We greet you today in the Name above all names, and assure you of our prayers.
These are weeks of dislocation and anxiety. Many of us feel deeply the loss of the forms of Christian community that have sustained us over the years. Many of the ‘markers’ of our lives – birthdays, weddings, funeral, worship services - have changed in form or disappeared.
These words of Henri Nouwen are especially apt:
I know how great a temptation it is in times of anguish and agony to look away from our painful centre and expect peace and a sense of inner wholeness to come from some external source. But I am increasingly convinced that, at times of anguish and agony, we have to choose a contained life where we can be in the presence (or absence) of people who hold us safe and bring us in touch with the unconditional affective love of God.
- HJM Nouwen
Let us hold the relationships that link us across our presbytery in deep respect and love and in this way experience the healing, close fellowship that is our in the Spirit. Also, may we be alert to the needs of friends and strangers who are in our street, in our shops, and all those whose lives touch ours via internet and phone.
Sincerely,
Judith McKinlay and Ross Kingham
Co-Chairs, Canberra Region Presbytery