Letter from Bishop Victoria Matthews | 24 August 2012

23 Aug 2012

Dear Friends,

Synod is approaching and with it the prospect of making some important decisions about insurance, sharing buildings (rationalisation), and other ministry and mission challenges. Again I do ask for your prayers that together we may make the best decisions and give God glory and honour.

We are now 18 months from the February earthquake in which 181 died and more were injured. In terms of psychological and sociological post-disaster patterns, this point in our recovery is one of the hardest. Therefore it is important to encourage one another, pray for one another, and to be both hopeful and thankful whenever and wherever we can. God will see us through. We know that. Let us, then, do what we can to support each other along the way.

Special prayers are asked for Sister Judith CSN who has had two significant surgeries this week. I also ask your prayers for Tricia recovering from her second back surgery and Bill in recovery.

Lynda continues to fight pneumonia and is ordered off work for another week. Don Fergus is fighting cancer and suffering through chemotherapy treatments. Prayer is needed there also.

Ryan, Evan, Jasper, and Tom are all young people in need of prayer and Selwyn, Laurie, and Lionel are older persons in serious ill health. I ask your prayers for them and their loved ones.

Many folk are still making a huge effort in terms of earthquake recovery. I would like to especially commend CCR out of St Christopher's Avonhead and the veggie co-op from the Cathedral for their stellar efforts. Each of these ministries involves a large number of volunteers and focused administration. Thanks be to God for these ministries.

This week, 18 months after the quake of 22 February, please call someone whose life changed that day. Think of someone who is alone or lonely, someone a bit frightened or unwell, and seek to accompany them in their journey. Offer to pray with them or share something that has assisted you spiritually recently. We are all pilgrims on the same journey.

"And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3.18)

Thank you for who you are in Christ and all you do for Christ and the Kingdom.

Blessings,

+Victoria