Greetings …

It is good to be back with you from Study Leave.  I would like to thank those who stepped up to make this possible, particularly Ray Michelle for his work taking the services each week. I’m sure that you found the messages helpful … I know that I did.

This coming Sunday, 1 November, is All Saints Day, a day which dates back to 607 CE when Emperor Phocas presented to the Pope the Roman Pantheon temple.  The pope removed the statues of Jupiter, and the Pantheon was turned into a Christian Church and dedicated to “all saints” who had died from Roman persecution in the first 300 years after Christ.  In the next century, All Saints Day was changed by Pope Gregory III to November 1.

All Saints Celebrations now focus on all those who have passed away, whether well-known or not, who have chosen to orient their lives around the story of Jesus as opposed to the stories offered in the world.  Each of us have known others who have lived this way and we have benefitted by the example of faith that their lives have been. 

In 2020 we have farewelled beloved members of our congregation, as well as others we may know, whose faithful example will be with us long after their physical presence has left. By their love and actions they have ultimately left the world a better place than they found it, and shown us that being part of Jesus’ story is where the best of life is found.

Blessings – Heather.