Thankful

CATHEDRAL NEWSLETTER - 19 October 2023

Image courtesy Freely Photos

Friends in Christ, thanks to those who prayed for Karyn and myself to be refreshed while we were away on annual leave. That was very kind, and we believe your prayers were answered.

For part of the time, we were encouraged to see some old friends from Wollongong, and to be reminded of different ways believers express their Christian faithfulness.

One couple simply opened up their guest bedroom and home more generally, so we could come and go, visiting beloved friends. The husband was one of my running mates. We also enjoyed some long chats with this couple later at night after their work, and also with the running mates early on the Saturday. 

I'm reminded that hospitality is a fundamental Christian virtue. 

Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. (1 Peter 4:9-10)

Another old couple in their 90s had prepared not one but four kinds of afternoon tea for us to enjoy with them. We knew "Don't go to any trouble" would never work with them!

They have endured various ailments, bouts of cancer, macular degeneration, circulatory 'events', that come with old age. But what was outstanding was their attitude of thankfulness and contentment in Christ. They were so quick to sing the praises of their new minister, even though he'd brought a few changes, and to remark on what a humble man they had found him to be. 

I'm reminded that Scripture commends thankfulness and a focus on the good:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God... Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. (Philippians 4:6,8)

Another set of grandparents into their 70s were doing Bible study with two grandsons via Zoom!

Both grandsons had attended the early 'traditional' service with them while teenagers, even when the parents were not. Now as adults elsewhere,these young men were being encouraged in the knowledge of God… 

I'm reminded of the testimony to the power of a grandparent's ministry (and a mother's ministry) by Paul's comments to his protege Timothy:

I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also (2 Tim 1:5)

...how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. (2 Tim 3:15).

Another couple were struggling with serious illness and hospitalisation. Here it was simply moving to see how they were each anxious to serve the other, and struggling together to hold onto Christ's sovereign mercy, even when times are hard. 

This time I quote the Prayer Book vows as a reminder for us who are married of our biblical responsibilities:

...in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, as long as we both shall live.

Lastly, as we always do on holidays, we were glad to make sure we were in church both Sundays, each time in small, one-pastor Anglican churches towards the outskirts of the Diocese.

We heard very faithful sermons (indeed one was outstanding), enjoyed singing the songs and hymns, and joining in the prayers. We also saw evidence of incredible creativity and hard work in the Sunday School room at one church, even though, like here, their numbers are small. 

Having served these last two decades in multi-staff parishes, I am always in awe of how impressive it is when a pastor and his wife faithfully persist, through all the ups and downs, in small churches. They are true heroes, alongside the often small number of members so committed to volunteering in ministry. 

Although what they are doing in a small church is actually no small thing, I think the words of the Lord Jesus are an encouragement to them and to us all, in whatever biblical task we are faithfully doing to serve God, even if no one sees it:

Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much... (Luke 16:10)

Such people, says Jesus, will be entrusted with true riches in eternal dwellings! (Luke 16:9,11) 

Warmly in Christ,

Sandy Grant
Dean of Sydney