This Sunday (being the 7th Sunday after Easter) is Pentecost or Whitsunday, when we mark Jesus’ pouring out of the Holy Spirit on his church (Acts 2). The gift of the Holy Spirit is an absolutely astonishing blessing to Christian believers, because it means we know that Jesus is with us (John 14:18), as a deposit guaranteeing our eternal inheritance (2 Cor. 5:5), and causing to grow in us the characteristics God desires, the “fruit of the Spirit” (such as love, joy, peace and patience, Galatians 5:22). The Spirit is given to all people who hear the gospel and believe it (Galatians 3:5). We would do well to understand more deeply just what an amazing gift Christians have in the Holy Spirit. Our sermon passage from John 3 teaches much about the Spirit, as well as containing the most famous verse in the whole Bible, John 3:16.
We have a new ministry partner to support through Bush Church Aid: James and Charly Boardman, with Elijah, Joshua and Hannah, at Bathurst Cathedral. James recently completed his studies at Moore College: he is involved in pastoral ministry there as well as outreach activities like a kids’ club (which he leads with Charly), SRE teaching and through the local Anglicare branch. We will hear more from them over the coming months, but for the time being, we can begin to pray for their exciting work.
In brief:
- Fireworks is this coming Saturday 3rdJune at 00 pm. There is also a Working Bee at 8.30 am the same day, where we’ll be getting ready including by building a bonfire.
- Classical Concert with St Catherine’s School at 4 pm Saturday 17thJune.
- Regular members should have received their Restoration Appeal letters by now. This is a great year to give generously to the Fund, as we have a significant and costly project underway in the replacement of our rectory and borough chambers roofs.
Yours,
Andrew Schmidt,
Rector