From Revd Anthony Cross

The song ‘sumer is icumen in’ – ‘summer has come!’ – is the oldest written song in the English language, copied down in the middle of the 13th century, probably around the time that work was started on St. John’s, Farley Chamberlayne. As I write this on a damp and grey afternoon in mid-June, the hope of summer sunshine is still very much a hope for the future. We have seen a glimpse of sunshine and warmth in the mini heatwave in May, and we hold on to the hope of good weather to come.

By the time you read this, I will be on retreat in preparation for my ordination as priest on Saturday 27th June in Winchester Cathedral. There are three levels of ordination within the Church of England: deacon, priest and bishop.  Last June I was ordained deacon, meaning servant. All clergy remain deacons throughout their ministry.

The liturgy of ordination, which is rooted in Scripture, tells us that priests are called to be servants, shepherds, messengers, sentinels and stewards. As servants and shepherds, we guide others whilst engaged in loving service to our communities. The role of messenger is the call to teach and preach to the people in our communities. As sentinels, or watchmen, we stand on the city walls between the secular and church worlds, observing what is going on in both and connecting the two for and with our communities. As stewards, we are to provide spiritual food for all, and to make best use of the resources we have been given. 

As priests, we continue the work we do as deacons: preaching, ministering to the sick, and being a pastoral and spiritual presence within the benefices.  But we also receive the ability to bless the people in God’s name, officiate at weddings, and to preside at the Eucharist. I hope you will be able to join me as I celebrate my first communion at the King’s Somborne patronal festival on Sunday 28th June at 10am. All are welcome.

We have further celebrations in July. Tom returns from his study leave on Monday 6th, and at 7:30pm on Tuesday 7th Ann Devereux will be installed as our House for Duty Priest in King’s Somborne. We look forward to welcoming Ann and welcoming back Tom. We pray for them and their ministry.

The summer weather may be inconsistent, but the love of God never wavers. As we enter into this season of sunshine, my prayer is that we all experience this love in all of our relationships and across our lives.

Anthony