Chaplain

Today is Remembrance Day (Thursday, 11 November) when we recall the tradition of service in the Australian Defence Forces. Men and women who served our country, many at the cost of their lives, are remembered with the sound of silence imitating the silencing of the guns at the cease fire at the end of World War 1. One minute in the midst of busy days and the noises of life to pause and give thanks for the most gracious gift that anyone can give: the gift of their life to bring or preserve peace. So, in a minute of silence we remember those who died, those who wear the scars on body or soul, those who gave service to the nation over the years since the First World War.

I am struck by two key aspects; one is the cost of peace and the second is self-sacrificing service.

The first is to know that peace is never to be taken for granted for it has come as a result of the blood of others. Bringing peace is working against the drives of selfishness, greed, corruption and abuse of power. There are conflicts brooding today and will continue to, until mankind can be cured of these ills. This should stir within us a sense of thankfulness, self-reflection of our own hearts, and a prayer that God may work to bring new hearts that yearn for peace and not strife.

The second, self-sacrificing service, reminds us that the men and women we remember today often are remembered without names. The unknown soldiers, who responded to the need, trained, giving up the security of home and their ambitions in life to serve their country. These soldiers are a great role model of young and older people who were willing to serve even when it came at a personal cost.

Today, if you did not do so at 11 am, take a minute now, as a family, to remember.

As we come towards the end of the year the youngest to the oldest in our school community will have the opportunity to share in something special – the power of making a difference by serving others. 

Giving in so many ways is core to the first Christmas Story and is core to who Redlands seeks to be. 

We are able to do the same thing this year as we always do, but this year it seems different.  This year we have energy for the important things because we have been reminded in so many ways of what they are. We are ready to let our light shine by giving because we know that this year has been especially challenging for many in our wider community.

We will be supporting two organisations that have a long association with the School: Anglicare and Matthew Talbot Homeless Hostel. 

Anglicare

7-12

This year we are asking the Redlands community to take on the goal of serving these families generously. Please give a gift from your family to another family. Due to COVID the arrangements will be significantly different than previous years to avoid handling and rehandling of goods. In one sense this makes it easier but do not let this opportunity pass you by. Your family could give another family in need a hamper of food for $50. The Service Captains, Alex Gibbs and Charlotte Harman have set a minimum target of $5,000, which is just $10 a family. They have also set up an easy means to give as Redlands community. Please see this link to their article.  

Anglicare 

P – 6 

Supporting Anglicare’s Toys and Tucker is online due to COVID. The way we give is different but the need is the same if not greater this year. You have an opportunity as a family to choose what you might buy for another family this Christmas. For more information about this watch Anglicare Toys and Tucker video here. The shopping link is here: Toys ‘n’ Tucker website – have fun online shopping! 

The Junior School will be having their own mufti-day on the last Monday of term, to not only have a fun day together but to share with those in need. 

Anglicare

Prep School 

On Thursday, 25 November, Prep Students will be dressing up to help us celebrate Christmas together. 

Students are encouraged to come dressed in Christmas themed Mufti clothes (Christmas colours –  Red, Green, white, Gold and Silver, or Christmas Angel wings, Santa hats, stars and sparkles.) This links to our Junior Campus Carol Service. 

Matthew Talbot Homeless Hostel 

Matthew Talbot strives to make the people feel welcome at their service. One easy way to do this is to provide for their basic needs. Help them have a warm shower and clean clothes so they know someone cares. 

This is where we can help – we are collecting basic toiletries, socks and underwear at each of the Receptions on the Junior Campus and Senior Campus from this Monday. Deodorant isn’t just deodorant – it is love, soap is respect, shampoo signals hope, toothbrush and paste equals welcome. Imagine what a difference we can make for those who need help this season.

This season the Redlands community can unite to serve the broader community, living out our values and shining a light for all. Thank you for your generosity.

Bronwyn Lihou and Fiona McKenzie
blihou@redlands.nsw.edu.au
fmckenzie@redlands.nsw.edu.au