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Dear Friends
What do we do with ideas????
We had an idea. We talked about it. We shared it with
other people and listened to what they had to say. We asked for support, financial and practical. We
prayed about our idea and listened to the voice in our hearts. We agreed to make it work. And now we
have our beautiful Memorial Garden, a lovely place to remember our loved ones.
We had another idea. We talked about this too. We shared it with other people and listened to what
they had to say. We asked for support, financial and practical. We prayed about our idea and listened to
the voice in our hearts. We agreed to make it work. And now we have Faith our Children’s Ministry
Leader, and the St. A’s Kid’s program. We also have children worshipping with us on Sunday mornings
and often taking part in the services by reading and helping around the altar.
Where do ideas come from? Well, another word for ‘idea’ is ‘inspiration’ and inspiration originally
meant ‘the influence of a divine entity on a person.’ I think we would call this the Holy Spirit.
We also remember the words of St. Augustine of Hippo, echoed in our time by Desmond Tutu, ‘Without
God we cannot. Without us God will not.’ Because we have sought the will of God, and collaborated
with the work of God, to the Glory of God, we now have our Memorial Garden and our St. A’s Kids
Programme.
People of St. A’s, how did we collaborate with God? – How is this good stewardship?
• We provided enthusiasm, encouragement, and support.
• We acted on the ideas we were given.
• We have volunteered to do some of the work.
• We completed and returned those Estimate of Giving Forms, thus agreeing to finance these and
other projects and expenses of our church, local and national, and to pay the salaries of the people
such as our Rector and Bishop, who have, and will continue, to provide compassionate, effective
leadership.
• We remain cheerful and positive and continue to listen for the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
• And for all of this we give thanks.
Thankyou again for participating in our Annual Financial Stewardship Programme. Your generosity and
willingness to become involved, will ensure that our parish can continue the work of Jesus, as we look
upon God’s world with compassion, and work for justice (Meaning economic fairness) and peace for all
God’s beloved children.
Please remember to attend the Parish AGM in January – that is stewardship too.
God bless and Happy New (Church) Year!
Val McCormack

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