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Tasmanian Anglican

March 2004

 

 

 

 


God's ECG heartbeat on display at St Aidan's, Launceston


 
There was lots to talk about at St Aidan's, Launceston.

 

 

Looking to the future, with history in perspective

 

 

In August 2003 St Aidan's, East Launceston embarked on an 'Intentional Interim Journey' led by a Transition Team from the parish, guided by the Rev. Bob McKay.

The aim of this process is to re-focus on the future and move towards the appointment of a new Rector.

There are five tasks involved. . .

  • Encounter and respond to the history of the church.
  • Reconnect with the diocese and other parishes.
  • Examine how decisions are made in the parish.
  • Ask and answer the question 'who are we' rather than 'who have we been?'
  • Profile, appoint and commit to new leadership.

Several congregational events are being organised with a high level of involvement of all members. One such event was held on Advent Sunday as the church looked towards a new beginning.

The Rectory was decorated with memorabilia from the last 100 years and as people gathered a video message from the Bishop was played. Everyone had the opportunity to write down something from the past which had touched them (either positively or negatively). They left behind what needed to be discarded, and brought into the church what needed to be taken into the future.

As we moved into the church to worship we found a long printout of an ECG heartbeat pinned up around the walls. There were also printed-out prophecies about the 'heart' from the past twenty years, and words from former rectors who had recognised God's activity in their times. St Aidan's reaffirmed the desire to link into God's heartbeat for the future of this parish.

A fellowship BBQ and lots of chatter and fun rounded off the day.

A story from the day

One of the aims was to put history into perspective and look to the future…

One former parishioner attended and settled some issues from the past. He had a great time at both the worship and the BBQ. He expressed his satisfaction at having the opportunity to be there and do what he had to do. A month later he died suddenly. We rejoice in God's timing, and we rejoice in the knowledge that He is Sovereign.