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Tasmanian Anglican

December 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Bishop John's team roared into action in the annual George Town Hospital Bed Race. Photo courtesy The Examiner

 

Bishop's reflection
Christmas: a mission initiative from God

Today's agenda: 'PARTY'

by John Harrower

 

 

With these words blazened on my beanie, and holding on to my pastoral staff with one hand and gripping a side of the hospital bed with the other, the Anglican team roared into action as we raced down the main drag of George Town. The traditional Hospital Bed Race was underway!

The four highly trained, and supremely fit, (as would only be expected!) 'priests' were dressed in period clergy costume. Black cassocks flapped wildly as we set off at a tremendous pace. My role was to stay on the bed - disqualification loomed if I fell off!

It was the second turn at the round-about where we lost rhythm and those trolley-like hospital bed wheels needed some extra help to all point in the same direction at the same time. The Hospital Team were first over the line: But, as was said at the track, 'The boys did us proud!'

George Town's 200th Birthday Party was well under way.

Declaration of new parish

Earlier in the day, lots of fun, fellowship and food had followed special worship times - where at 8am eight people from teenagers to seniors confirmed their decision to follow Jesus. At 10am an open air Worship Service had been held at the same spot as the original Thanksgiving Service in 1804.

The agenda to PARTY also included the declaration of the new Parish of Riverlinks. The three parishes of George Town, Trevallyn/Riverside and St Aidan's East Launceston have been clearly led by the Holy Spirit to worship and mission in this exciting new way.

Initiatives in mission are ongoing and we seek to be alive to them. We are called and privileged to participate in his mission in the world.

Incredible initiative

Some 2000 years ago God took an incredible initiative in mission.

The cry of a new born baby gives ample reason to PARTY. The birth of the Son of God gave Mary and Joseph, shepherds, wise men and angels plenty to party about. Millions of people will PARTY this Christmas to thank God for such love.

The incarnation is God's great and surprising initiative in mission. That is plenty of reason to party. Enjoy God and enjoy the Son of God's birthday celebration:

Christmas Day's agenda: PARTY

 

(signed) John