January 24, 2001

Ian Lawton

We celebrate God as creator of all life and love.
God is to us as a father, all justice and mercy.
God is to us as a mother, life force and sacrifice.
We exist by the power of God, we live in the image of God;
Potential for creative, honest and fulfilling engagement.
We treasure Jesus as our reconciler, God in our space, God feeling our pain.
Jesus offering peace in our relationships, meaning in our lives.
We live as followers of Jesus, the face and touch of Jesus for others.
We hope in the Spirit as God's presence for us;
Within us, assurance and guidance.
Among us, community strengthened by diversity.
Around us, a life of service.
We live in time as lovers of life,
We live beyond time, with hope for life eternal.

Ian Lawton, anticipating being Vicar of St Matthew's