The Reverend Rob Sutherland CSC
The Reverend Rob Sutherland CSC
The Sentence
Dear Friends,
In a world of turmoil, sudden outbursts of warfighting and destruction, fear and global uncertainty, I take great comfort that our God warned us, prepared us for this to happen.
Jesus was actually looking at the temple in Jerusalem when he told his disciples that in the coming years there would be wars and rumours of wars. Jesus told them that the temple that they were looking at, the things that they had believed were the most important would be torn down as signs and warnings that our future, our heaven, our eternal life are not on earth. Jesus showed that though this world is temporary and will pass away, God and our relationship with God through Jesus are eternal. In each generation some things that humankind strives for, trusts and hopes in will be shaken or shattered as a warning to us all.
I am saddened, but not surprised, that powerful people use weapons of war to attack other powerful people. I am saddened by the suffering this causes people involved. My hope and my prayer is that in the darkness people will find God’s light and hope and eternal life. Let us remember that often we can only see Gods’ light in the darkness and that our God loves us so much that he is prepared to take us into darkness so that we can find his true life.
Portia’s confirmation last Sunday came about as a result of her family coming back into a deeper relationship with God as a result of a great family sadness. In the valley of the shadow of death God is with us.
This Sunday we welcome Bishop John Roundhill and his wife Frances. Bishop John will lead our worship and will preach and he also says that he has come to listen to us. After Morning Tea, he will have a meeting with the new Parish Council as part of that listening.
Next week I will provide the full schedule of our Holy Week and Easter Services.
Grace and peace and hope and life,
ROB
Wednesday 11 Mar – 8:30am Morning Prayer and Bible Discussion
Friday 13 Mar – 5:30pm Evening Prayer and Bible Discussion
Sunday 15 Mar – 8:30am – Holy Communion Service & Morning Tea
Wednesday 18 Mar – 8:30am Morning Prayer and Bible Discussion
Friday 20 Mar – 5:30pm Evening Prayer and Bible Discussion
Saturday 21 Mar – 7:00am Parish Working Bee (See Notice Below) …
Saturday 28 Mar – Ladies’ and Men’s Breakfasts
Sunday 29 Mar – Palm Sunday