Dear friends of Parish of Albany Greenhithe Anglican Church,
As announced last month, the status of our congregation has been changed from Mission District to “Parish,” which has been updated in the diocesan website.
What is difference between the two,? you may wonder. Technically the same. Interestingly, this is one of the main discussions at the Synod last week. And it has been agreed that from January 2025, all ministry units in the diocese will be recognised as “parishes!” Not knowing the upcoming bill, earlier this year, we applied to become a parish as a way forward.
In the 4th century, when Christianity in western Europe spread to the countryside, Christians in an important village were organised into a unit with their own priest under the jurisdiction of the bishop of the nearest city. Parishes are meant to provide pastoral and spiritual needs of the people in the local community. New Anglican congregations often start out as missions and eventually become parishes when they become stable. That is what is happening to our congregation. Thanks to God and those who have faithfully served in the past and now, we have achieved parish status. Therefore, I believe we should celebrate. What fascinates me is that this Sunday happens to be Holy Cross Day. We will have a special morning tea after the worship service at Holy Cross around 11:45 this Sunday. If you know anyone who might be interested in joining, please invite them. Let’s give thanks to God who has been guiding us in our journey together. We will continue to serve God and our community.
Joyfully in Christ,
Yukiko
