Combermere School principal Vere Parris (left) inspecting the guard of honour of the school's Cadet Corps followed by president of the Old Scholars' Association, Peter Thompson.

LEARN FROM THE GOOD AND BAD in the world, advised an Anglican priest yesterday.

Reverend Mark Harewood was addressing Combermerians who assembled at St Barnabas Anglican Church to usher in celebrations for Combermere Week 2007.

He cited Jesus' parables of the unjust judge and the widow in Luke Chapter 18 and the unrighteous steward in Luke Chapter 16 urging his listeners to be "persistent in the scriptures" as the widow persisted in her plea to the judge.

He said because God was in the midst of everything and had the ability to transform everything "even on a point of dishonesty we can learn something".

Harewood used the example of drug pushers who do not tolerate outsiders on their turf.

"We have to do the same thing . . . Be persistent in the Word and in prayer, that we might be a blessing not only to ourselves but to others," he said.

His audience included chairman of the school board Grantley Cumberbatch, principal Vere Parris, deputy principal Vincent Fergusson, president of the Combermere Old Scholars' Association Peter Thompson, past principals and teachers.

In his address, Thompson paused for a moment of silence for 13 Combermerians, some of whom tragically lost their lives recently.

He also invited old scholars to take part in the upcoming activities. (RT)