November 2010

RECTOR’S LETTER Dear Parishioner, HOPE AND THANKSGIVING The safe rescue of the 33 miners in Capiapo, Chile, has been greeted with great joy. Those miners have survived the unimaginable experience of being trapped underground in such difficult conditions for 70 days. One of the rescued miners said he could not begin to recount how awful the experience was.

Yet despite the enormous difficulties and challenges which were encountered with the complex rescue operation, no one gave up hope. The Chilean people have demonstrated to the whole world the importance of having a strong and vibrant hope in terrible adversity. It was their hope and strong faith that kept them focused in their determination to reunite the miners with their families.

Since the tunnel collapsed on the 5th August, the spotlight of the world’s media has been focused on the San Jose mine in the Atacama Desert. This has enabled us to follow the daily developments associated with the rescue operation and to remember them in our prayers. As one newspaper editorial said, “We were witnesses to a moment of great humanity: they were lost and are found”.

One of the most memorable images which will remain with me was of those miners who got down on their knees in prayer as they came out of the rescue capsule. Having spent such a long period of time underground their first priority was to give thanks for their safe rescue. Their immense gratitude and joy was evident as they said their prayers and then proceeded to thank their rescuers and families. We assure them of our continued prayers as they receive medical support and readjust to home and family life.

As inevitably happens, the camera crews and journalists have now moved on to another location leaving the miners an opportunity to rebuild their lives in peace.

As Christian people, we are called to proclaim a living faith and to bring peace and hope to the world. We draw strength from the hope that there was on the cross as Jesus was being crucified. Just at that moment of great suffering there was hope that goodness would triumph over evil, and there was hope that there was victory in the cross. We give thanks that there was such hope on that day as Good Friday was not the end, but rather just the beginning. May we all approach our daily challenges with fresh hope in light of the cross and of the recent events in Chile, in addition to giving thanks for the blessings we receive.

On a personal note, Caroline, Charles, Henry and I wish to thank all those who offered us support on the night the derelict house beside the Rectory burnt down. We received so many kind offers of practical support on the night of the fire and throughout that week.

We are very grateful to the fire crews and the police for carrying out their professional duties in a most efficient manner. Through their hard work, the fire was brought under control and no damage was caused to our church property.

Yours in His service,