From the People’s Warden
Dear Friends,
Leaves are everywhere! Christchurch colours this week are definitely gold and red—as I drive through Riccarton Ave it has been an effort to keep my eyes on the road and not on the trees. It’s a reminder of the gentle changing of the seasons, a time to look back and to look forward.
Anzac Day is also a day to consider the past and the future. I am reminded of my childhood attendance at the local Anzac Parade, compulsory from my earliest days. I remember the crowds standing quietly at our local Memorial, the Salvation Army band leading the parade of Returned Servicemen, and uniformed Scouts and Girl Guides and St John Ambulance cadets carrying wreaths of real flowers. The sound of the disciplined marching feet and the clinking of medals. The sudden sharp rifle sound as the big boys of the high school military cadets offered a salute to the Fallen, the tinkling sound as the spent shells hit the road, and the surreptitious dive of the little boys to gather them up. It was difficult for a child to relate to the horrors of war—such violence seemed very far from the quiet ordinariness of post-war suburban Auckland.
We still feel the lasting effects of war on the families of our country. There would be few families without empty gaps left by those who did not return, without the problems of those who did return, changed greatly by their experiences, and then the difficulties of those who stayed and whose lives had also been changed by new challenges and responsibilities.
All conflict can produce lasting damage, and even between friends the hasty word spoken, and the equally hasty reaction and response, can damage relationships whose repair can take time and dedicated effort. We do well to remember that Jesus loves and values each of us.
The golden leaves are also piling up untidily in corners and gutters—we have work to do. Our Annual General Meeting will be held after Mass next Sunday morning. It will not go on for too long and I hope everyone will take part. This is the time to thank Vestry members for their service, and to elect the 2010 Vestry. Please give some thought to this—nomination forms are at the back of the church today.
May we all be mindful of our blessings.
Claire Anstice
