Vicar's Letter - 10 June 2022

Kia ora All Saints Whānau,

​Colossians 3:12 This week I (Emily) went to a funeral of a wonderful woman of God. She had been at our church in Christchurch for over 50 years, and had a loving (and cheeky!) marriage for a few months shy of 50 years. During the service I reflected on my relationship with her, being my mentor in my late teens and a great role model of a generous woman who was faithful to God and her community. One of her sons shared that on the day she died he happened to glance at his phone which had a verse for the day:

"Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." - Colossians 3:12

He felt this summed her up well. It got me thinking, what characteristics am I 'clothing' myself with? What would I like to be known for? Andy spoke last week about Pentecost meaning we as the people of God are mini temples - God dwells in us. So do we look like the ultimate example of God's temple - Jesus? I have been reflecting that this verse doesn't just say we should have compassion, kindness, etc., but perhaps implies actively cultivating these things. Clothe yourself in these characteristics. Choose to cover yourself in them.

So as I consider the inspiration dear Jill has been in my life, I am challenged to look at my actions, thoughts, words and attitudes, so that I can take a pause and choose to clothe them in the words of Colossians 3:12, and other qualities I know Jesus to have. I encourage you to do likewise and watch the Spirit of God, which dwells in you, overflow to impact our community and our world.

​Bless you all, Emily