Chaplain

A key element of our Redlands vision is our School working in collaboration with parents to prepare our students for life beyond the school gates. I have been reflecting on life and our understanding of life especially in the COVID-19 world of today.  

The past year has particularly sharpened our questions about life. What is it all about? Why am I, as an individual here? Do I have a purpose other than just the elusive happiness? When I pass is that it?  As I sit with these questions I am reminded of the words of Jesus: ‘I have come that you may have life, life in all its fullness’ (John 10:10).

Full life sounds great! What would that look like? A life full of joy and good relationships with family but more broadly with a community. A life that is significant with purpose direction and impact. A life that has a paradigm to understand when things go wrong and a resource to negotiate and thrive through those challenges. Indeed, this is what Jesus offers. As we trust in Him, we begin to see our lives as part of his immense metanarrative. The project of bringing salvation, restoration and peace. This makes our life eternally significant as we partner with God under his Lordship to bring his salvation and hope to the world. His perspective makes all our life significant: the successes and failures, the joys and challenges.

However, Jesus was offering more than this. He was also referring to eternity. He invites us to be part of his eternal Kingdom. As a result of our relationship with him we have been given the Kingdom of God (heaven) passport. When our time comes, it is a transition not an end. This gives us hope and a foundation that there is better to come and that we can live for others now.

Life in all its fullness is worth investigating. Perhaps a response to COVID is to investigate the life that Jesus is offering to all. I am always happy to chat and listen if you would like someone to talk with about this or your local church would welcome you. Students and their families would be particularly welcomed at St Peter’s Cremorne where students attend chapel.

Finally, a reminder to mark in your diary on Thursday 13 May for 8.00-9.00 pm, the Parent-run prayer group in the David Armstrong Room at St Peter’s Church (with parking located on Waters Rd). Please contact Sally Swan at swanlsally@gmail.com for further information.

God Bless

Ms Bronwyn Lihou
Senior Campus Chaplain
blihou@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9909 3133

Ms Fiona McKenzie
Junior Campus Chaplain
fmckenzie@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9953 6022