Weekly letter from St Luke's - 2 September 2022

Dear Parish Friends This year, in the month of September, we are going to be celebrating the Season of Creation, which gives a focus on the natural environment. Although this is a relatively new celebration (in the context of the history of church liturgy), it echoes many themes that have long been part of Christianity. In particular the Celtic Christians had a deep connection to nature, and saw in it a 'second book' of God's revelation. The readings, hymns and prayers will all reflect this theme, and at the 9am service other liturgical elements will be included. The emphasis is both on seeing God revealed through creation, and als responding to how humankind does (or more often does not) care for it. The first Sunday in this season is Ocean Sunday, so we will both reflect on the image of water in the stories of creation, as well as how we are polluting the high seas. As usual the 9am service will also be streamed over Zoom. The 9am service sheet and weekly notice paper are available at the links below. I also bring you news of the death of Anne Edwards. She was a long time member of our congregation, but has been in an Nursing Home in Toowoomba for the last two years. Her funeral will be at St Luke's the week beginning 12th September, and I will let you know more details as they are available. Please give thanks for Anne, and pray for her daughters Susan and Meredith and the rest of the family as they prepare for the funeral. May they, and we, be reminded of the words from Lamentations 3:22-23: "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness" Yours in Christ Rev'd Timothy