Mary Redmayne ©Mary Redmayne Self-publishing a book, by Mary Redmayne Leaning on God through the painful journey of grief “The journey of grief can be terribly hard. So painful.”[1] The sudden loss of a loved one – especially one’s child or grandchild - is a bitter, protracted agony. Three years ago, my grandson died suddenly. Out of the blue. And the world, life, and the future changed for so many people. Here in New Zealand, there are, tragically, many healthy young lives lost suddenly and unnecessarily. “We don’t learn how we should handle such a loss of a loved one or close friend. It fills our life with no warning, with a wail, disbelief, confusion, despair. With … [Read more...]
Unsung lives-discerning our ministries
photo: Austin Kehmeier Unsplash The Woman’s Prayer (from the Episcopal Women's History project https://www.ewhp.org) O God, Creator of all life, bless the unsung lives of countless Christian women in every century who were your hands and feet, who kept alive your compassionate presence by feeding the hungry, nursing the sick, clothing the naked, comforting the sad, praying and petitioning, strengthening those in prison, teaching the stories, sewing and singing, weeping and rejoicing. Grant us the wisdom to discern our ministries in this day as our foremothers found theirs; lead us in new and timeless forms of discipleship; and let us joyfully find our place in this … [Read more...]
Hold us close in your arms
photo: Anne Nygard, Unsplash A Covid-19 liturgy for young people. Lesley Mouat, Chaplain at St Matthew's, Masterton, prepared DIY chapel services for students at home during the lockdown, and sent them out through their school app. Be sure to watch the video! Put yourself into a space where you can be still and quiet for 5 to 10 minutes. If your parents will allow – light a candle (please remember to put it out carefully before you leave your chapel service) and settle into silence for a moment. A Pilgrim Song 131 God, I’m not trying to rule the roost, I don’t want to be king of the mountain.I haven’t meddled where I have no … [Read more...]
