The following piece was first written for the March 22, 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.
Welcome to our combined service today. The idea of a combined service is both familiar and important to me. In my previous parish, it was a regular part of our life together – not only on the Sunday of the annual parish meeting, but also on fifth Sundays throughout the year. On those occasions, different congregations – traditional and contemporary English services, the Chinese congregation, and others – would gather as one. I mention this simply to say that, if we were to consider having regular combined services here at St Augustine's, this would be something for Parish Council to reflect on prayerfully.
It is fitting that today our theme is "One Body, Many Parts," drawn from 1 Corinthians 12. The Apostle Paul uses the human body as a powerful image for the church. Just as the body is one yet made up of many parts – some visible, others hidden – so it is with the church. Each part has its own role, and every part is necessary. The heart and the brain, though unseen, are essential; without them, the body cannot live. Paul's point is clear: the health of the body depends on each part faithfully fulfilling its role. When one part suffers, the whole body suffers. In the same way, our local church here at St Augustine's is one body in Christ, made up of many members with different gifts, backgrounds and callings. Our diversity is a gift from God. Whether expressed through culture, language, personality or experience, it enriches the life of the church.
Yet Scripture calls us not only to diversity, but to unity in Christ – a unity grounded in our common faith, baptism and belonging to him. Therefore, let me encourage you: recognise and offer your gifts in service to Christ, and honour the gifts of others. Let us build one another up in love, so that together we may grow into maturity in Christ. And let us pray that St Augustine's may be a true expression of this unity in diversity – a shining light of Christ in Unley and beyond.
