Dear Friends,

Leading worship at Christchurch is always a wonderful privilege. This is made even more special because, not only are those who accompany our singing so talented, but those who do so sing with such feeling and great gusto, which never fails to move or bless me.

I was wondering how the two new hymns I put in to our recent service would go down.

Both were from my Salvation Army heritage. I was really encouraged at how quickly the congregation learnt both, and sang them enthusiastically. This was very special to me for various reasons.

However, one of the hymns entitled, "They shall come from the East, they shall come from the West, and sit down in the kingdom of God," was written by the late General John Larson. He was an incredible Christian gentleman with a special gift for writing both poetry and the composition of music. He wrote these beautiful words and emphasised the inclusivity of God. It is a challenging hymn. The words are truly a message for our time, especially as we again recognise the current tensions between people of different religions, skin colour or country of origin. Speaking of the Kingdom of God, the hymn declares, "your colour will not matter there."

The message is clear, and sadly it's a message that we need to hear. I came across a quote recently which challenged me, and which I am happy to adopt and declare.

"I'd rather be excluded for who I include, than included for who I exclude". What a powerful message that is.

May that challenging statement be alive in each one of our hearts, may our arms stretch wide in love to those who are excluded, recognising God's call on each one of us to love unconditionally as He loves us.

God bless you as you seek to workout the ministry of love in the place He has placed you.

Crawford,

Rev CJ Logan, Minister