Brothers in Christ

Two ministers reunite this Christmas in their journey of serving the Lord and the community.

Sheffield Beach All Souls Anglican Church Rev Peter Houston and Methodist Church Rev Mike Bishops had been friends since 1992. They met when they were 16 years old and at that time they both attended a Methodist church in Pietermaritzburg.

“Our friendship grew through our involvement with youth work both inside and outside the church context. We attended youth meetings and camps together,” said Houston.

Houston said they were both raised under religious values.

“My mom and dad have been actively involved in the church for a very long time and my father has been involved in the training of ordained ministers and other Christians from many denominations,” said Houston.

Bishop said in his family his brother Dave and himself were very involved in church and their parents were supportive of them going to church.

Houston said the joy of an old friendship is that they are comfortable with long silences in conversations and get random jokes.

“Some of the best wines take long to mature. The longest trees take a long time to grow. Our friendship has the quality of a great wine and the strength of a solid tree,” he said.

Both priests are relatively new to the North Coast. Houston came to the All Souls church at Easter time this year, and Bishop has only just arrived this month and is still finding his feet.

Houston said despite serving different churches they plan to work together and not compete in anything.

“A good start is for us to support the initiatives of our local group of pastors that meet once a month in each other’s churches,” he said.

He said they also hope to involve the two churches in combined events.

“We started on Sunday December 18 with a combined Anglican and Methodist traditional carol service at All Souls.”

Houston said this Christmas they want to see vibrant local churches filled to overflowing with people passionate about God and the things that concern the heart of God.

“Let our hearts be broken by the things that break the heart of God.”

He said people must see behind the Christmas presents, sparkling festive lights and the tinsel laden trees to the special gift of Jesus to the world.

“Next time you’re in a shop and find yourself humming along to ‘Hark the herald angels sing,’ ponder the words,” said Houston.

Peter Houston and Mike Bishops wish everyone a merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.