The Arrival of the 'Fresh connexions' Candle (9th August 2009)
(The Christ Church entry in the Fresh Connexions Candle Message Book - pictured at right)
The Fresh Connections Candle arrived in the parish from St. Pauls, Geelong, in time for our Eucharists on Sunday, 9 August. We are conscious that we are a link in the chain, and connected to the parishes and ministries visited by the candle.
We had decided to transfer the Feast of the Transfiguration (6 August) to Sunday (9th August) as a focus for our celebration; we also made a decision to have a Back to Christ Church Sunday on that day, and to invite back to the parish all who, in some way, had had a connection or received ministry from Christ Church, and especially in the last three years. Letters were sent to current parishioners, former parishioners, baptism/funeral families, etc. to invite them to attend one of our three services - 8.00am., 9.30am., or 5.15pm. Numbers were very good, and many really did make a Fresh Connection with Christ Church.
At each service, the Candle was displayed in a prominent place; after special prayers for the parish and its mission to the community, those present were invited to light a votive candle from the Fresh Connections Candle, and place it in a bowl as a reminder of their own special connection to this house of God. It was a very moving and reflective experience.
After the 9.30 Eucharist, the Vestry hosted a sumptuous morning tea, and many stayed and re-connected with each other. Memories were shared, and friendships rekindled.
The much-travelled Candle was a reminder to us that we belong to something far greater than our own local ministry patch; but it was also a reminder how important it is to stay connected to and with each other in the ministries we give, receive, and share.
The Transfiguration Collect asks that we be granted faith to perceive his glory, to listen to him, and to walk in his way... May God grant us strength, courage,
love and peace as we journey from the mountain to the plain as we seek to serve him in the connections we make on his behalf.
The prayers of this parish go with the Candle on the rest of its journey, and especially to the Bellarine parish, its next stop. (Derek M. Jones, Vicar.)
(Photographs - Bruce Munro & Phillip Swain)
