Lifted in Spirit
By Andy Fleming, Associate Chaplain
Last week Radford hosted Chaplains and leaders from the other Canberra Anglican schools as we joined in (virtually) with the Anglican Schools Australia (ASA) annual conference.
The conference theme for 2022 was 'Lifted in Spirit'. Among the speakers were Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell and Archbishop of Perth Kay Goldsworthy AO. Both provided insight into how schools are not just educational communities, but full of life and dynamic relationships. They brought their own experiences working directly in schools, showing an understanding of the diversity of challenges and opportunities faced by staff, students and their families, as we slowly come back from the pandemic restrictions.
In this continued time of turbulence in our world, the Christian belief and faith in a living God is the difference for us, and through the Spirit, it is what shapes our lives. We know God sent the Spirit in Jesus Christ’s name to support and encourage us. And so the Spirit aids us to be authentic and have integrity, matching our words and actions with who we are; helping us to discover our identity. The Spirit helps us to live the primary aim that Jesus commands of us – to love your neighbour.
Archbishop Goldsworthy spoke of the responsibility of Anglican Schools to empower young people to be lifted in Spirit and be prepared for the challenges and question of identity in their own context. One of the things I appreciate about our school community is the invitation for people to be able to express their identity. As a community, we all share the opportunity to experience the Spirit in our context.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful.
And kindle in them the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.
And you will renew the face of the earth.
Lord,
by the light of the Holy Spirit
you have taught the hearts of your faithful.
In the same Spirit
help us to relish what is right
and always rejoice in your consolation.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
May the Spirit lift you up and guide you,
Chaplain Andy