King Island
A few weeks ago...
The Parish of King Island had an extra reason to celebrate this Easter when the Rev Capt Rod Oldfield was commissioned as Priest-in Charge. The celebration was well attended and members of All Saints were joined with people from the other churches on the Island as well as local leaders.
Archdeacon John Tongue officiated on behalf of Bishop John. Canon Brian Roberts, Bush Church Aid Society (BCA) National Director delivered the message and asked the congregation to support Rod and Christene in their call to the island, their third appointment with BCA. They have previously served with BCA at Coober Pedy and Norfolk Island.
The service included the Parish Wardens handing Rod the various symbols of his role as Priest in Charge: the Bible; water and then bread and wine; and finally the keys to the church.
The celebrations continued with a delicious supper and the first chance for many people to meet Rod and Christene.
That all happened a few weeks ago…
I remember being very nervous before that evening. There are so many unknowns, so many what ifs, so many uncertainties when starting any new job. Then in ministry there are all the self doubts. Added to that there is the pain of separation, the grieving over the last parish I was at.It is in these times that I need to stop my worrying and remember God.
I am not good at that. I like to be in control of my life most of the time, but it is in the rollercoaster moments that God can remind me of just who he is.
The furniture did all arrive; was unpacked and now the Rectory feels like home. I have had two Sundays now as the Minister of All Saints King Island and even though I was nervous, even though things did not happen exactly as planned, I was able to enjoy being here and am content that I am where God has called me to be.
Rod Oldfield
The Revd Rod Oldfield and his wife Christene were welcomed to All Saints Church, King Island. Photo John Nievoort