From the Vicar
I have the best job in the world.
We may be celebrating show weekend at the moment, but for the students at St Mark’s School it has been show week, with performances of Mary Poppins on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Sadly, with such a large cast, and heeding Ministry of Education advice, parents were unable to attend to watch and assist with makeup and costumes etc. As a staff member of sorts, I was invited to attend as long as I responded with my loudest claps and ‘whoops’.
I was utterly gobsmacked by the talents of our younger parishioners. Not only on the stage, but their maturity and grace behind the scenes has been so inspiring. It is a hard thing to perform without a significant audience, but it didn’t stop our children from giving strong, joyous performances. So, if you see the following folk, or their proud parents, make sure you congratulate them - Nathaniel B, Judah C, Matthew C, Sonja C, Tessa C, Lucy C, Matai D, Henri H, Emily H, Matteo L, Harriet P, James P, Hannah P, Isla R, Joe R, Case W.
Having now watched Mary Poppins 4 times, I found myself reflecting on some of the Christian themes throughout. Mary acts as a Holy Spirit of sorts, coming in with the wind (ruach) bringing a mixture of grace and (at times hard-to-swallow) truth. She comes to invite the Banks family to re-orientate their lives away from an empty materialism toward connection with one another, and to find joy in the simple pleasures of the world, like flying a kite. The story is ultimately about the redemptive power of love.
I pray that over this long weekend you’ll have a chance to still yourselves and enjoy connection with family, with God, and with the people, places, and activities that bring joy.
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