Weekly message:

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November 8

Dear Friends,

For race goers this time of the year is very busy and provides many opportunities for enjoyment.  Thousands of young people attend the racing calendars Spring Carnival and enthusiastically participate in the various meetings.  Sometimes we can be negatively influenced by media reports of bad behaviour by a very small number of young people attending major events.  During the last week I have been very impressed with the good behaviour and open friendliness of the young people I have met at Flemington and on public transport to and from the races.

We are very privileged to live in a society where respect for other people is widely maintained and valued.  This environment can only be maintained and sustained in our community if we have a strong commitment to each other and if we have an openness in our attempts to understand each others personal story.  The social life of our whole community is enriched through a liberal approach in our attitudes that is marked by acceptance of those who are different to us or whose lives are different to our life’s experience.

The human family shares much that is common to all people thus making the differences that do exist both manageable and acceptable.  Let us rejoice in both all that we have in common with each other and let us also celebrate our differences thus making it possible for the whole community to be enriched by our acceptance of each other and by how we value each other.

Our parish community is very well served by the leadership given by our churchwardens and members of vestry.  We are fortunate to have a strong level of consistency of membership in the leadership of our parish.  If you are interested in the possibility of being part of the vestry please discuss this matter with either a church warden or member of vestry.  It is important for our leadership team to be drawn from the different generation groups that exist in our church community.
Copies of the Annual Reports will be available by the third Sunday of November to allow us time to read and consider the reports before the Annual Meeting on the 22nd of November at 11.30a.m..

At this time of the year the electoral roll is reviewed to bring it up to date in preparation for the annual meetings.  The Electoral Roll is different to the parish roll.  Please take a few moments and make sure that your name is present in the electoral roll.  If your name is not recorded in the electoral roll and you are eligible to have your name added to it please fill in the appropriate form and return it as soon as possible.

With love and prayers,

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Vicar: The Reverend Kenneth J Hewlett