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Hibiscus Coast World Wide

Building a sense of world-wide family for World Communion Sunday was achieved by a Hibiscus Coast parish recently by use of the Internet.

To add meaning and fresh enthusiasm to the event this year, family and friends in other countries were invited by e-mail to participate by having a 'spiritual presence' in the parish's gathering around the Lord's table.

As a result, responses came from various countries, some soon after disastrous events of September 11. "Given the recent terrorist attacks ...our world seems more frightening," wrote one American minister. "As people of faith we need one another and we need the sense of
God's presence in our midst. I appreciate this contact with your church."

The overseas responses were attractively displayed on the walls of the parish churches in Stanmore Bay and Orewa. "We are connected through faith with the people and churches listed in the displays and we celebrate this connection by gathering together to celebrate communion in different parts of the world," said Hibiscus Coast minister Ron Mills.

The 'spiritual presence' was reciprocated by those parishes incorporating New Zealand messages in their services. Inspiration for the idea came from a display of overseas messages on cards organised earlier by Knox Dunedin.