DOCSLIB.ORG

Winter 2010 / Spring 2011 21St Century Mission

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Winter 2010 / Spring 2011 21St Century Mission melanesia news Tr a i n i n g for Peace C h u rc h le a d s o n Social Justice Return to Melanesia Reflections from Solomon Islands Issue 67, Winter 2010 / Spring 2011 21st Century Mission... What’s in a name? • Prayer and Spirituality • Advocacy Well a name helps • Education people to recognise • Relationships who or what they are dealing with. The These are the areas in which we can focus our Melanesian Mission is shared mission. In prayer and spirituality it is a name that will have important to remember that it is prayer with, not immediate associations just prayer for. The gift of Melanesian spirituality and resonances for to the Lambeth Conference, and in the two visits all who have been in recent years by the Religious Orders from the involved with its work, Islands have highlighted how mission happens or with Melanesia. in this country along with the Missio Dei in The name has stuck, while other agencies Melanesia. The role of supporting education and have changed their names, seeking to reflect being advocates in this country brings in real an important truth. “Missionaries” in the partnership, that is not just based on money. public mind tends to produce an old fashioned But none of this works without relationship. picture of a white person going out to convert The Melanesian Mission has been blessed by people in a far off country. It has always the support of those who have been part of the been a caricature, but as churches developed ministry and mission of the Anglican Church of through the twentieth century, so people tried Melanesia over many years. But how in the future to reflect the changing nature of what was do we maintain those contacts? Clearly the recent happening. The word “partnership” became visit of the Executive Officer is very important in increasingly popular. This wanted to emphasise this. But supporting placements of varying lengths that now partner churches had as much to will also be an important way forward in the give each other as receive. future. People may not go out for as long as in None of this is tidy, and the moment you try the past, but focussed contributions can be highly and analyse any word you realise that they effective. are inadequate in some way. Often people ask But relationship is enhanced by the presence of what true partnership is, and point out that it Melanesians amongst us in this country. There are often gets distorted when all the wealth and hopes that another visit by the Religious Orders skills are vested in one partner and the other will be possible. The format may be different, struggles to know what they have to give. but there is so much that is gained whenever For me the crucial thing about our title now is these visits happen. We are also blessed by the that it is Melanesian Mission UK. In the end for presence of ordained Melanesians ministering in Christians, all mission is God’s mission (Missio this country. Dei). We join with our Melanesian brothers As it happens, by keeping with the old name, we and sisters in that mission, and that mission are managing to reflect truth as well. That God’s happens in the UK as well as in Melanesia. mission is not “done” to someone else. We join in In order to keep a proper perspective and God’s mission, and in our case we are blessed by balance, the Trustees have been working on having Melanesian partners in that. an overall strategy, and at our AGM asked All the words in our title “Melanesian Mission UK” those attending to look at aspects of that are important, and I hope that our strategy will strategy. help us to be properly attentive to what we are It can all be boiled down to four doing to be part of the Mission of God. headings: +Nigel Stock 2 Melanesia News - Winter 2010 / Spring 2011 Just a thought... We are thinking about the future work of the Melanesian Mission and the funding of a potential 2012 Mission by the Brothers and Sisters to the UK (see back page) and about launching an Education Project. As ever we need funds to make these initiatives happen. If every person who receives this magazine gave 50p per week (or 50p more per week than you give already) then we would have another £22,000 of income per year! If this were £1 per week this would give another £44,000 - and just think what that could do to help the Church of Melanesia fulfil God’s mission in Melanesia. Every little helps, please think and pray about this and thank you for all that you give already. Included with this magazine is a standing order form. If you feel able to support the Church of Melanesia in this way then please complete the form and return it to Dave Friswell (address details on the back cover). Thanks once again. Helen Miller Treasurer A run to be proud of Back in October Jane Williams from Waterbeach in Cambridgeshire put on her running shoes and completed the Great Eastern Half Marathon in a very respectable two hours and fourteen minutes! Jane decided to run the half-marathon in support of the Melanesian Mission after her parish church offered to help pay for the rainwater tanks for Selwyn College, in Solomon Islands, after the devastating flooding last year. With Selwyn College, Cambridge, just down the road from Waterbeach it is hoped that these links with the colleges and the parish may be further strengthened. The day of