Please find following my Pastoral Letter to Tasmanian Anglicans concerning the bushfires.
BISHOP’S PASTORAL LETTER – TASMANIAN BUSHFIRES 9 January 2013
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ in Tasmania,
I write to you with a heavy heart. The bushfires which are bringing destruction to our beautiful State continue. In their wake are the tear-streaked faces of broken dreams and the charred ruins of hard-won homes, businesses, farms, shacks and community facilities.
Yet, amidst the tragedy of the bushfires the deep bonds of our humanity are being strengthened. I see generosity, empathy, goodwill, constructive attitudes and a heart to work together for the benefit of those suffering loss.
I am deeply grateful to the fire fighters, emergency services personnel and all those people who in so many ways are working together to support those who have suffered great loss.
As followers of Christ we are not immune to tragedy. Brothers and sisters in Christ in Tasmania have suffered severe loss in these bushfires. Yet, we do not lose heart. We walk on with heavy hearts and ash-smeared hands as we work and pray for the healing and recovery of our communities.
Our pastoral response is outlined in last Tuesday’s Media Release: ‘Anglican Church offers pastoral support to those affected by the bushfires’.
As Christians we confidently call upon God in the midst of trauma and pain because we know that God knows of our trauma and pain. “Immanuel: God with us” was the centre of our recent Christmas celebrations.
Our encounter with God in Christ is the key to our capacity to respond to suffering. The Tasmanian bushfires, coming so hard on Christmas, renew Christ’s call to “come follow me”.
Hold firm to Christ’s promise, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
As part of our Anglican response we have provided the Tasmanian Anglican Bushfire Appeal to support those who have suffered loss via our parish based ministries (see below). Please consider supporting this appeal. Thank you.
Be constant in prayer for each other as we walk through the discipleship challenge of this time of suffering.
I include this Prayer in time of Bushfire adapted from the Anglican Church of Australia’s A Prayer Book for Australia, 1999, page 205.
All things look to you, O Lord,
to give them their food in due season:
look in mercy on your people,
and hear our prayer for those whose lives and possessions are threatened by fire.
Give protection and wisdom to fire fighters and other emergency service personnel.
Encourage our generosity to those who suffer loss.
In your mercy restore your creation and heal our land.
So guide and bless your people,
that we may enjoy the fruits of the earth
and give you thanks with grateful hearts,
through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Yours sincerely in Christ’s service,
Shalom
+John
John Harrower
Bishop of Tasmania
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APPEAL DETAILS
We would be very grateful to receive financial donations, which are tax deductible. Funds will be distributed on the ground through local parishes affected by the fires to support those in real need.
You may donate by any of the following means:
1. Direct deposit into the bank account for Anglican Health and Welfare
BSB: 067-000
Account Number: 10720017
Reference: Bushfire (plus surname)
Please send an email to finance@anglicantas.org.au letting us know of your donation, including your name and address, so that a tax-deductible receipt can be sent to you.
2. Cheque made out to Anglican Health and Welfare and sent to GPO Box 748, Hobart TAS 7001. Be sure to include your name and address so that a tax-deductible receipt can be sent to you.
3. Cash donations at the Diocesan office, Level 1, Church House, 125 Macquarie Street, Hobart between the hours of 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.
4. Online credit card donations can be made through our Anglicare website: http://www.anglicare-tas.org.au/BeInvolved/Donate.aspx . Alternatively call Anglicare on 1800 243 232 to make a credit card donation by telephone. A receipt for tax deductible donations will be mailed out if the caller leaves their mailing address.
