Category: Weekly message

During the great days of Easter, we will be reminded of God’s saving grace to his people in bringing his ancient people out of slavery into the promised land. For the ancient people, that was a time of incredible stress and anxiety. After the Ten Plagues of Egypt, Moses finally led the people towards freedom, only to be apparently trapped at the Red Sea. The sea was in front of them, the pursuing Egyptian army was behind them. No one could see a way to escape. There was nowhere to go. But God found a way! Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid, stand firm, and see the deliverance that the LORD will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians whom you see today you shall never see again. The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to keep still.” Then, at God’s command, Moses lifted his staff and struck the sea. The sea divided, and the Israelites walked across on dry land. (Exodus, Ch14). Sometimes in our lives we may find ourselves, ‘stuck’ or ‘trapped’ with no apparent way to proceed – no way to find freedom. Yet, God in his mercy often shows us a way, as he found a way for his ancient people.

Christ’s death, resurrection and ascension demonstrate God’s salvation for all people. Humanity was lost in sin, but God provided a way to overcome sin and enjoy the freedom of his Kingdom. When we feel trapped, let us give thanks that we have a God who provides the way of salvation and freedom.

Grace and Peace be with you all.

Dear members and friends of the parish of South Darebin,

Greetings! I look forward to getting to know you all in this interregnum period as you prayerfully search for a new Vicar. I know that the recent months have been chall-enging and I hope that together we can look forward to what can be, and will be, as the people of God in Northcote and Thornbury.

I would like us all to take heart in the words of Jesus when he said:

“Do not worry about your life… Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? And why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you — you of little faith? Therefore do not worry… But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

“So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” (Matthew 6: selected verses from 26–34)

Let us take comfort in the knowledge that our God of love knows our needs and wants what is best for us, our families and our neighbours.

May God bless you all,

Canon Christopher