Steve Abbott [Current Minister] Christ Church Anglican
As you’re reading this article, I’ll be back on the mainland for another year. But God willing, Sue and I will return in the spring of 2025 for our tenth year in succession. It’s an enormous privilege to be able to return year in and year out to serve both Christ Church congregation and the local community. I’ve always felt that God was certainly on his ‘A’ game when he fashioned this ‘Jewel of the Pacific.’ [Not that the Lord has anything but an ‘A’ game!] Lord Howe is, of course, both stunningly beautiful above and below the ocean, displaying the extraordinary creativity of God in both flora, fauna and sea life.
The Lord even placed his future identifying stamp of love and grace, the Cross, on the lower face of Mount Lidgbird. Lord Howe’s cross was divinely carved even before Jesus experienced the cruel Roman cross of Calvary around 27BC. The Cross oversees the lagoon and the residential areas of the Island as a testimony for those who understand that ‘God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son (Jesus), that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.’ (John 3:16). Isn’t that amazing kindness? Despite our self-focused choices, which offend God and often hurt the ones we love, God in Jesus Christ has reached out in history, offering forgiveness and an eternal joyful home with him.
Therefore, we see these words of the Bible, probably the most famous of God’s words, explain both God’s love for humanity and the goal of the cross: forgiveness and fellowship. The following sentence in John 3:17 confirms this: Jesus, God’s Son was sent ‘not to condemn the world, but to save it through him.’ These truths became important to me in my teenage years, but they have continued to make a huge difference since. Faith in Christ provides me and anyone who believes with a sense of purpose, dignity and belonging while at the same time filling believers with love, joy and hope. It is my absolute conviction that ‘Jesus is the best way to live and the only way to die.’
Of course, as a Christian, I’m a realist. I know life can and does throw tough things at us: disasters, divorce, disease, depression and death, to mention just five of the biggies. These, in turn, can produce in our souls despondency, despair, anxiety, bitterness and the like.
Christians don’t have a protective hedge around them so that they are exempt from such experiences. But the grace, compassion and kindness of God flowing from the Cross of Christ has the capacity to help people of faith, to negotiate these challenges.
Space won’t allow me to develop this theme now. However, in August they will be addressed when the next minister, Ray Robinson, will return to the Island with his wife Anne. In August his Sunday messages will be exploring what God’s grace in Christ says about despondency, despair, anxiety, bitterness and the like. As always, our church doors are open to everyone on the Island, locals and tourists. So please, why not come along and share with the Christ Church community this practical and insightful series, which will speak to these issues? Also, stay for morning tea where there will be the opportunity to ask questions and discuss these real issues further.
Till Spring next year Sue and I say farewell, trusting this spectacularly beautiful Island, which is a gift from the Creator, continues to provide its inhabitants with much joy and great cause for thanksgiving.
PS. The Wednesday midweek gathering, 2-3pm each week at the Rectory (behind the church), will continue viewing the fascinating video series ‘Jesus the Game Changer’. The series explores how the founder of Christianity was strategic in establishing what we now refer to as Western Democracy. Authors, Historians, Philosophers and modern-day Game Changers from around the globe share their insights into how Jesus changed the world and why it matters. Again, all Islanders and Tourists, are welcome. The meeting commences with afternoon tea. Ray, Anne and the regular members will hope to see you there.
