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a healthy church...transformingLIFE

Tasmanian Anglican

February 2004

 

 

 

 

photo of John Harrower - head and shoulders

 

Bishop's reflection

by John Harrower

 

 

God's people working at God's mission

I am writing this from beautiful Bicheno on the East coast of Tasmania, where some 180 Anglicans are celebrating God's mission. The 'Summer View' CMS Mission Conference is a fixture in our diary as it provides a marvellous beginning to each new year of missioning.

God's calling and forming of his people is a miracle of grace. This miracle was celebrated in our enthusiastic singing, exuberant and creative children's programme, the so energetic youth programme and the all age fellowship. The Conference overflowed with joy. Heaven will be a very special place of harmony, joy and worship of the Triune God of grace - and we experienced just a touch of this at Bicheno!

Boogie man

What a privilege to continue to learn of God's person, God's people and God's purposes in the world. We also grew in our accumulation of less exalted knowledge: ask a participant in the Bible study program where the expression, 'the boogie man' comes from and how God has worked in the life of a 'boogie' man.

At Pentecost the Holy Spirit came upon people of many ethnic groups. At the Mission Conference we were reminded that the Holy Spirit continues to draw people from ethnic groups all over the world to Christ and his Church.

God purposes to bring men and women, girls and boys to fullness of life in Christ Jesus. God's ways are of shalom, peace-in-the-midst of life's joys and sorrows. God through the Holy Spirit calls people to participate in God's mission, in bringing in God's way, forming a healthy community of compassion and justice transforming life.

Let the flowers bloom

In obedience to this call, I will be releasing a mission document, 'a healthy church . . . transforminglife' in Launceston and Hobart on 7 and 13 February, respectively.

In my first address to the Tasmanian Synod in October 2000 I used the phrase 'let the flowers bloom' as an expression of my commitment to local mission. 'Transforminglife' is a 'permission giving' document designed to guide us into the future.

In writing this mission document I have sought to challenge each parish, congregation, agency, school, organization and person to examine our lives, our work, and our ministries.

It is my prayer that for the many faithful 'gardeners' in the Diocese this document 'transforminglife' will strengthen the Holy Spirit's transforming work amongst us.

Please take time to prayerfully read 'transforminglife', discuss it, and pray and work together in mission, in order that we may more fully be God's people working at God's mission.

In the name of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

(signed) John