the run was very hot and sunny which took its toll on some of the runners. Jane has raised over £500 in sponsorship money which is really wonderful. She is trying to twist my arm to join her on the run in 2011. We shall have to see about that! (Jane asked me to join her on this run but ‘sadly’ I was in the Solomons at the time!) If you would like to ‘do something special’ and raise some extra funds for the Mission then just let me know. Dave Friswell New rain water tanks at Selwyn College Melanesia News - Winter 2010 / Spring 2011 3 Growing Companions While Companions in Chester have been busy growing sunflowers to raise money for the Brothers, the Companions in Ottery St Mary have been growing in numbers! In October five new members were admitted to this ever blossoming group. The new Companions include Lord Coleridge, Katie and Ian Drew (pictured either side of their two daughters), Craig Dawe who spent many hours helping out during the last mission visit of the Brothers in 2005, and Lizzie Steel (on left). A warm welcome to you all. Katie, Ian and the girls are soon to be following in the footsteps of the pioneer missionaries 150 years ago as they set off from Ottery St Mary in Devon and head for Solomon Islands for three months. The girls currently attend Feniton Primary School which is developing links with Norman Palmer School in Honiara, and whilst in Solomons they hope to carry on their lessons at their link school. Katie is the Parish Administrator at Ottery St Mary and will be working alongside the Provincial Mothers’ Union officers in Solomons. Ian, an IT professional, will be working with Julian, ACoM’s IT Officer and visiting schools, RTCs and other church institutions to help sort technical issues and train people in basic IT problem solving techniques. Please hold the family in your prayers as they prepare to travel and serve in the Church of Melanesia. Archbishop visits the UK Although it seems a long time ago now, it was a real privilege to host Archbishop David and Mary Vunagi whilst they visited the UK. This was David’s first visit as Archbishop and the first time most of us had the chance to meet David and Mary since the Lambeth Conference in 2008. Archbishop David was able to meet with all the Trustees of the Mission and attend a gathering of the Eastern Area MBH Companions. He was asked to preach by Archbishop Rowan at Lambeth Palace for the Ascension Day service and David and Mary had a chance to meet with Rowan during the day. Travelling around the country they visited Cambridge, Exeter, Plympton, Bristol, Chester, London, the Wirral, Sandiway and Ipswich to name a few places! It was a busy and tiring ten days but very worthwhile. Our thanks goes to all who organised events, meetings, meals and hospitality for the visit. In February 2011 we hope to host Bishop Sam and Bishop Alfred Karibongi when they come to the UK for a training course in Canterbury. Mary Vunagi, Archbishop David, Dave Friswell, Bishop Nigel and Caroline Stock in Ipswich 4 Melanesia News - Winter 2010 / Spring 2011 A touch of glass Some readers will have met John Ball at previous MM Festivals. John, now he has retired from full time ministry, is currently working through the winter months in Spain. Alongside John’s work as a priest, he spends his time painting and making stained glass. For some years now John has been making and selling small glass nativity sets - the profits of which go to support the Melanesian Brothers. Not long ago John was commissioned to make a somewhat larger nativity set for a retired clergy home in Lancashire. The figures in this set were just over twelve inches high. John has also recently completed a window for the chapel of a retreat centre.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • March 9, 2014 the LIVING CHURCH CATHOLIC EVANGELICAL ECUMENICAL
    Cambodia’s Killing Fields Holiness for Women Biblical Studies March 9, 2014 THE LIVING CHURCH CATHOLIC EVANGELICAL ECUMENICAL O God, who from the family of your servant David raised up Joseph to be the guardian of your incarnate Son and the spouse of his virgin mother: Give us grace to imitate his uprightness of life and his obedience to your commands; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Collect for the Feast of Saint Joseph Lent Book Issue $5.50 livingchurch.org Westminster Communities of Florida H ONORABLE SERVICE GRANTResidents at Westminster Communities of Florida quickly find they enjoy life more fully now that they’re free from the time and expense of their home maintenance. They choose from a wide array of options in home styles, activities, dining, progressive fitness and wellness programs. Many of our communities also provide a range of health care services, if ever needed. For many residents, the only question left is: Why did I wait so long? Call us today to see why a move to a Westminster community is the best move you can make! Westminster Communities of Florida proudly offers financial incentives to retired Episcopal priests, Christian educators, missionaries, spouses and surviving spouses. Call Suzanne Ujcic today to see if you meet eligibility requirements. 800-948-1881ext. 226 Westminster Communities of Florida WestminsterRetirement.com THE LIVING CHURCH THIS ISSUE March 9, 2014 ON THE COVER | “It is past time for Joseph to receive NEWS appropriate attention beyond the 4 Joyous Reunion at General rather vapid devotional literature that so often surrounds him” FEATURES (see p.
