The following piece was first written for the June 7, 2026 pew sheet at St Augustine’s Anglican Church. I share it here again in the hope that it may continue to encourage and bless.
Over the past three Sundays, we have celebrated three of the most significant feasts of the Christian year: Ascension Day, Pentecost and Trinity Sunday. Together, these great festivals proclaim the fullness of God's saving work – the ascended Christ reigning in glory, the gift of the Holy Spirit poured out upon the Church, and the mystery of the Triune God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. With Trinity Sunday now behind us, we enter the long season known as Ordinary Time. The liturgical colour for this season is green, symbolising growth and faithfulness. The focus shifts from the great saving events we have celebrated to the practical outworking of faith in everyday life. This season, the longest in the Church year, will carry us through winter and spring until Christ the King Sunday in late November, after which Advent will begin. As a parish, we will use these months as an opportunity for spiritual growth, prayerful reflection and renewed discipleship. In conjunction with our review of the Parish Mission Action Plan, our preaching and teaching will explore what it means to live faithfully as Christ's people in both the Church and the world. We will begin with the theme 'Being the Body of Christ,' reflecting on our identity, unity and calling as God's people. We will then consider 'A Church for Others,' reminding ourselves that the Church exists not merely for its own sake, but as a witness to Christ's love and grace in the world. This will be followed by 'Faithful Living' and 'Discipleship in Daily Life,' focusing on the formation of a church culture marked by steady, practical discipleship – rooted in Christ, shaped by grace, and expressed in loving service. As we approach the end of the Church year, we will turn our attention to topics associated with All Saints, including 'A Great Cloud of Witnesses,' 'The Hope of the Resurrection' and 'Watchful and Faithful.' Finally, on 'Christ the King Sunday' (Nov 22) we will celebrate the reign of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Servant-King who rules with wisdom, justice and self-giving love. This overview offers a glimpse of our journey for the remainder of the year. As we week to love the Lord more deeply and follow him more faithfully, may God continue to shape us by his Spirit, strengthen our witness and bear much fruit through our life together.
