Kia ora Koutou

This week our virtue is service - ratonga. In Mark's Gospel Jesus tells his disciples that he did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life to redeem many people (Mark 10: 45). There are many stories in the Bible which tell of Jesus serving others. The students are able to give examples of how they can show the virtue of service- ratonga. The challenge for them is to put this into practice by serving others at school, at home and in the community. Let us be examples of servants as well.

Although we are called to serve without expecting a reward, there are times when it is good to recognise service.  On Monday, Tor and Ethan were presented with surplices, as they have now sung in three Liturgical Services in the Cathedral. This also recognises their commitment to serving by singing in the Chapel Choir and leading worship in our Chapel Services. Congratulations Tor and Ethan.

The Virtues for the next two weeks are:

Week 4: Service - Ratonga: - Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world

Week 5: Steadfastness - Tuhinga: - God's peace is not the calm after the storm. It's the steadfastness during it.

We have some important Chapel services coming up. Please put the following dates in your calendars:

Sunday 9 December 10am - the Junior School will be presenting a Nativity Play at the Transitional Cathedral

Monday 10 December 6:30pm - Whole School Nine Lessons and Carol Service at the Transitional Cathedral.

Thursday 13 December 12pm  - Leavers' and End of Year Service at the Transitional Cathedral.

Traditionally, the Year 8 students have been given a Bible at the Leavers’ Service. This year we need to purchase new Bibles. I have been looking at the large range of Bibles that are available and in consultation with Dean Lawrence and the Bishop-elect, have decided to purchase 'The Action Bible'. This version tells the Bible stories in pictorial format (see photos). I have shown this to students and the reaction has been very positive. One student said “It’s readable”. It is great that there is a Bible that 12 and 13 year olds' will want to read and engage with.

The more traditional Bibles can be purchased from the Cathedral Bookshop from $25. The Cathedral Bookshop also has a range of Bibles suitable to all ages and in all versions.

If you have any questions or concerns or would just like to chat please contact me on chaplain@cathedralgrammar.school.nz

Manaaki te Atua ki a koutou - May God bless you

Teresa Kundycki-Carrell