It starts at home
Getting ready for church
We are part way through lent. If you are like me some of the things I set out to do each day have fallen by the way. Its a great time to pick up those disciplines be they something like spending a bit a time quiet and listening for what God might say or something like keeping in contact with a vulnerable person.
I know that at the offertory we used to bring up the basket of groceries along with the gifts of bread and wine and the gifts of money to be placed for God’s blessing and use.
I would appreciate if we pick up that habit (to bring up the basket of groceries at the Preparation of Gifts) for it reminds us of our calling by God to care for those who are hungry. Its important that as we focus on our personal and common worship we focus on those who our society fails in one way or another.
Maybe this next Sunday could be a chance for us to bring that extra can or packet of food and place it in the basket. It can be an expression of our thankfulness for the abundant life that we receive from God.
Have you noticed: A procession starts our Anglican Liturgy
It is easy to see the orderly procession that leads in the Clergy and Worship Leader. However that isn't the first procession - it signals another part of our procession that has already happened.
The first part of our procession is much more diverse and colourful - its the one that starts in individual homes. Some parts of getting ready for church are very orderly while others start from more "creative or chaotic spaces". Some are processions of ones and twos from the same house, while others collect parishioners from different homes.
Each part of our procession is important for it brings us together to be the Body of Christ.
From the Vicar
We live in a society that has in many ways abandoned its traditional patterns of mourning.
A time to relax and to reflect on the efforts made by trade unions to get this balance.
God gives us shelter from both rain and sun and picks us up when we stumble
Parish Officers
Parish Governance
The executive team of Vicar, churchwardens and treasurer meet constantly on parish business.
Parish Groups
Worship leaders, lay readers, servers, ushers, greeters, flower arrangers, cleaners, counters, intercessors and cup bearers all join together to support the service.
From the Vicar
We live in a society that has in many ways abandoned its traditional patterns of mourning.
A time to relax and to reflect on the efforts made by trade unions to get this balance.
God gives us shelter from both rain and sun and picks us up when we stumble
Community Fair bringing affordable toys, books, china, vintage clothes and more from the Opawa - St Martins Parish.
