As I write this on Friday morning I am again reminded that today is Hiroshima Day. The first atomic bomb was dropped on that city on 6th August 1945. The destruction was immense. I talked about it last Sunday in the Reflection.
On Monday morning Gillian Feist sent me an e-mail that contained a poem that she had written:
HIROSHIMA
It was an ordinary day
A day just like this
When the BOMB
WAS DROPPED.
Fighting nearly over
Sun shining
Birds singing
People working
Children playing, laughing
Hope in the air –
AND a boy reached for a butterfly
Against the blue sky
Both were caught
In a blinding flash
Printed on stone
As life disappeared.
Our world can’t ever be the same
As if it never happened.
And, no longer can we plead ignorance
If we refuse change
And keep going along the same road.
Gillian Feist
It is reminder of the horror of war and the need to change. The old question still stands: Why do we keep doing things the same way when that way isn’t working? Situations are changed – for good or ill – by people creating different ways of thinking and acting. This makes it all the more important to be sure we make changes that are for the better.
I was thinking that Tokyo would be very different to what it is today. In 1945 they had to confront the effects of the A bomb on Hiroshima – the horror, fear, anger, and grief. This year in Tokyo people from all over the world are there competing in the Olympic Games. And the irony is that they are meeting under threat of Covid-19 which is as big a threat as nuclear bombs.
We hope for PEACE – God’s SHALOM – a world where people live in good relationship with each other, where there is care, understanding and generosity. A world where people are valued, where there is sharing of resources, and each has enough for a good quality of life – a world where justice and fairness prevail. Such a world doesn’t just happen it has to be created by people of vision. And that is each of us! Shalom begins with each of us and ends with a world at Peace.
I sign off with a poem by Lao Tzu:
“If there is to be peace in the world,
There must be peace in the nations.
If there is to be peace in the nations,
There must be peace in the cities.
If there is to be peace in the cities,
There must be peace between neighbours.
If there is to be peace between neighbours,
There must be peace in the home.
If there is to be peace in the home,
There must be peace in the heart”.
Shalom!
Jim Cunningham
Appointment of new Centre Manager
We are delighted to announce that Adelina Reis has been appointed as the new Centre Manager to replace Laetitia.
Adelina is an experienced events manager and has an extensive background in advertising, marketing and managing budgets. The panel was impressed by her warm and friendly manner and her commitment to her clients. These attributes are a good fit with St Andrew’s on The Terrace. Adelina will start in the office on Monday 9 August so that Laetitia can do a handover before she leaves on 20 August. We plan to introduce Adelina to the Parish at an early opportunity, and for now here are a few words from Adelina.
Kia ora to you all, I am Adelina Reis and my origins are both Portuguese and Chinese, and I was born in Hong Kong. My career has spanned advertising and events management in both Asia and New Zealand. My love of creating special events led me to starting a wedding styling business and I have done that alongside planning and participating fundraising activities in the community. People are my passion and I am motivated to ensure that everyone enjoys a successful event or visitor experience.
I love Wellington and it has been my home for over 20 years. My 22 year old daughter graduated last year and is now studying towards an Honours degree in University of Auckland. I enjoy music, concerts, movies, cooking and entertaining friends. In my spare time I walk my dog, go to the gym or practise Tai Chi.
I’m very excited to become the Centre Manager and I look forward to getting to know the St. Andrew’s community. It will be a pleasure to meet you all.
To view the full e-news click here: https://mailchi.mp/25327bd08dc0/this-weeks-newsletter-from-st-andrews-on-the-terrace-4762450
