Licensing
Weston Community Church hosted a wonderful service on Sunday night, well attended by friends and family. Nancy Parker organised to fill the church with blue helium balloons, each tethered by a long line of curling string. People were invited to write a short message and tie them to the balloons and I have had a lovely time reading those afterwards.
Rev. Bobbi Kilesifu preached a very appropriate (and brief!) sermon based on John 1:1-18 and 2 Timothy 1:8-12 and 2:8-10. The TTFF group (Twelve, Thirteen, Fourteen, Fifeteen!) from Weston lifted our spirits with 2 contempory worship songs in the service and we also sang my favourite hymn, "Be Thou My Vision".
As we finished, Nancy had organised another surprise and everyone threw streamers, so creating a lovely celebratory atmosphere. The church was full, and it was difficult to get around everyone to say thank you for coming. Dunedin friends enjoyed a light meal beforehand and we shared a fantastic supper afterwards. We had such a good time that the family took Monday off and stayed with our family in Oamaru.
This has been a time to celebrate all the hard work that has gone into reaching this point and I am very grateful for all the support that has made it possible. The gathering on Sunday night was very much an illustration of church, representing all those who have taught me, shared with me, encouraged me and walked with me on this exciting journey. It has been a very special time.
Chris and I are looking forward to celebrating his licensing with our Wellington family in January, another chance to reflect and give thanks with some of the special people who have been part of our lives, and to praise God who is the source and means and goal of it all.
Rev. Bobbi Kilesifu preached a very appropriate (and brief!) sermon based on John 1:1-18 and 2 Timothy 1:8-12 and 2:8-10. The TTFF group (Twelve, Thirteen, Fourteen, Fifeteen!) from Weston lifted our spirits with 2 contempory worship songs in the service and we also sang my favourite hymn, "Be Thou My Vision".
As we finished, Nancy had organised another surprise and everyone threw streamers, so creating a lovely celebratory atmosphere. The church was full, and it was difficult to get around everyone to say thank you for coming. Dunedin friends enjoyed a light meal beforehand and we shared a fantastic supper afterwards. We had such a good time that the family took Monday off and stayed with our family in Oamaru.
This has been a time to celebrate all the hard work that has gone into reaching this point and I am very grateful for all the support that has made it possible. The gathering on Sunday night was very much an illustration of church, representing all those who have taught me, shared with me, encouraged me and walked with me on this exciting journey. It has been a very special time.
Chris and I are looking forward to celebrating his licensing with our Wellington family in January, another chance to reflect and give thanks with some of the special people who have been part of our lives, and to praise God who is the source and means and goal of it all.
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