A message from Becky... 26th August

From_the_Vicar
Dear friends


We were speaking this week as a leadership team (Standing Committee, Ministry team and Safeguarding) about the ongoing legacy of the pandemic, and it's impact on each individual. Even though our worshipping lives have been "normal" for over a year now, in the way we gather and sing, in the removal of social distancing etc, many people still feel they are on a journey of rediscovering what it means to be church. Without doubt, familiarity in what has been such a challenging time of our global lives has been important, and that is why the PCC took the decision at the start of the year to have a season of consolidation - embedding the pattern of worship, not starting anything new or different, and of course a season of watching and waiting to see where the Spirit might be leading us together. The legacy on our personal and social lives is longer lasting, and indeed may be something that forever changes us. The reducing of our lives to limited social contact in order to protect each other. the absence of touch, created almost a fear of being with others. We also learned new, simple, pleasures - making the most of a sunny day, appreciating the beauty of what is on our doorstep. For some, the pandemic and time of lockdown may be a distant memory, for others it is still an anxiety that we are living with.


How we are church in the midst of this continues to be a journey we explore together. Our passion to have "ways in and ways through" for all those who wish to encounter God, whatever age, or stage of life you are at, remains a priority, and the leadership team affirmed this, this week. The desire for unity and to understand ourselves to be the body of Christ in this place, across all the different expressions of worship, is also key.


The Gospel has been teaching us over recent weeks of the importance of integrity and authenticity in what we turn away from, and what we turn towards, as Christians, and the consequent call on the way we live our lives as a result. And in case we feel we've got this sorted, and have all the answers, this week we're challenged with the message of humility! Tim Keller once said that humility isn't thinking less of yourself, but it is thinking of yourself less (I'll be expanding on this on Sunday). Humility is sometimes simply bending towards another in love - being prepared to meet others where they are, recognising that we don't have all the answers, and that with enough humility we can all learn something.


The leadership team are therefore considering ways to create spaces where, as well as the distinct ways in which we gather can be developed, we also have opportunity for fellowship, worship, prayer and gathering together as a whole church body, where everyone feels invited to belong. This week's Going Deeper also offers some reflection on our passages this week, for those who would like to "grapple" with this using scripture. We also hope that holding social gatherings will be an opportunity to get together as well. We have Bingo on Saturday 10 September at 6.30pm: I won't be there as I'm about to go on my annual leave, but I'm sure it will be great fun!


There won't be a message, or Going Deeper, for the next 2 Fridays, whilst I'm on leave and also while we transition to our new administrator. On Sunday 4 September, I'm delighted that Revd Dr Simon Taylor will be presiding and preaching at 8.30am, and Revd Canon Nicola Stanley, from the Cathedral, will be presiding and preaching at 10.30am. On Sunday 11 September, Simon will be returning to preside and preach again at 8.30am, and Chris will be leading our cafe church at 10.30am.


I'm sure you will add your thanks to mine to Sophie for all of her administrative support over the last few years, as she moves on to a new pastures. We welcome Beth, who I am so pleased will begin as Parish Administrator, and my assistant in my Area Dean role, from 5 September.


With every blessing, as everBecky