'Perhaps you were born for such a time as this.' It's not always our first thought when we face limitations and disappointments, but this was the message to our 2021 school leavers.

Around 2,400 years ago, a young woman called Esther experienced significant limitations as a member of a minority people group living under foreign military rule. She became queen through some unexpected and rather dubious circumstances. When her people were threatened with annihilation, her cousin challenged her to speak up. And, through an act of great courage, she was able to save her people. 

Have you ever wondered how you would respond in truly testing times? 

Our nation's food banks are currently low on supplies. What if you became someone who contributed to a local food bank for your whole life?

We have more people in our communities experiencing fear and uncertainty at the moment - fears that are not always expressed well. What if you became someone who was willing to sit alongside and listen to someone's heart?

There are social contexts in which we are observing an increase in divisiveness. What if you became someone who invested the effort to research issues and dialogue with people of differing perspectives?

Perhaps you were born for just such a time as this.

Some of our choices are limited - in reality, they always are. But you can always choose to do good, and this is one of the most dignifying aspects of our humanity. 

And remember, no matter where you go, you are never beyond the reach of God's love for you (Psalm 139).

See below for the video of the service.