Writing today we have just received the wonderful news that missing Western Australian Cleo Smith has been found. If it is your practise to pray, please keep Cleo and her family and those dedicated police officers across Australia who investigate missing persons in your prayers.
Now that the Melbourne Cup long weekend has come and gone, our focus in Middle School moves towards a range of end-of-year events that celebrate all we have achieved despite lockdowns. The annual Christmas services will take place for Year 9s on Wednesday 10 November live in the chapel and Years 7 and 8 on Wednesday 24 November live and streamed in the IWA or MGH. On our gatherings we will look at how people draw encouragement from the Christmas story. Throughout the service we will be looking at a number of contemporary, classical and Indigenous artworks that help to illustrate the Christmas story.
Throughout November we will also be seeking donations of new and used toys for the Baptcare annual Toy Appeal and donations of text books and clothing for the Salvation Army, which can be left outside the Middle School Chaplains Office.
May the following prayer help guide our decision making in the coming days.
Let us pray.
Loving God, may what we see and hear today help us all to make the most of what each day brings. May Christmas encourage us to embrace love, hope and peace. Be with those who have struggled through lockdown and those impacted by coronavirus. Thank you that remembering the birth of your son is an annual reminder that you are active in our world. Amen.
Scott Bramley
Middle School Chaplain
