Kia ora e te Whānau
We have undergone two significant transitions this week – from COVID Alert Level 4 to Alert Level 3, and (more excitingly, maybe) from winter to what they call “meteorological spring”! In respect of the first of those transitions, I’m guessing that most of us are all still pretty much glued to the media broadcasts around 1.00 pm every day … a necessity of daily existence for us as we try to reassess the likely journey ahead and what we can (or cannot) plan. In relation to the latter, it’s kind of bizarre, really, isn’t it – the birds, trees and plant life have been showing us for some time that spring is on its way; now we just need the weather (and the meteorologists) to catch up!
So, this week, our first Sunday service for spring will be once again an “Ilam at Home” service sheet format for you to do together in your bubble. There is also the option of joining in on Zoom at 10.30 Sunday morning. Helen and Kaaren are putting this week’s service together – you should find it linked to this Newsletter. Even if you’re not a fan of Zoom (and I’m definitely not!) it is a very useful tool – and logging in to Zoom for the Sunday service is a great way to see people and remember that we are – together – Ilam Baptist Church, part of the body of Christ (as described by Paul, the apostle, in 1 Corinthians 12). Hope to see you Sunday!
Not much to say about church forward planning from here. We’re waiting to hear when we will move to Alert Level 2 – and are avidly(!) watching for updated regulations around what that might look like for us. In the meantime, watch this space!
In the spirit of coming up with a suitable piece of verse for each week during lockdown, how’s this one as a song for the season? It comes out of a book of not so serious verse that I grew up with – and its anonymous origin is attributed to coming from the Bronx, in New York. I see from Google, though, that it also has possible Irish origins in slightly varied formats. It always appealed to me!
Der spring is sprung
Der grass is riz
I wonder where dem boidies is?
Der little boids is on der wing,
Ain’t dat absoid?
Der little wings is on der boid!
If you prefer something slightly more whimsical, this short anonymous spring offering might give another (non-theological) perspective.
Springtime
‘Tis dogs’ delight to bark and bite
And little birds to sing.
And if you sit on a red-hot brick
It’s a sign of an early spring.
Have a great week, everyone!