In 2011, the foundations of our city (literally) shifted.
Buildings cracked homes were damaged, and life (both physical and emotional) was disrupted in away that many of us still carry with us.
But not all shaking is loud.
Sometimes, the most unsettling tremors come in the form of a whisper.
A murmur.
A subtle undercurrent of conversation that begins to erode the foundations of trust in a community. Not a quake, but a slow drift.
And that’s what caught my attention as I re-read the opening of Ruth yesterday after being struck by something someone shared with me after church on Sunday.
In Ruth 1:19, Naomi returns to Bethlehem after years away: widowed, grieving, and accompanied by Ruth, her Moabite daughter-in-law.
“So the two of them went on until they came to Bethlehem. And when they came to Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them. And the women said, ‘Is this Naomi?’” (Ruth 1:19)
Now, that word “stirred” suggests more than curiosity.
In the original Hebrew, it hints at murmuring; a communal ripple of surprise, whispers, even judgment.
Bethlehem was buzzing. “Is that really Naomi? And who’s she brought with her?”
Naomi doesn’t miss the vibe.
She replies:
“Don’t call me Naomi [Pleasant]; call me Mara [Bitter], for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me.” (Ruth 1:20)
She pre-empts the gossip, naming her pain before others can misname it.
And Ruth? She’s the outsider. A Moabite in Israel. A woman from a suspect background, suddenly under public scrutiny.
But here’s what’s beautiful: over time, the murmurs begin to shift. Boaz tells her:
“All that you have done for your mother-in-law… has been fully reported to me.” (Ruth 2:11)
And the rumours begin to give way to testimony. Not of scandal, but of grace and loyalty. Her quiet faithfulness rewrites the story.
Later, when Boaz steps up to redeem Naomi’s family, he does it all out in the open:
“Then Boaz said to the elders and all the people, ‘You are witnesses this day...’” (Ruth 4:9)
No secrets.
No whispers.
Just clarity, honour, and transparency.
And by the end, the same women who murmured now speak blessing:
“Blessed be the Lord... for your daughter-in-law who loves you is more to you than seven sons.” (Ruth 4:14–15)
As I’ve been reflecting on Ruth’s story, I’m been struck by how precious our shared life as a church community is; and how important it is to protect our foundation of trust.
Communities flourish when communication is open, when assumptions are replaced with conversations, and when we lead with grace rather than speculation.
We are, after all, a people shaped by the Good News of Jesus: the one who brings light into darkness and clarity where there’s confusion.
Now, to be fair, churches are always a work in progress.
We’re made up of real people with real stories, each bringing their own experiences, hopes, and wounds. But when we choose to speak honestly, love patiently, and listen well, we create space for the Holy Spirit to move more freely among us.
That’s the kind of church I want us to be.
One marked by faith, transparency, and grace.
So!
In that spirit of openness, I wanted to offer a few quick updates about our shared life together:
Over the summer, we upgraded to a new e-lock entry system at St Andrew’s in Redcliffs, mirroring what’s already in place at Nayland Street Chapel.
This was simply a practical step to improve building security.
If you need access to the church and don’t yet have a code, please don’t hesitate to contact Amanda in the office. She’ll be more than happy to help.
Also, the final security cameras are being installed this week, and a privacy notice is posted in both church buildings.
We’re in the early stages of some exciting conversations about our wider worship life (including sung worship, our liturgical rhythm, and how we make space for different ages and styles to flourish).
I’m really looking forward to sharing more about this with you in the near future.
Please know that these conversations are driven by a desire to grow, not exclude.
We are shaped by the voices, gifts, and stories of people of all ages and I remain deeply grateful for all who serve so faithfully in the worship life of our church.
It’s a joy to welcome our newly elected Vestry members:
Vestry Members: Tuscany Hamel, Hazel Prickett, Harvey Duncan, Monty Joseph, Riley Matla, Jo White, and Amber Downs
People’s Warden: Jillian Nicholls
Honorary Warden: Lynn Cameron
Vicar’s Warden: Murray Kennedy
Treasurer: Chrissie Coulthard
A special thanks to Sue Grimshaw, who has completed her time as People’s Warden after four years of faithful and generous service. We are so grateful.
And a big thank you to SSG as well for continuing to support Vestry and church leadership.
I’m genuinely humbled to serve as your Vicar.
There’s a lot to be thankful for, and even more to look forward to. God is at work among us and life is good!
So please continue to pray: for me, for our leaders, for each other.
And know that I pray for you too.
And as we grow together, I want to encourage you: if something is unclear, or you have a question or concern, please come and talk to me! My door is always open. Our Wardens are approachable and available. Because we want to be the kind of church where truth is spoken in love, and where people feel safe to speak, listen, and be heard.
God’s awesome peace,
Harry Lokolong
