Notes from Yukiko’s Desk

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ

Happy New Year! & A Blessed Epiphany!

I hope you have experienced moments of joy and wonder and beauty in these past few weeks, and I hope your faith was refreshed by the story of God coming among us.  I also hope you feel renewed in your awareness of God’s profound love, and strengthened to love even more in the year ahead.

The photo in the coversheet was taken from Whangamata where we were staying in the morning of New Year Day. Watching the first sunrise of the year, called hatsuhinode, is a New Year tradition in Japan as it supposedly brings good luck. Whether I believe it or not, it was an amazing experience to see sun rising.  Sunrises are a beautiful reminder of God’s love and faithfulness. They mark new beginnings and the promise of hope each day. I felt so blessed.

This coming week, I will be working in the office as usual.

I will be on leave from mid of Jan to 2nd Feb. At Holy Cross, Cheen is taking a service on 19th Jan, Les, on 26th Jan, and the Rev. Colleen Binns on 2nd Feb. Just letting you know that Cheen is taking an enabler role at St. Paul’s in Te Atatu Anglican Church from Feb. But as this is a quarter time position, he will continue to join us from time to time.

Arohanui

Yukiko