Chaplain's Chat

‘Together’

“I guess it was one of those things when you just had to be there.” This is what we say when we are sharing a funny memory with someone who wasn’t there for it. When we tell that same story with the people who were there, the laughter comes quickly and our shared experience brings us together. Meaningful things are shared together.

This past week has been exciting around the school as we came together to enjoy pancakes on Shrove Tuesday. A wonderful and delicious tradition where we enjoy God’s blessings of good food and friendship. Our student leaders served the secondary school and the Parents and Friends along with Year 6 students served the primary school. It is amazing how the simple joy of a pancake brings us together and creates laughter and fun.

Ash Wednesday closely followed, but it had a very different feel. We marked the occasion with Chapel services for all students. These services are more reflective as this day is honest and recognizes that our togetherness is broken. Our relationship to God, others and our world is spoiled by sin. This reality is felt as we examine our lives and confess to God and mark our foreheads with the ‘Giving of the Ashes.’ A ritual where the sign of the cross is created with ash. Although this day is sombre and the focus is confession, it is the beginning of a journey to Easter. This inevitably means that hope is just below the surface. Jesus’ cross is followed by his resurrection and new life. Togetherness can be restored with Jesus!

This Lent which continues from Ash Wednesday to Easter, we are focussing on restoring the togetherness with God and his world. There is an App to guide people through the time called ‘Live Lent: Care for Creation.’ It has readings and reflections for each day of Lent and some great family challenges to rebuild our togetherness with God’s creation. It could make for great discussion over breakfast, in  the car or around the dinner table.

For younger children, there is a wonderful podcast called ‘We Wonder: Lent.’ This is a calming devotional for children to wonder about the story of God. A good bed time routine for those needing some help to wind down at the end of the day.

It would be great to hear if you use any of the resources. Together, with Jesus, each other and creation we can learn to live well!

Tim Bowles

Chaplain