Chaplains’ Chat

New beginnings are often exciting. A new exercise routine, a new house or a new School year. It was so pleasing to see all the students returning last week. Schools are very quiet places without the students! Along with finding different classrooms, meeting new teachers and returning to sporting routines, the new year often brings a desire to start afresh.

This Term in Chapel, we are looking at the School’s New Testament reading from 1 Peter 2. In the early verses of the letter, we read that it speaks about a new start that we can all have with God. Peter himself would have known about new beginnings or a fresh start. Peter was at the trial of Jesus and denied knowing him three times. I suspect we can all remember those times when we haven’t stood up or spoken for what we know is right or true. Peter is not alone here. And yet Jesus lovingly restored his relationship with Peter after his death and resurrection. It truly was a wonderful new beginning for Peter. Indeed, as Peter writes in 1 Peter 1:5, we are reminded that in God’s great mercy ‘he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.’ There is always a wonderful fresh start we can have with God, and we will be exploring this further in our Chapel series.

For those who are new to Shore this year, welcome! I trust you have a wonderful time in the Shore community and that the years to come are filled with deep and lasting relationships.

Rev. Anthony Benn
Chaplain