We are the family of God
In today’s gospel reading, Jesus, on being told that his mother and brother and sisters were asking for him, responds with “Who are my mother and my brothers?” and he goes on to proclaim that all those who do the will of God are his family.
It is a timely reading for me as I begin my time as your Priest-in-Charge because I am returning to the Opawa St Martins family, having been here at St Mark’s and St Anne’s for some of my training and then for the first year that I was ordained (20 years ago this year!). It is good to be ministering here with you.
We are the family of God in Opawa-St Martins. ‘Family’ mean different things to people in the time we live in, with blended families and single-parent families and foster families. But the word itself brings to mind a sense of being accepted, loved, and supported, as well as challenged to grow into the full realisation of our gifts and abilities. And the family here is no different. Each person is essential to our Christian life and witness in the world, and each is valued for who they are and what they contribute to our spiritual life together.
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.
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.
Community Fair bringing affordable toys, books, china, vintage clothes and more from the Opawa - St Martins Parish.
