This morning we visited St. Barnabas Anglican Church for Sunday service, which was a delight. Just a short drive up the hill from our house here in Warrington, the grounds of this small parish church overlook the sea and mountains.
We arrived early and mingled with the parishioners who trickled in. Around 11:30 we, the congregation of about a dozen, took our seats to begin, as Vestry Chair, Jeremy Nicoll, opened the service. The group was small enough that nearly every member took part: one playing the organ and several completing skillful readings.
In place of a sermon, and in honor of All Saints' Day, the members had each come prepared to speak briefly about a particular saint. Jeremy Nicoll and his daughter unfurled a large blue flag marked with an anchor and spoke of St. Clement, who was martyred, being tied to an ship's anchor and cast into the sea. We also heard about St. Aidan of Lindisfarne, who wandered the lanes and byways speaking of the faith. There was even St. Rita, the patron saint of the impossible and the lost causes.
Then the presiding priest lit a candle, and we remembered all those who had gone before us--particularly those in our own lives.
Coincidentally, today was also the first day of St. Barnabas church's membership with the Parish of East Otago, and Helen Metzger distributed to each of the church leaders their updated licenses to reflect the change of jurisdiction. Russell Wall, the church comedian, attempted to distract her by asking if the licenses could be used for fishing. But Helen quickly answered, yes indeed, because we are "fishers of men."
Afterward, we were invited to have a cuppa in the back building. Russell, at it again, asked if I would take milk in my tea, and when I answered yes, asked: "Jersey or Friesian?"
Tour of the Church and Grounds
Looking Toward the Rear of the Church
The Lord's Prayer in the Maori Language
Go in peace.
