From Rev'd Tom

Dear Friends, 

One of the most joyful parts of ministry is when we have the privilege of conducting weddings. As ministers we are ‘parachuted’ into a family’s life and so we see, on the whole, just how much love there is in the world.        Not so much that slushy, over-sentimental love, but love that holds and sustains families over years. In any wedding there are negotiations to have and compromises to be made. Budgets to be made – and sometimes even to be kept to! There is always excitement, anxiety, and the understanding that this is one of the pivotal moments of life, so it is right to make the most of it together. 

Weddings are also a time for people to take stock of what is most important in life, the commitments that we make, the direction that we head in and the declaration –made in public- to love honour and protect another person. These are a big deal in anyone’s life and we need help to carry them out especially when life goes through its tougher times. In the marriage service we pray that the Holy Spirit will guide and strengthen them, that they may fulfil God's purposes for the whole of their earthly life together. And these prayers are also a big deal because God’s help, support, guidance, and above all, love is something that we all need in our life whether we are married, single in a partnership, young or old. So I would ask you all as we are in the ‘wedding season’ to hold all these couples and families in your thoughts and prayers. 

As I write this, we are still in the Easter season of the Church year. This is the time when we are full of joy in thanks for the gifts of new life that we find through Jesus. This is exactly what the people of our parishes have been doing for hundreds of years, going about their daily lives bearing witness to their communities. And this is what we are called to do today, because God wants us to be here, to be his hands and feet and eyes and ears – his body here on earth. When we are doing that, we find ourselves in some very surprising and joyful places indeed. 

 God Bless, Tom