    [Show full text]
  • Melanesia News Issue 83 [Winter 2020]
    WINTER 2020 / 2021 | ISSUE 83 www.mmuk.net MELANESIA NEWS IN HIS NAME THE NATIONS WILL PUT THEIR HOPE - MATTHEW 12:21 LIVING IN HOPE INSIDE THIS ISSUE: News from the AGM & Festival Coffee Mornings & Cocoa Nights • The CSM Chapel Appeal has been LIVING IN HOPE launched. The Community of the Sisters of Melanesia are building The biblical understanding of hope is not Furlough Scheme that has saved their a new chapel that will withstand just wishful thinking about the future but a livelihoods and jobs. high winds and bad weather. UK confident expectation about things that are Associates of CSM are pledging Our brothers and sisters in Solomon Islands unclear and unknown. to raise £15,000 of the £84,000 and Vanuatu are also living under the required. Please support this venture The Coronavirus pandemic has affected shadow of the pandemic, if in different ways as generously as you can. all our lives these past months. Here in to us. A reduction of international vessels the UK we have lamented lost lives, jobs with supplies meaning a shortage of goods; • The Venerable Mike Gilbertson and livelihoods, the isolation of the elderly boats with imported goods not running to reports on the unveiling in Chester and vulnerable, the separation of families schedule, concerns about the ability of the Cathedral of an icon to the Martyred and friends. Yet we have also had reason nation’s health services coping with those Melanesian Brothers. to be thankful: for the way communities badly affected by Coronavirus and now • Katie Drew reports on our recent have pulled together; for the care, acts of the first cases of the virus being recently online MMUK AGM and Festival kindness and good neighbouring; many, reported in Honiara.
    [Show full text]
  • Pacific Manuscripts Bureau
    PACIFIC MANUSCRIPTS BUREAU Room 4201, Coombs Building Research School of Pacific and Asian Studies The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200 Australia Telephone: (612) 6125 2521 Fax: (612) 6125 0198 E-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://rspas.anu.edu.au/pambu Report on PMB fieldwork in Vanuatu, 4-16 July 2009. General. The aims of this fieldwork were: To work with Bishop Terry Brown, Church of Melanesia Archivist, and Bishop James Ligo, Bishop of Vanuatu, on identification, organisation and microfilming of Vanuatu Diocesan archives held at Lolowai in Ambai and at Luganville in Santo. To microfilm a small number of issues of the Vanuatu Weekly Hebdomadaire held at the National Library of Vanuatu in Port Vila in order to complete the run for PMB Doc 487/Reels 1-9, VANUATU WEEKLY : VANUATU HEBDOMADAIRE (Port Vila), Nos.1-870, 4 Aug 1984-29 Sep 2001. (Available for reference.) In addition to the missing issues of the Vanuatu Weekly Hebdomadaire the following 7 reels of microfilm were made: PMB 1331 CHURCH OF MELANESIA, Diocese of Vanuatu, Rev. Judah Butu papers, Lolowai, 1969- 2004. Reels 1-2. PMB 1332 CHURCH OF MELANESIA, Diocese of Vanuatu, St Patrick’s Junior Secondary School, Banks Islands and Ambai, 1923-1986. 1 reel. PMB 1333 CHURCH OF MELANESIA, Diocese of Vanuatu, Bishop Derek Rawcliffe papers, Santo, 1959-1979. Reels 1-3. PMB 1334 CHURCH OF MELANESIA, Diocese of Vanuatu, Diocesan papers, Santo, 1909-1980. 1 reel. The PMB Archivist, Kylie Moloney, had planned to come on this fieldtrip as a training exercise but she received advice from her doctor not to work in Vanuatu in case exposure to malaria had a detrimental effect on her pregnancy.
