Kia ora ē te whānau,
At the end of our recent congregational conversation we stood and said the words of ‘the Grace’ together: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with us all.
The word ‘communion’ there used to be ‘fellowship’, and I imagine the change was prompted perhaps by the desire for more inclusive language. (Although different translations of 2 Corinthians 13:14 do use ‘communion’ in the English).
But I also think the word ‘communion’ is more appropriate because it expresses perhaps a deeper meaning – fellowship might make us think of doing things together, having shared interests, or being alongside each other in shared endeavours. Whereas communion seems to me to be saying that our joining is more intimate than that, an experience in community where we allow ourselves to be changed by the encounter, we meet fully – with our minds, bodies and hearts, and immerse ourself in our shared life.
Of course there is also a shared root with the word ‘community’, and I love this connection as well. It speaks to me of the true focus of a spiritual community such as ours – communion with each other in the life of Spirit, Presence, God.
I’ve thought lately, as we gather and continue our work in this time without an ordained minister, that St Andrew’s really is a rich community – I’m made aware every day of phonecalls that are being made week by week to each other, letters and emails written to keep in touch, visits to someone who’s not well, thoughts and prayers, practical help being given, prayers, stories and reflections being written. Our regular groups are being ably led by members of the community, and we are invited to worship by a variety of gifted liturgists. In some ways although it is tiring at times, during this time we are more able to see the gifts and talents within our midst.
I know too, that for various reasons, we aren’t all able to be together on Sunday mornings. Either through illness, compromised immunity, or family reasons we are still somewhat scattered. So wherever you are, may you feel connected and remembered by this, your community.
Lately at Parish Council, we have been finishing our meetings with alternatives to the Grace I mentioned earlier. One we’ve enjoyed saying together is this Pohutukawa blessing written by our own Ken Irwin; and I hope it reaches you too:
May the splash of rangimārie, peace,
The blossom of tūmanako, hope,
And the warmth of arohanui, love
Cradle you.
Amine
Catriona.
To view the full e-news click on this link: https://mailchi.mp/f7a349d93101/this-weeks-newsletter-from-st-andrews-on-the-terrace-3881521
