Undefeated
Christ is Risen. Alleluia
He is Risen indeed. Alleluia.
Easter celebrates that the love of God is not defeated even by death.
Our faith reminds us that we are beloved daughters and sons of God. We hear that story most plainly at Easter after our hard journey through Holy Week where destruction and death threatens to destroy the life of love.
It’s easy to allow the anti of life to become the lens we view and interpret the world. It’s also easy to allow the negative story to gain control over our past and present and to taint our future.
Easter’s Christ gifts us a clear view of who we are (loved and forgiven).
Easter celebrations brings into view the new life that looks for the good, beautiful and the peace that inhabits our world. It opens our eyes to live thankful lives and to live lives that bring new life and hope to those we encounter.
Have you noticed :
The Pascal Candle
We light the Pascal Candle as a symbol that reminds us that Christ is risen. We light it first on the morning Easter Sunday and it is then lit for each service in the season of Easter. We also light it for all baptisms and funerals.
It is a sign that the risen Christ appeared to the disciples until his ascension and the coming of the Holy Spirit (Pentecost).
It is a sign for us of Christ's presence in our world.
We proclaim "We are the body of Christ" at the gathering for the Ministry of the Sacrament. The candle keeps burning until after the service to remind us that we are to take the light of Christ into all that we are and all that we do, so that others may find their way. Some may remember a Sunday school song about being that light in our small corner.
From the Vicar
“May the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the Love of God and the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all. Amen” (NZPB p52).
Will we make the choice to live as those who love the way of God and therefore find the depth, refreshment from the true source of life? Or do we choose a life of being blown around in the breeze avoiding the true source of life that provides us with rootedness, security and life?
Isaiah has been called by God to bring the people to account for their actions. They had turned away from God and that was being shown in how they were treating their brothers and sisters. Isaiah recognises his own faults and he is forgiven by God.
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.
“May the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the Love of God and the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all. Amen” (NZPB p52).
Will we make the choice to live as those who love the way of God and therefore find the depth, refreshment from the true source of life? Or do we choose a life of being blown around in the breeze avoiding the true source of life that provides us with rootedness, security and life?
Isaiah has been called by God to bring the people to account for their actions. They had turned away from God and that was being shown in how they were treating their brothers and sisters. Isaiah recognises his own faults and he is forgiven by God.
Community Fair bringing affordable toys, books, china, vintage clothes and more from the Opawa - St Martins Parish.