22nd Sunday After Pentecost – 13th November 2011

I have had an exhausting but productive week in my week of intensive training in The Spiritual Direction Formation programme which I began at the beginning of this year.

I truly hope that the insights and understanding I gain through this training might enhance my ministry amongst you, and the wider community… Unfortunately, I have had little time to reflect on the readings but offer you these words from “Words for Worship”, which seem appropriate given our Harvest Festival/ Thanksgiving ” theme of last weeks Worship with Bishop Geoff.

“It is interesting to note that, in the Hebrew Scriptures, there is a recognition of a woman’s talents. Deborah is seen as a prophetess, one who could save the people from oppression. It would be good to ask ourselves how many people do not have their talents recognized for all sorts of reasons of injustice and discrimination. In Matthew we hear Jesus reminding us how important it is to use the talents that we have been given, even if we make mistakes in doing so. In our churches, we could create a climate of affirmation and invitation which might help us discover all manner of talents and gifts which are present among us. God’s life-giving power let loose in the world unleashes abundant possibilities for justice, love, and compassion. How do you imagine you and your church are being called to take part in God’s reign? How will you use God’s gifts to you in faithful and extravagant service to God and neighbour? It is not enough to “believe”, we must act in faith and hope and express who we are as part of God’s good creation.”

As a matter of Justice,Love and Compassion for the wider world, we will consider, in our worship today, the needs of the people of PNG and launch the Archbishops” November Appeal.

Many Blessings

Rev Shan