An Encouragement from a Visitor
0 comments | Posted by St Peters on 27 Apr 2009 in Guest Section ::
From: Jarvis, Jeffrey CHAP
Sent: Monday, 27 April 2009 09:03
Subject: 0930 26April 09
Dear Steven,
I’ve just arrived in my office, so a few quick thoughts before I head off to meetings etc.
After an extremely harrowing week in Military Ministry that has taken me to Darwin for Crisis De-briefing then a Military Funeral on my arrival in Sydney I needed a break. Marching in Sydney on Saturday I decided a long walk on Sunday would be just the thing! So early Sunday morning I searched for a great walk that had an Anglican Church as a near starting point with a service starting at a reasonable hour. The Lord heard my request and sent me to West Lindfield.
As we enjoy being “incognito” when visiting other churches my wife (Helen) and I arrived at your doors dressed ready to go on our hike. We were not thrown out for being inappropriately dressed but rather greeted with warmth, compassionate and care.
The service was great and although I was trying to forget things Naval 2 Timothy 2 particularly verse 4 was highly relevant. We both enjoyed the challenge, relaxed manner and concise exposition by David Ready, the way the service was led and your music teams enthusiasm.
The only criticism would be that we did not get away on our walk immediately afterwards as such was the hospitality we did not want to leave. It was 1200 when finally we made our way down to the walking track!
It’s wonderful having the opportunity, once in a while, as a stranger, to get out to other Parishes in the Sydney Diocese . We left yours with “a lump in the throat” a “warmth in our hearts” and a sense of being welcomed by a caring family.
Once again, our thanks to your parish family for your warmth and genuine love in the Lord Jesus …and yes.. it’s a few years since we was tapping our feet, clicking our fingers and singing with the Kids, 10-9-8 God is great. It was a wonderful LIFT OFF!
Yours in the Lord Jesus
Jeff Jarvis
Chaplain
HMAS PENGUIN
HMAS WATERHEN
NAVY WARD ST VINCENT’S HOSPITAL
SYDNEY HOSPITALS
HMAS PENGUIN
Middle Head Road
BALMORAL NSW 2088
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Our Church Warden, Bruce York, has responded to this encouragement (see below message).
Jeffrey,
Thanks for your encouraging email below. I was leading the service and Steve Layson is on LSL so David Reay our Locum was preaching. His ministry during Steve’s absence has been a great blessing and many of our congregation have made very encouraging comments to me about it.
I am sorry I did not have a chance to meet you after the service but with all the DVD’s to label I was otherwise focussed but it appears others rallied to welcome you etc.
I am also involved in Legacy – Secretary of Chatswood Division – so if I can in any way assist you please do not hesitate to contact me. I am “retired” but still involved in lots of activities and keen to support our country’s defence activities following service as an Infantry Captain in the CMF in the 60’s and in my youth as a Junior Legatee.
Best Wishes in your chaplainacy work and if you are ever in the area on a Sunday again please call in and I hope we can meet.
Yours in His Service,
Bruce York
Warden
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