Celebrating the seasons of life

By Rev. Dr Katherine Rainger, Senior Chaplain

But ask the animals, and they will teach you;
the birds of the air, and they will tell you;
ask the plants of the earth, and they will teach you;
and the fish of the sea will declare to you.
Who among all these does not know
that the hand of the Lord has done this?
In his hand is the life of every living thing
and the breath of every human being.

Job 12: 7–10

There is no doubt that Canberra does autumn well. As I’ve watched the vibrant colours of leaves intent on leaving their mark, I’ve been reflecting on this time of year. Parker J. Palmer writes, “In autumn, the days grow shorter, the light is suffused, and summer’s abundance decays. Faced with this inevitability, what does nature do in autumn? She scatters the seeds that will bring new growth in the spring."

The writer of the Book of Job in the Bible talks about the things that the animals and plants can teach us. So much of a plant’s life and growth occurs beneath the surface, hidden from view. I wonder what might be growing in your life at the moment? What might God be calling forth in you?

This English translation by Jessie Lamont of the poem Autumn by Rainer Maria Rilke brings into focus the presence of God in the movement of all creation, including our lives.

The leaves fall, fall as from far,

Like distant gardens withered in the heavens;

They fall with slow and lingering descent.

And in the nights the heavy Earth, too, falls

From out the stars into the Solitude.

Thus all doth fall. This hand of mine must fall

And lo! the other one: - it is the law.

But there is One who holds the falling

Infinitely softly in His hands



Confirmation Service

The life of faith in the Anglican Church is marked by rites of passage. Baptism, the rite of initiation, can occur at any age. Admission to Holy Communion and confirmation are rites of passage for children in upper primary school, young people in high school and adults. In confirmation there is the opportunity to publicly declare Christian faith while also receiving the confirmation of God’s Spirit in our lives. If you would like to find out more about the Christian faith, baptism or confirmation please be in touch with Rev. Katherine. We are currently planning an admission to Holy Communion and confirmation service for early Term 3.