St Theodore's Photo Album

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St Theo's in Wattle Park
We began and finished with songs of praise.
Some wrote psalms or prayers of praise and worship (see below). Some walked around the park, observing the wonders of God's creation.
David Ashton gave a sketching class
He said half shut your eyes to get the shape of the foliage - leave the detail 'til later
Stephanie Dowling's artwork.

Here are some of the psalms and prayers written by those present.

  
A Psalm in Wattle Park

How these trees challenge us;
Quietly they persist,
Deep-rooted and sure
Drawing on your gifts patiently
as they come
Yet still they put forth new growth
without fail
Green shoots a soft song of praise
Their hands raised to the heavens
They speak of seasons and ages
And hint of infinity.
 		A Prayer in Wattle Park 1.

We thank you
for the variety of your creation
Even here, the trees are broad and tall
Rich and thick with leaves
Or sparsely covered, limbs showing.
The shades of green and brown
Reminding us of the cycle of life and death
Reminding us that Christ’s life and death
And life again
Were part of your design, your plan.

We thank you
for the sounds of your creation
The song, warbles chortle and chant of birds
The scratching of creatures nearby
Of rosie, exploring at our feet.
Of children laughing and calling
Of one small congregation, singing.

We thank you
for the comfort of your creation
the sun to warm and welcome us
The breeze to cool and relieve us
The grass to spread out upon.
But especially for our families, friends and communities
Through whom we experience the many gifts you give:
Love, attention, wisdom, kindness, grace.

We pray
for people who are too unwell to notice
the world you made
Give them ease from their pain
And people who care.

We pray
for people who can’t experience the
peace of your creation
Give their leaders compassion and wisdom
as they decide how to respond to the call of war.

We pray
for people who are so anxious and worried
that the sights and sounds of your creation
are an irritation
give them ease from their distress,
A willingness to come to you in prayer
And to those who look on;
patience, understanding, support.

We pray
for each one here today.
May we relax in your goodness
honour you for your greatness
and be moved to encourage others to find their purpose in you.
 

A Prayer in Wattle Park 2

Our hearts are thrilled by being out of doors
So much better than humdrum floors
Everything you made is so still
Came into being at your will
Birds are so happy too
Enjoying creation with their view
Of your handiwork meant for all
Both big and small
How wonderful to see
ants scurrying among the grass
Looking for titbits as they pass
To store up for a rainy day
When neither foot nor predator come their way.

And what of the gum trees so grand
So mighty as their branches stand
to give us beauty and the shade
Which makes us thankful for what you've made
Therefore God and Lord we praise and sing
With our hearts praise be to you for everything.

Yes God is good.

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