Rev Bev and Bro Howard of the Little Brothers of Francis

Dear Friends

Paul, in Romans 12:12 says, “Rejoice in Hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer.” We live in uncertain times – the tragic conflict happening between Israel and Lebanon is heartbreaking to watch and hear about, particularly with the loss of innocent life, and the terror that those caught up in it feel, with nowhere to go. We pray for wise intervention that can help both sides reach peaceful resolutions. So many people around the world live in desperate situations in refugee camps away from homes and families, having fled because of war and also because of earthquake, flood and famine. In our own country and state we worry daily about the decreasing water supply. We receive continuing news of the uncertainty surrounding the future composition of the Anglican Communion worldwide – and closer to home we hear from our own Brisbane Synod about the precarious financial position of the Diocese.

In the Parish, life is always busy, and despite all the ministry being accomplished there still seems to be an unending list of tasks still to do. There are also several big issues that have been in transition for a while (and still are), and I find it difficult living in an unresolved state. It is important therefore to me to maintain a focus on the things that are being done, rather than what still lies ahead, in order not to be overwhelmed.

Over the past weeks, on a number of different occasions, I have read and heard how important it is to be steadfast in hope amidst times of God’s seeming inactivity. There are greater things happening than we are aware of, and if we are constant and faithful in prayer, and in bringing our concerns before God, things begin to happen. Let me quote a little from a beautiful book I have, called “I am with You” by Fr. John Woolley. His reflections are written as words from God to us.

“Never let life’s disappointments and My seeming lack of response to specific prayer cause you to doubt My absolute sufficiency. You must have in your mind, simultaneously, the realism that many situations do not immediately change, and the trust that I can fulfil any purpose of Mine with sureness. I do not look on at your earthly conflicts dispassionately; I will an end to them, and only permit their continuance, as I have told you, because I can see ultimate blessing for you in them, however hard this may be to accept now…. I am ceaselessly at work for you  – Remember trust in my power to change situations – a trust which you will know has not been made in vain.”

These, and many other words in my little book, continue to bring me hope in dark times that ultimately the will of God will prevail.

Let me now speak on the positive side of good things happening in our Parish. We hope soon to appoint our new part-time coordinator for families, youth and children’s ministry. This will be a huge help to me, and will give reassurance and support to the leaders of the various children’s, youth and families groups, who do a wonderful job. We are also making sure that visitors and newcomers are recognised and welcomed at our services, with little welcome packs being prepared. A number of new welcomers have joined the team, for which we are very grateful. Our Bereavement Group has begun and meets on the third Sunday of each month at Holy Spirit Kenmore from 2.30pm to 4.00pm. This is open to anyone who wants to come along and just talk about how they are feeling, particularly with their experiences of loss or grief. Our shared experiences help one another so much. We are in the process of planning a new Pastoral Care network of links across the Parish and plans are also being discussed for the development of a Christian Playgroup, and I would like to hear from anyone who would be interested.

Looking forward, the month of August has been set aside as Stewardship month, and letters have been sent out, together with a Christian Giving Response Form. I hope that everyone will take the opportunity to prayerfully reflect on their giving, and be able to make a positive response. Our giving is meant to be a response to God’s blessing and love in our lives. God has greatly blessed this Parish over the years, and many individual lives as well. Many prayers have been answered. Our Treasurer, Timothy Nicholson, will be doing a PowerPoint presentation on the financial aspects of the Parish, and also outlining our future hopes and dreams at both Holy Spirit and Good Shepherd. We are having visits from Mr David Cantwell from ANFIN and Rev Dr Don Saines, Principal of St. Francis College, who will be preaching on Stewardship Sunday 20th August, at Holy Spirit Kenmore. On Sunday 27th August there will be an acknowledgement and thanksgiving celebration of all the various ministries carried out in the Parish – our stewardship of time, gifts and talents.

On Wednesday 23rd August, we will be having a Concert and Luncheon at Holy Spirit Kenmore to celebrate Senior Citizens Week. This Concert and Luncheon will be in place of the regular Friends and Neighbours morning usually held on the third Wednesday of the month. Please let us know if you are coming for the Concert and Lunch on the 23rd.

During September there will be some special celebrations: for Kids Plus on Sunday 10th September; and for the Fifth Anniversary of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd on Sunday 17th September. We also have our great fundraising event, the concert and picnic on the lawn at Chrissie Buchanan’s place on the afternoon of 17th September .

Our Quiet Morning on “Finding Joy” back in May proved popular, and two more Quiet Mornings are planned in the coming months, as well as our Memorial Service on All Souls’ Day in November for those who have lost loved ones.

The National Church Life Survey (NCLS), which we have just taken part in, asked the question “Have you grown in faith?” I certainly continue to grow in faith as I am continually challenged by circumstances, situations and people; by my own questioning of myself; and by my seeking of God’s guidance, as I endeavour to lead those for whom I have responsibility into a vibrant and growing faith.

The Mission Shaped Church Conference that several of us attended recently, gave an encouraging shot in the arm. Planning will soon be taking place for some new mission and outreach visiting and other programmes for early next year. We also await the results of the NCLS survey, acknowledging that it may well show us a different picture of the life of the Parish to that which we think we know. We may be led into new challenges and perhaps different directions – and it is only through these that we can grow. Despite the uncertain times we live in, we look to the future with hope, and continue to faithfully work with God’s help to bring God’s kingdom into being “on earth, as it is in heaven”.

I encourage everyone to come and be part of our 24 hour Prayer Vigil on Friday 25th and Saturday 26th August. During those 24 hours, we will be praying for the challenging times in which we live, for our world and all its problems, for the wider Church, and for our own local and personal issues. As we pray, things change – in the invisible and divine realm, movement happens for good. God calls us to pray in all circumstances – come and be part of God’s plan of action.

I have borrowed and adapted from a little quote from Dorothy McRae McMahon’s book “In this Hour” to finish.

“In the face of all that confronts us, in the face of our own fears and human limitations, we are still called to be people of courage and freedom, of vision and responsibility. Let us walk in love into an uncertain world and transform tomorrow. This is our commission as the people of God.”

God Bless you and keep you – with love,

Rev Bev.