From the Chaplain 

I have been very grateful for all the time I feel I have had off lately.  For the time to visit family, time to bake and crochet and the time to explore new places with the kids.  I have had all the holidays, then a few days back at work, then another break and thankfully the early morning sport has not yet started.  We have just had the ANZAC long weekend, which being brought up in England is not something I am used to thinking about.  

In England their big day was Remembrance Day and we would always buy a poppy and learn about it in school. I know both my grandfathers were in the war, one was a conscientious objector and so he worked as a medic, and the other one fought, was shot out of a plane and nearly drowned. 

With all the men and women involved in the war, it reminds me of the bible verse from John 15:13, ‘There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.’ 

The ANZAC veterans definitely did that. They laid down their lives for a better future for Australia and its people. This bible verse was talking about Jesus, how he laid down his life so that we could have a better future with a better relationship with God.  

Jeremiah 29:11 says, “for I know the plans I have for you” says the Lord, “plans of good, not of evil, plans of hope and a future.” 

Jesus died so that we could have hope, hope for now, hope for our future and for after we die.  The ANZACs laid down their lives for all Australians as Jesus laid down his life for all people of the world.  They have both given us a better future, with peace, hope and love.

Mrs Naomi Cooper | Chaplain