Listening to the radio the other night, the announcer was talking about how difficult things were in New Zealand/Aotearoa at the moment and as I listened to the others he was talking with, there was a hint of nostalgia for another time – a time when we were a much more caring, united country. The writer to Ecclesiastes warns against such thinking 'Do not say, "Why were the old days better than these?" For it is not wise to ask such questions.' Eccl 7:10. Why does he suggest that? Because the writer knew that such thinking is often based on a false premise – our memories and nostalgia for an earlier time in life always make those times seem better than they are now. We tend to remember the good things and forget the bad things especially those things that didn’t affect us directly. We can forget that for many others life was NOT better back in the good old days.
Instead of looking back to a mythical time in the past we should think about what we can do now to make life better for others. Perhaps we can help make a better future for us and for those who will follow after us. What can you do to make that happen?
If you need support during this time then please make contact with Andrew on 0223075225.
To join with us on air tune in to Coast Access Radio 104.7FM from 10.00am or livestream at http://coastaccessradio.org.nz... The message and prayers will also be posted to the sermon page on this website.
If you are struggling at this time and just need someone to talk to then please email us at office@pb.org.nz and we will make contact with you.
This Sunday we will be continuing our look into the book of Ecclesiastes. In this book ‘the teacher’ asks questions about life, it’s meaning, purpose and the apparent futileness of life at times. Why do good people suffer, why do bad people get away with things. Is there any point to it all? How do we make sense of life? Over the next few weeks we’re going to be looking at this book and seeking to make sense of some of life’s hard questions.
Mainly Music – This Wednesday from 10.00am. We do ask that you wear a mask. This programme is a fun way for parents and their children to spend quality time together based around music and movement. It is an opportunity for us as a church to connect with and offer something back to the community of which we are a part. It’s also a way for us to demonstrate care, concern and support for those with young children.
Small Groups. Contact the church office@pb.org.nz if you would like to join one.
And we are also on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/parap...
Grace and peace