From our Chaplains
We have already begun our stories of Advent (the beginning of a new liturgical year in the Church calendar) as we enter into Chapel services this week. We usually fast forward the liturgical calendar since school finishes during the season of Advent.
Advent brings with it an expectation of a time of celebration, the coming of God in our midst, and the ushering in of peace and harmony. However, it is also at the end of a year with all that is happening in our world, bringing a sense of heightened awareness and sensitivity to suffering around us like illness, disappointments, stress or even mental health challenges. When we think of South Korea, of our flood-hit areas regionally and many of our boarding families in this situation, the unfairness and injustice around these including the tragic death of Cassius Turvey, cause us to rethink what our take should be at dinnertime conversations surrounding these issues and action that can be life-giving to our communities.
We always turn to occasions and events that can bring us hope, and Rev Lorenzo and I have been visiting Vision Valley in the last few weeks to bring some hope and joy to our second group of pioneers. We have had some interesting conversations about life and rites of passage, and how the essential moments of these might pass us by if we fail to observe and attend to them in and with a spirit of detail and intention.
Last week in our Junior School Lunchtime group we discussed heroes from the Bible, and last week was Daniel. The girls then proceeded to work on their masks as a craft activity with the help of our wonderful art teacher Mrs Emily Clutterham who helps facilitate this group.
I’m sharing some photos from Vision Valley and Junior School Ignite to brighten your own hope and joy as we reflect on our intention and purpose.
May God bless our journey together and give us patience and forbearance.
