September 2020

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Monthly musings from Rev Jan

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Warm wishes to you all. 

It is spring and we are rejoicing in leaving winter behind.  This is literally and metaphorically.  It looks like we have once again contained the Covid virus.    Perhaps through spring we will continue with the restriction of Level 2, lets pray for a total release for the summer season.  

Sadly I had to let you know that I am needing to stop my ministry here due to health reasons.  I have loved my time here with you and it has been great being with you all and getting to know you.   It has been great to see the growth and development of this parish into a church and a sound       community.  May this continue onwards. 

As you move into this next chapter of your church life, I am thrilled that   Reverend Mandy Neil is coming to be your interim Priest-in-Charge.  This is a great way forward for the next 6 months.  I thank Bishop Peter for managing to find such a suitable and able clergy in such short notice.  My prayers are with you all as you welcome her into your midst.

The other thing is our road sign.  There is a sense of solidifying the parish within the community once again with this sign.  Thanks to you all for your input and to Dean for his desire to see it through for Natalie. 

Last Thursday Laurence, Hillary and I attended a Boundaries Workshop for clergy.  This is to keep us in line and be safe among you all.  We had a good day, with lots of good check ins and reminders of safety of others, and healthiness of self.  This is something I would love to see being offered to all parishioners in pastoral ministry.  It is so vitally important. 

Maybe in my retirement I will advocate for that.!! 

As I close,  I want to let you know that I will keep the Parish of South Christchurch in my prayers for your continued future.  I have explained to some of you that it is policy to remove myself from you all for at least a year for the benefit of your connection with those who follow on. 

Blessings  

Jan

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People and things to pray for through the month:

 

· For our Bishop Peter and staff as they prepare and lead  Synod by zoom this month.

 

· For Rev Mandy Neil as she comes to us

 

· For our wardens Neville, and  Stephanie and our vestry members

 

· For the teachers and clients of Kip McGarth who come here at St Nicholas

 

· For the St George’s Syrian Church worshipping here

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· For AA agency Resource Centre here and for their ministry to others.

 

· For all those who are struggling after Covid 19 from financial hardship from loss of income

   or Jobs

 

· For all people, especially the young people as they grapple with mental health issues through these      these times.  

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For ourselves as we continue together through continuing change 

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Finally 

Some Chuckles

by children

 

Another Sunday School teacher 

said to her children, "We have been learning about how powerful the kings and queens were in Biblical times. But there is a higher power. Who can tell me what it is?" Tommy blurted out, "I know, Aces."

 

The Sunday School teacher 

was describing that when Lot's wife looked back at Sodom she turned into a pillar of salt, when Bobby interrupted. "My mommy looked back once while she was driving," he announced, "and she turned into a telephone pole.