Dear Friends,
Today we conclude the liturgical year by celebrating with thanksgiving, confidence and hope the Reign of Christ in all creation. In doing this, we proclaim that Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, is the measure of all value in the world, and that his way takes us close to the heart and will of God. His rule which we honour today is not of the domineering, power-over-others kind. Rather it is the compelling power of someone whose integrity in weakness and sacrificial service lures us into following him. His way is open to community and relationship, rather than to competition and isolation. It is that way that Christians are called to follow as they live in the community.
We are glad to welcome again Fr David Stevenson as our preacher at the Solemn Mass today. He was brought up in Christchurch and serves now in the Diocese of Norwich. As is customary, we shall conclude the Mass with the procession of the Blessed Sacrament in the wakahuia.
Next Sunday is Advent Sunday and the beginning of a new year of the Church, one in which we shall read mostly from Matthew’s Gospel. I hope that you may be able to read the daily readings which the Church provides during these four weeks of preparation for the festival of Christmas, and all that it signifies. They can give us some stability and perspective as the ‘silly season’ pulls us this way and that.
This Thursday at 7:30 pm S. Michael’s Church will host a concert/recital by Jules Riding. Jules, who lives in Auckland is travelling throughout the country giving recitals in some of our best-known churches. He was a leader in the renaissance of high quality popular Christian music that grew up around S. Paul’s, Symonds Street, in the 1960s. He writes his own lyrics and music, and sings and plays sensitively and beautifully. Entry is by payment of a koha only. I hope that some of us may be able come and enjoy this concert, and that we can pass the word around among others who may be interested.
The wedding season has begun. There was a wedding yesterday and there will be two next Saturday at S. Michael’s . We offer our prayers and good wishes to those celebrating their commitment to each other.
May God bless you all.
Fr Peter Williams
Introducing the CWS Christmas Appeal
Theme: “Share the care”
Whatever difficulties people are facing here, the reality for poorer communities in developing countries is far worse. But they don’t want to be labelled as poor and hopeless, they prefer to fight for their future. With a little help they can be healthier, more resilient, and self-supporting. Christian World Service has a simple purpose: to help families eat better, drink safe water, and enjoy better health.
In its sixty-fifth year the Appeal highlights the work of CWS partners in Uganda, Tonga, Haiti and Gaza.
CWS: the international aid, development and justice agency of NZ’s Churches
