A new start

Sunday 1 February, Chris and I were inducted in the parishes of St Stephen's and Trinity, Timaru. We celebrated with friends and family, while Shadow whined in the background as she was tied up at home, rather than in the centre of things as she prefers! Tracey and Duncan led the contemporary worship at the St Stephen's end which was awesome. A small bus load came up from Mosgiel to wish us well. And the bon mot for the day was John Roxborogh's uncharacteristically brief word. He was invited to share a greeting, and introduced as being responsible for training us, to which he said "Their gifts are all their own - and now they are all yours!" and sat down to a round of applause!
Both Chris' dad and mine read the scriptures, Brian Gilmore preached the word, and Ian Hyslop led the service. Zachary read a book through most of the service, when he wasn't taking photo's. Hannah insisted on sitting by mum. Janine and Katarina were brilliant. After the service, we shared in a light meal at St Stephen's.
Today the children all start their respective schools, Glen-iti, Timaru Girls and Craighead. They all look very smart in their uniforms, and the uniforms all look very smart thanks to lots of work by Chris' mum. I don't know how I would have got them ready on time without her, Annie has really lightened the load.