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Dear parishioners and friends,
THAT'S THE SPIRIT! As a church we have just celebrated Pentecost or WhitSunday
- the birthday of Christendom and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the first
Apostles. Like the wind, the Holy Spirit continues to be at work invisibly and
yet recognised by the effects it produces. Even the assent we give as baptised
Christians. "No one can say Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit." Received
at Baptism, even if the "Yes" is said on our behalf, and later confirmed at Confirmation
when we say "Yes" for ourselves, the Holy Spirit is at work in us if we stay faithful.
The danger is, almost anything could be attributed to the Holy Spirit without
the checks and balances that discernment brings and by staying in touch within
the worship and witness of the local congregation and wider church. The Holy Spirit
is at work in worship, in prayer, in study of Scripture and the Sacraments.
O thou who camest from above
The fire celestial to impart,
Kindle a flame of sacred love
On the mean altar of my heart. |
THE TRINITY AT WORK. From Advent to Trinity the Church Calendar follows the
life of our Lord Jesus Christ. God's five mighty acts in his beloved Son - Born
for us, Died for us, Rose again for us, returned to heaven for us and sending
the Spirit for us.
The other half of the Calendar reflects on the life of the Trinity, God as Father,
Son and Holy Spirit - this is the dynamic means by which the church and her members
can renew, equip and build up in love. The reaching out or mission involved in
this can be a costly and sacrificial process, "a putting oneself out", caring
as indeed "God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself".
God the Holy Trinity make you strong in faith and love, defend you on every
side and guide you in truth and peace.
With every blessing,
Yours sincerely,
John Fairweather.
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