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Footmarks for November 2008
“Vote Wisely”
All of us are aware that on November 8 we have a responsibility to choose who will lead the nation for the next three years. I am aware that there is a range of political persuasions in the St. Marks congregation. I think many of you are probably aware of my own leanings! However I think it is too easy to vote by habit and turn our brains off. I think we have a Christian responsibility to do better than this. So I encourage everyone to think carefully about what the various parties are offering alongside what the country needs. Then again ask ourselves how this all lines us with the core values of Jesus. What you might find helpful in this process is to take a fresh look at the Social Principles of the Methodist church – recognised throughout our tradition around the globe. I will leave copies of these principles taken from our Methodist Law Book on the table in the foyer.
Vote wisely!
I have decided to be part of the launch of the Walk for the Planet on February 25 on Stewart Island. That is Ash Wednesday and the locals will be organising a creative symbolic event to mark the beginning of the long journey. The following day there will be a day tramp in the National Park to start the walk. Then walkers will cross to the mainland. On Feb 28 (Saturday) the walk will move from Bluff to Invercargill. Then on the Sunday (March 1st/Lent Sunday) an ecumenical service and walk will take place in Invercargill. If anyone would like to join me on this exciting journey I would love to hear from you.
Mark
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