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St Luke's Richmond restoration and clock
From today's readings... God is the Lord of time and creator of all - Isaiah 40: 26 [F]ocus on love because it is the time to wake up - Romans 13: 8b
What a fascinating congregation we are today. There are toddlers and great grandparents, sixth generation Tasmanians and visiting mainlanders, believers and agnostics. But somehow or other we have an attachment to this grand old building. The restoration of this church and its beloved clock are tributes to the vision, generosity, intelligence and perseverance of many people such as yourselves from Richmond and beyond. One of the reasons we are here today is because we value the past and recognise that our communities are built on the endeavours and sacrifices of former generations. On the walls around you are plaques to Richmond pioneers who were born before the First Fleet sailed, to Richmond men killed at Gallipoli and the Western Front, and above you are ceiling beams crafted by convict carpenters. This restoration effort is a challenge to the church community to be involved in the renewal of this congregation, to grow, to become more outward looking and to be a more lively and vibrant part of this town. There is evidence that this has already started to happen. Last Thursday's Richmond School service was filled with children and parents who celebrated Christmas as a spiritual rather than a commercial event. Change and renewal are in the air. Already moves are afoot to move in the new year from fortnightly to weekly Sunday services and to be more welcoming to young people. At their best churches are open every day and are for everybody including the 250 000 modern-day pilgrims, i.e. tourists, who come through this town every year. Don't let the sheer volume make you forget that many of these 21st century pilgrims are seeking something more than some lovely photos. There is a soul-hunger in modern people that this village plugs into: a better alternative than an impersonal industrialised world, the serenity of a slower pace of life, a sense of roots and national identity, the beauty of old buildings and village scape that have matured so beautifully and been so lovingly restored. Now that it has been returned to its former glory another challenge is to meet the spiritual needs of these modern day pilgrims. The Bible readings remind us of the spiritual aspect of life. Some ideas that are coming together include an interpretative historical display, a clocktower tour (which of course means addressing safety and insurance issues), a regular healing ministry to live up to its namesake 'St Luke the Physician', creative cooperation with local groups to become a centre for weddings and receptions, and special services with a heritage appeal like a colonial Sung Evening Service. As the foundation stone reads this church was built to the greater glory of God and so it is a visible sign pointing to Jesus Christ. Legally speaking it is owned by the Trustees of the Diocese of Tasmania and administered by the Council of the Parish of Sorell, Richmond and Tasman, but in practical terms it belongs to the people who live here. Thanks to your efforts St Luke's Richmond has a new lease of life and a bright future. May God bless everyone who enters its doors. |
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