TRINITY - SEPTEMBER 2010

Dear Members and Friends of The Christian Community in Wellington,

Our Saturday night talk topic needs, I think, some explanation. With this topic about a ‘New Renaissance’, I want to explore the thoughts of various people who are researching and developing new ways of relating to ourselves, each other, and the natural and supernatural environment around us.

In the latest Floris Books catalogue there are titles soon to be published that point towards a ‘new renaissance’. One is a collection of essays brought together under the title: “A New Renaissance – Transforming Science, Spirit and Society” – another is: ”The Archetypal Cosmos – Rediscovering the Gods in Myth, Science and Astrology”. Then two others ... “The Third Culture – Participatory Science as the basis for a Healing Culture” and “Coming Home – The Birth and Transformation of the Planetary Era”. The appearance of such titles suggests that there is an emerging renaissance that seeks to bring positive transformation to every aspect of our culture.

In the talk I will give a brief overview of the period known as the Renaissance of the 14th – 16th centuries, and then look through the 20th Century to what now meets us as challenge in the 21st Century From there we will look at how we, individually and together might participate in this new renaissance.

This coming visit will also be a prelude to the festival of Michaelmas, so by way of preparation we will look at the words in the Act of Consecration of Man that we only hear during Michaelmas. As you will see in the programme (9.30am Saturday), the Michaelmas words contain expressions that point us towards the mystery of the human heart. Then on Sunday, after the service and morning refreshments, we will have an opportunity to bring any questions that we might have regarding the sacraments and religious life. I hope you will be able to join me for these community events.

Looking forward to seeing you!

Kevin Coffey