From each corner of the compass
The gospel is to be shared
Today all the parishes of the Anglican Diocese of Christchurch is focusing on “The Anglican Campaign” for funds for the Cathedral Reinstatement Project.
We are in a most fortunate situation with our church in Opawa. You like me must be very pleased and proud of our church plant. It did take a long time but it has turned out very well and will be able to serve the people who come into its doors, whether they are visitors or part of the faith community here. It’s a sacred space that will be able to be used in many different ways. The church and the chapel are places that naturally invite us to listen to the Gospel that God love is a gift to all and it’s a place for us to give thanks.
Our Cathedral in the Square has had many debates around the idea of rebuild or new build. We are however very much in the rebuild phase. It is a taonga (treasure) that we are guardians of. It has served us over the last 140 years and will serve for the time to come. It has been the place that helps us give glory to God. It now needs us to give it our support through the gift of money.
Bishop Peter says “It is a big project, a complex project and an expensive project. We will get there but we need many people to dig deeply in order to give generously. The Anglican Campaign is first and foremost an appeal to individual Anglicans to give – above and beyond but not at the expense of giving to local parishes. We welcome contributions of any amount, whether on a one-off basis or a regular contribution through the next five years.”
Have you noticed: A bird’s eye view
St Marks viewed from above is in the shape of a cross as is our Cathedral in the Square. Have a look at both churches using Google Maps.
I find it remarkable that most churches over many centuries have been built in the shape of a cross. Its remarkable because except for the time of putting down the foundations that shape would have hardly been noticed unless you were a bird.
Its only now with planes and drones and google earth that we can easily appreciate the shape of a church. This shape of a cross reminds us that the life and existence of the church is based on the cross.
The shape also reminds us that the gospel is to be shared with people from the East, South, West and North and that people come to church from each corner of the compass.
Parish Officers
Parish Governance
Parish Groups
