11 Jul 2010 - Letter form the People's Warden

In this season of coughs and colds, dismal days and enormous power bills, it was great last weekend to have two cold, frosty mornings which produced clear and sunny days. The snow on the mountains, seen from the northern part of the city, was bright and fresh against the blue and cloudless sky. The mountains seemed so close, and visitors to the city were surprised to find them so near. Christchurch people know that in fact it takes quite a journey to reach those mountains, and many of us used the great days on more mundane tasks in the garden. I was reminded of the journeys that make up our lives, and how often we stick with the mundane but necessary tasks and do not reach out to the more distant challenges.

The Scriptures are full of journeys—physical and spiritual—of groups and of individuals. Most of these journeys are long and difficult, requiring perseverance and faith and needing constant encouragement from leaders. Jesus’ parable in our Gospel reading today tells of a number of journeying people—the man who fell into the hands of the robbers, the passing priest and the passing Levite, and the Samaritan—all had differing and individual experience of a journey that day. All faced challenges, and responded according to their beliefs and sensitivities.

Mike Riddell in his Creed of Compassion writes:

Because Christ has called us to follow in his footsteps and bestowed on the community of faith the continuation of his mission, we believe: We have a responsibility to make concrete the love of God within our own history and surrounding, declaring in word and deed the purposes and character of God.

Because Jesus has called us to love our neighbours and defined our neighbours as those in need, we believe:

Obedience to Christ requires of us the practical and self-sacrificing love of people in need, whatever their belief or condition.

We are privileged to have as our preacher this morning Jolyon White, Social Justice Enabler for Anglican Care in our Diocese. He was previously based in Wellington as the enabler for the Anglican Social Justice Commission. He is an advocate for the marginalised, and is keen to see local churches back at the heart of social justice and empowerment in our local communities. You may have read his article in the latest Anglican Taonga. We look forward to hearing him speak this morning.

May God continue to bless our journeys.

Claire Anstice

Vestry Notes

Away Day: discussions on Back to Church Sunday and parish planning

Youth Leadership Camp: Vestry to assist John Graveston to attend

Art work for the hall: Philip Trusttum’s offer accepted

Transport to church: can any parishioners assist?

The gravel area at the west end of the church to be asphalted

Fence and gate to be installed between lawn and playground (north side)

Stall after Mass each Sunday, proceeds to the Organ Restoration Fund

Quotes accepted for new main altar candlesticks

Mission giving: increase to $420 per month

S. Chad’s: monthly donation of $250 to continue for another year

Jules Riding concert: booked for November in the church

Ginger Group: organising a seminar and a social event (see notices)