Anna's Page
Rev Anna Gilkison is Johnsonville Uniting Church’s ordained minister. The partnership in ministry between Anna and JUC began in 2008, under the oversight of the Methodist Church. Anna’s ministry is strongly concerned with spirituality and worship. It takes for granted justice, compassion, kindness and openmindedness as the defining values of a rich and living Christian community.
Anna supports the congregation’s strong commitment to its home community, Wellington’s Northern Suburbs. JUC shares the area’s history, contributes to its services, invests time, imagination and resources in its unfolding future.
An interest in prayer and creative writing led to Anna’s involvement in editing and publishing a book called ‘Oh Light’. This anthology of inspirational writing prepared by the Disability, Spirituality and Faith Network of Aotearoa/NZ is available through Epworth Books or through the Network’s website.
Thought for the month
5 Reasons To Like Wellington's Weather
1 The thing about Welington's weather is that it forces itself on your attention. You can never take it for granted, forget about it or presume anything where it is concerned. It builds character.
2 No-one enjoys a still, sunny day like a Wellingtonian.
3 If all else fails those of us who live here can always talk about the weather. Preoccupation with the weather is a strong unifying factor for Wellingtonians.
4 Wellingtonians have well-developed imaginations. We are always inventing reasons why the current weather conditions are not so bad really.......
- mist is atmospheric
- wind clears the air
- rain is good for the garden
- gale-force winds at Scorching Bay are sea breezes which cool you down.
5 When it comes to the weather we are very easy to please. A 20 degrees forecast is described as a balmy day!
Lessons in adversity, habits of gratitude, conditions which unite and learning to be content with a little are the spiritual fruits of Wellington's weather.
May the bright days and the bleak days equally be blessed.
May the fragrant stillness and the extravagant winds be blessed.
May the rains, drizzling, driving and down-pouring, be blessed.
May we be blessed by sunlight.
Anna
Prayers
The prayers for this month are taken from a publication by the Otago Tertiary Chaplaincy Trust Board, called 'conversations in prayer'.
One: Opening Prayer/Morning Prayer
E te Atua, tenei ano matou au pononga te inoi nei ki a koe, kia tata mai koe ki a matou i tenei wa, hei awhina, hei arataki i a matou, kia whakakororiatia ai koe i roto i a matou mahi katoa. Ko Koe hoki te atua, e ora nei, e mana nei i au pononga i nga wa katoa. Amene.
God, we come before you in prayer,
be close to us today (at this time), care for us, lead us.
We praise you and offer to you, all of our work and activities today.
You indeed are God who sustains us, and empowers us in all things.
Amen
Two: He Karakia mo o tatou kainga (Prayer for our homes and families)
E te Matua kaha rawa
te kaihomai o te aroha me te rangimarie
Kia noho mai ki o matou kainga
manaakitia matou me o matou whanau.
A, arahina hoki matou i nga ra katoa e ora ai matou
Ko Ihu Karaiti hoki to matou Ariki. Amene
Almighty Father
giver of love and peace
be with us in our homes, bless us and our families,
and grant us your guidance
all the days of our lives
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen