FROM THE MINISTRY TEAM I had wished for some time that I could locate a book or two that would give me stuff that is motivating, informative, not too academic and full of common sense that would provide me with some hours of interesting reading. I had seriously hoped that they would help to direct my mind towards understanding the decisions made by leaders of various countries and faith groups around our world. Then came Christmas and it wasn’t a chocolate, sock or scarf Christmas it was a book Christmas. First one, ‘Going to Church in Medieval England’, informative, second one, ‘How to save The Church of England’, worth sharing, and if you have read it worth reading again me thinks. I will share a bit with you as we are still in an interregnum. I quote from ‘Final Observations’. ‘We need to rethink how we allocate our resources. No priest should be expected to shepherd a dozen parishes singlehandedly, nor should they be buried under a mountain of administrative tasks that pull them away from the very people they’re called to serve. We must streamline these processes and create structures that allow clergy to focus on pastoral and sacramental ministry. Equally, we need to cultivate a culture where support for clergy is not just a sentiment but a lived reality- through genuine opportunities for rest, ongoing formation, and meaningful community. Most of all, we need to remember why the Church exists. It is not for the mere survival of its institutions and beautiful buildings but for the proclamation of the Gospel. If we truly believe that, then we cannot allow those called to serve to be left carrying the weight alone, quietly burning out while the rest of us watch. The words of Christ remain as urgent as ever; ‘Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.’ (Matthew -28).’ The ministry team are called to serve which brings me to my third book titled ‘SERVE’ Loving your church with your heart, time and gifts.’ I am not saying we, as the ministry team are the only ones serving our Church but again, I quote from the book I considered motivating and full of common sense. It is worth sharing, me thinks, or reading again, if you haven’t already read it. I quote. ‘Serving God and his church is something most of us know we ought to do. But often it’s not particularly an aspect of the Christian life we want to do. Many of us are wary of serving or weary of serving. Some of us don’t think we have much to offer.’ Some of us are so busy doing stuff we feel we are trying to walk through treacle. So here is an invitation. ‘Discover how you can enjoy serving and being served as part of your church. Find fresh motivation in seeing how Jesus serves you and loves you. And learn how to identify the gifts God has given you and how you can make a difference to those around you- whoever you are.’ I have used some quotes from those books because I believe them and that everyone has a calling to love and a gift to share with others. It’s common sense in this world today, so, join the many who have accepted the invitation because the service by leaders throughout the world without love is taking us on what seems that long walk through treacle. We would rather walk with Jesus, wouldn’t you? Judy Hailes Reader
FROM THE MINISTRY TEAM As Easter marks the wonder of our risen Lord Jesus’ triumph over evil, offering forgiveness and mercy to us as Christians, we need to look at the modern world around us. This is often called the age of doubt, possibly doubt has become the central condition of the human race in the twenty first century? Yet there are two main ways by which we come to believe anything, firstly by our own vision or investigation, the second is by accepting the testimony of reliable witnesses. Along with many, many millions of other Christians we have come to believe and have faith through the testimony of those who did see and touch. The apostle Thomas, known almost affectionately as ‘Doubting Thomas’, is a good example of the proof many demand, but in the end Thomas not only believed but worshipped, saying ‘My Lord and My God’. Memorable words that I feel have always held great meaning as the ultimate confirmation of Jesus’ resurrection. So, this Easter let us show our belief and faith in worshipping Jesus as our Lord and God. Bill Rootes Deacon