    [Show full text]
  • Newsletter No 38 March 2009 President's Comments
    Newsletter No 38 March 2009 ISSN 1836-5116 crosses or stained glass windows. These were regarded President’s Comments as idolatrous. This column is being written on the day after Ash Most of the recently built Sydney Anglican Churches Wednesday. This year Ash Wednesday cannot but fit this pattern- they are plain and functional with help to remind us of the tragic Victorian bushfires minimal decoration and generally devoid of religious and the thousands of people who have been so deeply symbolism. They are places to meet with others and the affected by them. focus of attention is a stage with a podium and As Anglicans we are also aware of the two microphone. We no longer have services in such places, communities, Kinglake and Marysville that have seen we have meetings and the buildings express that their churches destroyed and many of their parishioners understanding. rendered homeless. I have to confess that my experience over twenty years of ordained ministry has changed my thinking on the value of the building and made me question the ‘rain shelter’ view. God clearly has a sense of humour for if you had told me at the age of 16 that 40 years later I would be the rector of an Anglican parish with two heritage church buildings complete with stained glass, crosses, candles and liturgical colours I would have been incredulous. So how should we regard our church buildings? To me they function somewhat like the sacraments. They are visible reminders of a spiritual reality, namely the gathered Christian community. For those on the outside, the Church building bears witness to the fact that the people who meet there take God seriously.
    [Show full text]
  • Anita, Charles Fox: EVALUATING ANGLICAN CHURCH OF
    EVALUATING ANGLICAN CHURCH OF MELANESIA SUNDAY SCHOOL MINISTRY IN ASIFOLA ZONE OF THE NORTHERN REGION IN THE DIOCESE OF MALAITA, SOLOMON ISLANDS A Thesis Presented to the Faculty of the Pacific Theological College Suva In Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Theology by Charles Fox Anita September 2019 ABSTRACT This thesis evaluates the current situation of Children Sunday school ministry in Asifola zone of Northern region in the Diocese of Malaita of the Anglican Church of Melanesia, Solomon Islands. Under the current Anglican Church of Melanesia administrative and/or mission structure, Sunday school ministry in the Parishes is administered and coordinated by the Renewal and Evangelism Department based at the Church Headquarters. From this study has emerged a picture of the relatively constricted coordination between Renewal and Evangelism Department and Parishes of the Diocese of Malaita. Consequently, Sunday schools have been operating in isolation for many years without any direct contact and liaisons with the Renewal and Evangelism Department. Given then that a much active coordination could have occurred one must ask of the quality of Sunday school teaching, what indications it may show of the approach that is responsive to the learning needs of children. The present study results show that the overall approach to teaching is of low level and in isolation of the learning needs of children, and thus ineffective. Children Sunday school is an important ministry of the church which requires effective teaching and learning approach to nurturing children’s spiritual life in the Christian ideal in such a way as to live a wise life, a righteous/upright life and a holy life in a community of faith.
    [Show full text]
  • Fresh Thoughts on Confirmation
    ATR/88:3 Fresh Thoughts on Confirmation Ruth A. Meyers* This essay explores the theological, liturgical, and pastoral principles underlying the rite of confirmation in the 1979 Book of Common Prayer and considers contemporary pastoral concerns, including the role of the bishop and the ritualization of a person’s affiliation with the Episcopal Church. It argues that the rites in- troduced in 1979 should be understood in the context of the bap- tismal ecclesiology of the 1979 book, in which baptism is the basis for Christian mission and ministry. In this context, confirmation and the related rites of reception and reaffirmation of faith should be offered as pastoral responses to significant turning points in Christian life but should not be a requirement for lay or ordained ministry in the Episcopal Church. Among the myriad changes in the 1979 Book of Common Prayer (BCP), none are more profound, more far reaching, than those made in the rites and practices of what is frequently called “Christian initiation”: baptism, confirmation, and admission to communion. Moreover, in the three decades since the book was introduced, none of the changes has resulted in more confusion and disagreement than the new rite of “Confirmation, with forms for Reception and for the Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows.” Changes to the national canons during the last twenty years have attempted to define and clarify understandings and practices of con- firmation and related rites. Most recently, the Standing Commission on Ministry Development proposed to the 2003 General Convention a series of revisions to the canons that would eliminate the require- ment of confirmation for those holding elected or appointed office or seeking ordination in the Episcopal Church.
