Thought For The Week 18 April 2021

As we come to the end of a busy term, it is good to look back and see the highlights.

The year began with shared worship at St. Stephens, and I think we all enjoyed the full church and the thought-provoking summer series “2020 hindsight”.

As we went back to our usual worship schedule, church life resumed its busy rhythm.  This year has seen work on our properties, with the kitchen renovation at Trinity Community Centre, and the new stove at St. Stephens.

Our community facing ministries have been thriving, with wonderful support for Rhythm Kids, TP Kids, Eat Well and Yoga.

We have been encouraged by numbers at worship, with our attendance boosted over previous years.  It has been wonderful to welcome many visitors, and to get to know new folk as they begin to make a church home amongst us.

We have enjoyed the opportunity to engage with God’s church in Timaru and beyond as we celebrated Easter together, and gathered together with Presbytery in Ashburton.

Last weekend we gathered together for our “Blue Skies” retreat where we looked at the values and aspirations that can shape our future.  There will be a report in next month’s Link, but I think I can speak for all present that while we face some sobering challenges, we look to the future filled with hope, and encouraged by the way God has been at work in our midst.

At the retreat, Brent introduced us to a new song “Yet not I, but through Christ in me”.  As we finish this term and look forward to the next, I invite you to take these words to heart as we journey into God’s future together.

“To this I hold my hope is only Jesus
All the glory evermore to him
When the race is complete still my lips shall repeat
Yet not I but through Christ in me”

Rory Grant