ANGLICAN
SPRING is certainly here, with blue wrens busy during the day and a blackbird singing in early evening.
Music is always something that can lift our hearts
Welsh singer Aled Jones again surveyed Britain’s ten favourite hymns.
The top three were, in third place, Stewart Townsend’s “In Christ Alone”, written in 2000 and the only 21st century one in the list.
The second placed “How Great Thou Art ” was made popular during Billy Graham’s Crusades, and also through a version by Elvis Presley in “Peace from the Valley.”
Heading the list was “Jerusalem”, William Blake’s words wrung from the conditions in 19th century Britain, and then WW1.
Although addressed to the British people when sung in the 20th century, when we hear it today, it resonates to everyone longing for the ‘New Jerusalem’, which is for the whole world to be free from the destruction brought about by all the ‘seven deadly sins’, among which are greed envy, wrath and pride.
A special mention to the hymn which came in at number four – “Dear Lord, and Father of Mankind.”
The closing lines are ‘Speak through earthquake, wind and fire, O still small voice of calm.’
Last week our Anglican Parish farewelled – albeit online – our dear Thelma Hayden, now with the heavenly choir.
Thelma was the organist at All Saints Nyah West, and faithfully travelled weekly from Piangil to play for Nyah West services until frail health overcame her.
The Anglican Parish for over a century has been fortunate to have live music for congregational worship, even in the 1970s with a fully robed children’s choir!
When Covid allows, it would be a wonderful blessing to once again have a group of people who would love to sing together in worship.
If this is your prompting, call Jeannette, Joan, Helen or Murray c/o the office on 5032 1246 and we can prepare for a joyous “out of lockdown celebration.”
UNITING
THERE are two important events happening in the next few days – Father’s Day and RU OK day.
Both of these events point to something fundamental for us as human persons.
There is much evidence these days that reinforce the fact that we are wired for relationships.
We are wired to give love and be loved.
It is the glue that holds us together as a people.
We need others in our lives to be better and live better.
Fatherhood is an important aspect of our community.
Fathers take their gifts of strength, courage, putting others before themselves, and creating safe place to serve their families and their community, to show us the importance of relationships.
Using their power and strengths to serve others is an important message in a ‘me’ culture.
RU OK is another important aspect of our community.
It gives us permission to ask others that vital question of, “How’s it going mate?”
And for people to respond honestly and openly.
What I have learned over the years is that hiding does not work -hiding only compounds the problem and makes it worse.
It is only when we have that difficult conversation that we can work through the difficult times.
One of the cultural norms that we struggle with is that we have to have it together all the time, which is just not possible.
It is not possible for anyone – there is no perfect person.
There is no perfect Christian or mother or father or colleague.
We are fragile beings, and we need others to encourage, support and at times hold us accountable.
When was the last time you allowed someone to show you compassion, to accept you, to listen to you, to be alongside you?
Check out the website at https://www.ruok.org.au/ where you can learn more about having a difficult conversation