    [Show full text]
  • Melanesia News Issue 82 [Summer 2020]
    SUMMER 2020 | ISSUE 82 www.mmuk.net MELANESIA NEWS ABIDE WITH ME PRAYER, PEOPLE, GIVING ALSO INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Announcement of AGM Letter from the Archbishop of Melanesia WE ARE NOT ALONE Abide with me, longer visiting the UK this summer, our fast falls the eventide; hospitality programme and our climate conference at St Martin-in-the-Fields have The darkness deepens; had to be cancelled. We will, however, have Lord, with me abide. the opportunity to offer that hospitality to our brothers and sisters next year! The famous hymn, by Henry Lyte, a Vicar of Destruction of Cyclone Harold Brixham in Devon, was not written chiefly The MMUK AGM this year is now being as an evening hymn. Composed on his last moved to an online gathering at 7pm on Sunday as Vicar, at a time of mortal sickness Monday 21st September and I hope many for him and trouble with some church of you will join us that evening. embraced our son, Samuel, on a placement who have already responded so generously members, the author faced his own death at Tabalia and Chester Rest House, Honiara to this appeal. We are fortunate to be – the eventide of his life. Based on the walk Archbishop Leonard has written assuring during this difficult time. Although the virus blessed with such a worldwide family, to be of two disciples with the risen Jesus on the us of ACoM’s prayers for us here in the has not been discovered in the Solomon able to receive and give gifts of prayer and road to Emmaus, this is a hymn about faith: UK.
    [Show full text]
  • Melanesia News Have Been Relatively Quiet on Our Melanesian Going Over the Melanesia to Share Particular Gifts
    News from Chester Diocese given through education and training in this country, will be of great help - accounting, project Since the Pilgrimage by Brothers and Sisters management, school curriculum work. So who from Melanesia in May and June 2005, things knows, a Parish Link may mean a small group Melanesia News have been relatively quiet on our Melanesian going over the Melanesia to share particular gifts. front. So now we are trying to make sure we It may all sound a one way financial drain, but the The Melanesian Mission Issue 58, Spring / Summer 2006 grow from the 2005 experience rather than let it special relationship with the wonderful, Registered Charity No. 1104551 fade. The two top priorities are: appreciative Melanesians, becomes enriching and First - set up Parish Links. Bishop Richard of transforming for all. Ysabel Diocese is particularly keen on this - a These Parish Links need not be limited to Chester New Assistant Bishop for Chester Parish with a Parish (area) in Melanesia Diocese, and if anyone else is interested, please or with a particular project such as a hospital, contact me. Just MissioMissionn Southern Malaita. Turn to page 7 school or Rural Training Centre. Second - find someone with experience in There are so many things St Luke’s Goostrey have just set up a link with curriculum work in education to work in the for which to be grateful in Garanga Training Centre in Ysabel to help them Solomons for up to a year helping them create an the legacy of George create a proper, reliable, water system.
    [Show full text]
  • The Religious and Political Reasons for the Changes in Anglican Vestments Between the Seventeenth Century and The
    THE RELIGIOUS AND POLITICAL REASONS FOR THE CHANGES IN ANGLICAN VESTMENTS BETWEEN THE SEVENTEENTH AND NINETEENTH CENTURIES THESIS Presented to the Graduate Council of the University of North Texas in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements For the Degree of MASTER OF ARTS By Andrea S. Albright, B.S. Denton, Texas August 1989 Albright, Andrea S., The Religious and Political Reasons for the Changes in Anglican Vestments Between the Seventeenth and Nineteenth Centuries. Master of Arts (Art History), August 1989, 182 pp., 32 illustrations, bibliography, 56 titles. This study investigates the liturgical attire of the Church of England from the seventeenth through the nineteenth century, by studying the major Anglican vestments, observing modifications and omissions in the garments and their uses, and researching the reasons for any changes. Using the various Anglican Prayer Books and the monarchial time periods as a guide, the progressive usages and styles of English liturgical attire are traced chronologically within the political, social and religious environments of each era. By examining extant originals in England, artistic representations, and ancient documentation, this thesis presents the religious symbolism, as well as the artistic and historical importance, of vestments within the Church of England from its foundation to the twentieth century. TABLE OF CONTENTS Page LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS... .. .. ...... .v Chapter I. INTRODUCTION .1 Statement of the Problem Methodology Review of Literature II. DEVELOPMENT OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND AND ITS ECCLESIASTICAL VESTMENTS . 10 The Catholic Ecclesiastical Vestments Formation of the Anglican Church Establishment of the Church of England and its Prayer Book Changes in Vestments during the Tudor Period III.
