
I hope that day by day we may all be trusting of God and of each other, and so see the Holy Spirit build us up into the living Body of Christ.
The School community has just presented its wonderful production of the Jack and the Beanstalk story in Majestic House. This was an absolute delight, with every pupil involved, and much great talent evident. Thank you to all have worked hard to make the production such a success once again.
On Tuesday morning we shall be saying goodbye to Hester Ramsay at her funeral service in the church. Hester was actively involved in S. Michael’s Parish and School from 1948, when the family came from England, until prevented by ill health in recent years. She was a Churchwarden and Nominator and Vestrywoman as well as being an outstanding flower arranger and potter. She was also involved in drama productions over the years.
We pray for Hester, and offer our loving support to her family.
May God bless you all.
Fr Peter Williams
