Christmas Message from Rector, Penny Jones.

As Christmas approaches I want to take this opportunity of thanking you all for the immense amount of support, love and friendship you have shown to me and my family in the past year.
It makes my ministry among you a real delight. Bishop Peter in his recent pastoral visit commented on the warmth and friendliness of all those he met, and it is certainly the case that you continually encourage me by your responsiveness and willingness to engage with your faith. We have successfully moved through a period of change this year, especially with respect to our service times, the introduction of the Art Space and changes in the Parish Office and all with good humour and sensitivity to one another. So 'THANK YOU'.

Peter and I also want to wish all of you and those dear to you a joyful Christmas and a truly blessed New Year.

A close friend and former warden of Iona Abbey, Peter Millar, sent me this reflection which I hope you will enjoy.

REFLECTION FOR CHRISTMAS

In a world of many tears we search each day for markers of hope;
for the small unexpected signs of light and love;
for the quiet assurance that goodness is planted
more deeply than all that is wrong,
and that one day the captives will go free.

And sometimes on the journey we discover a gift without price -
the balm of understanding deep within our soul.

The knowledge that, despite everything,
we are companions of God in the work of creation:
wounded healers even when weeping ourselves:
bearers of Justice even when overwhelmed:
witnesses of hope even when struggling to survive.

For Light still shines, and illumining our days
we walk together in it.
And in the walking we remember and celebrate
the miracle and wonder of life -
but also something more:
the unfolding and surprising purposes of God
forever at work in ourselves and in the world.

Peter Millar, December 2009

Parish Office, Bookshop and Op Shop

From 23rd December to 15th January 2010 inclusive the Parish Centre will be closed.
We will reopen on Monday 18th January, 2010.