    [Show full text]
  • The Oxford Movement in Leicester in the Nineteenth and Early Twentieth Centuries Gerald T
    The Oxford Movement in Leicester in the Nineteenth and Early Twentieth Centuries Gerald T. Rimmington During the 1830s a small group of Oxford dons, who were also priests, believing that the Churchof England had strayed from its Catholic roots, began a movement that was to affect the churches in Leicester. This article traces the development of the Oxford Movement, through its earlier manifestation in Tractarianism, to Ritualism, its later form, in a county town that was already a bastion of Nonconformity and where Anglican Evangelicalism had also become fairly strong. Introduction Whether one regards the Oxford Movement as a colourful romantic reversion to the Church of England’s past or as ‘one of the fundamental discontinuities in the history of Anglicanism’, or even, to use Diarmaid McCulloch’s delightful terminology, as the facilitator of ‘a remarkably successful piece of theological alchemy’ to justify restoration of the primacy of the altar within Anglican worship, there can be no doubt that it changed the course of church history in England during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.1 Nigel Yates notes that Trollope’s ‘Mr Oriel’ (in Dr Thorne (1858)) was ‘a man of family and fortune’ who went up to Oxford, ‘had become inoculated there with very High Church principles, and gone into orders influenced by a feeling of enthusiastic love for the priesthood’. Though the novelist’s use of the term ‘high church’ is questionable, for it is not entirely synonymous with the Oxford Movement (or Tractarianism or Ritualism or Anglo-Catholicism) to which Mr. Oriel belonged, he had nevertheless clearly discerned that such clergymen were familiar figures in English towns and cities by that time.2 The intention in this study is to examine the circumstances in which the Oxford Movement was initiated, and thereafter grew, in a significant and rapidly growing county town that was a bastion of Nonconformity.
    [Show full text]
  • A Prayer Resource for Mission Five Marks of Mission Mission Is the Creating, Reconciling and Transforming Action of God
    A Prayer Resource for Mission Five Marks of Mission Mission is the creating, reconciling and transforming action of God. The five Marks of Mission help us to think about God’s mission locally and globally. ABM has adapted the Marks of Mission from the Anglican Consultative Council. Think about what these Marks of Mission mean for you. ABM grounds all of its work in one or more of these Marks of Mission: Witness to Christ’s saving, forgiving and reconciling love for all people Build1 welcoming,2 transforming communities of faith 3Stand in solidarity with the poor and needy 4Challenge injustice and oppression Protect, care for and renew life on our planet Front cover: Stanley Womak sits next to5 Cross on top of Totamwat overlooking Sola in Vanuatu. © ABM/Chris Peters 2008. Welcome to ABM’s 2012 Prayer Diary Prayer is an essential part of our faith as Christians, and brings us closer to God. Sometimes we are called to pray whether it is for someone who is sick, for a positive outcome or whenever there is a need for support in the form of prayer. The Prayer Diary is a resource which can be used as part of your prayer life, with daily prayers for ABM’s Partners, the Anglican Church, other agencies and groups involved in the work of mission within Australia and around the world. As they seek to proclaim the good news of God’s love as expressed through Jesus Christ by helping others in need, we hope that you too will be inspired and transformed by their actions.
    [Show full text]
  • MM Newsletter Sep 15.Indd
    melanesia news Learning Together ACoM Teachers Visit UK Prayer, People, Giving Issue 74, Autumn 2015 Where is your faith? Second, the Church exists to make new disciples of Jesus Christ. Everything else is decoration. Some of it may be very necessary, useful, or wonderful decoration – but it’s decoration.” He put it as starkly as that because it is the following of Christ that leads us to know that this remains God’s world even in disaster, and that God loves this world. It is that which leads to the self sacrificial love that should characterise the Christian life and lead us to respond to all those in need. That response is the result of the faith ignited in us by the Holy Spirit, if you like the “wonderful decoration”. Our particular call is to respond in love to Aid being distributed on Anuta our sisters and brothers in Solomon Islands and As I write this introduction to the MMUK Vanuatu, and in particular in times of stress. I am magazine, news of yet more extreme weather constantly inspired by the faith and courage of conditions across the pacific are coming in. El Christians in the Church in Melanesia, and hope Nino weather patterns, Cyclone Pam and Cyclone that we can respond as well as we can. Raquel are all taking their toll. Please be constant in prayer for all in the Anglican The gospels tell us of a time when the force of Church of Melanesia, and those who will hold nature terrified the disciples of Jesus. The storm responsibility in the aftermath of these crises.
    [Show full text]