The LINK June 2017
Editorial
I have thoroughly enjoyed the Jubilee celebrations over Queen’s birthday weekend. I know that I am far from alone in thanking Brent and Catherine and all of the myriad of people who contributed to such a wonderful series of events.
One particular highlight for me was chatting with and hearing stories from the former ministers and leaders who joined us for all or part of the weekend.
Rev. Hamish Galloway shared some wonderful anecdotes from his time at St. Stephens, Bruce Fraser brought back the heyday of Trinity West, it was wonderful for me to meet Rev. Peter Wishart, and the Very Rev. Ray Coster brought everything together beautifully on Pentecost Sunday with his theme of renewal.
Listening to Ray over the weekend, one thought struck me: “The more things change, the more things stay the same.” Or, to put a Biblical spin on it, “There is nothing new under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9)
Ray spoke fondly of his days visiting and learning to minister and preach in the Trinity parish. Listening to this, I was struck by how profoundly our pace of life has changed. Ray could walk up and down one street, and expect to not only know the people upon whose doors he knocked, but to find them at home and ready to receive visitors! Who among us could say that today?
And yet, as he spoke of renewal in and through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, I was reminded that church is no different now to what it was 35 years ago, or 350 years ago, or 1,000 years ago: In the Son, we are drawn to the Father by the Holy Spirit. We are a people gathered and guided by the mystery and love of God. In Him alone we are made complete. In him alone are we set free from the ties that bind.
My prayer for you this month is that you will be surprised by the triune God of Grace: that you will be set free from the ties that bind, to take up the gift of grace – new life offered to us in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Blessings,
Rory
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