Pam’s ponderings as we transition from interregnum to Revd Jane’s leadership.These are exciting times - both as we reflect on and give thanks for interregnum opportunities and as we look to the future and how we move forward as individual disciples and church communities.Thanks to each and every one who has stepped up and stepped in to make sure we offer services, services of worship in all 3 churches, services of care in our communitiesReflecting on my interim role, it has been such a joy and privilege. From the bottom of my heart I am so thankful for all the support and encouragement I have been given and grateful to have shared the ways all 3 churches have responded during the last 18 months. For those who don’t know the position of a retired priest with permission to officiate – PTO - everything we do is by invitation, the invitation of the incumbent or churchwardens when there isn’t one. Thank you for that invitation. Amazing to see how people have mastered new skills to support church life and release priests to do what only they are ordained and authorised to do.News and communication has blossomed with the active website, weekly newsletter and monthly magazine, using social media and putting posters and leaflets everywhere, including the gift of inspiring texts on postcards in each church.Security of the churches has been provided by teams of key holders braving the elements to open up our sacred spaces and you would be surprised how many visitors appreciate that. Keyholders have provided havens of silence in a noisy world. What a ministry.I, me and mine have been lost in the shared experiences of working together and WE have emerged with stronger teams, that in itself is a powerful witness to what church means.Talents and time have been gifted to resource the maintenance of our traditions and the launch of some new activities. We have not stood still.Indebted is how I feel towards Roy who has supported me to find the extra time that I wanted to give during the interregnum.Open has to be our key attitude to how God will take his church, his people, into his futureNow we gather to support Revd Jane and listen for God’s voice in her wordsMy prayer is that, as we transition through the church season of Lent to Easter, we will come closer to The One who never changes in love, peace and grace, to the hope that is faith not religion. Amen
The Archbishop of Canterbury has shared a prayer for the Middle East.Let us pray for God’s mercy and protection for all the people of the Middle East.Please pray especially for Archbishop Hosam and the whole Episcopal/Anglican Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East, including the Diocese of Iran.Anglican churches are caught up in this conflict in countries across the region. As they continue to follow Christ’s call to be peacemakers, may they be strengthened in the face of yet more trial.Around the Anglican Communion, let us hear and join this call to urgent prayer. May God protect the innocent from this violence and destruction, and may all parties uphold international law and return to negotiations.And for our Anglican sisters and brothers across the region: may God’s peace continue to guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.AmenArchbishop Sarah Mullally
“ Memories remain evergreen”Perhaps it’s only in our maturity, we realise that memories have become the bedrock of our existence. Like ourselves, although collectively similar memories are uniquely personal to the individual. This was very evident when we gathered for food and friendship at the recent Anna tea.*Discussing Ascension day the majority of us had been blessed with a day off school ! That was after we had been frogmarched to church for a traditional service celebrating the risen Christ ‘s ascension into Heaven ( Luke 24: 51… Acts 1.1-9) 0ne, even recounting how the teacher’s ingenuity of getting them to cling to a long piece rope had kept the human crocodile in order ! Not a high vis jacket in sight …in fact I am not sure they were in production in the 50’s!How life has changed for our modern counterparts, high vis jackets aside …speak about Ascension day .. they are genuinely bewildered! Searching the dim recesses of their minds ..had they forgotten something ? No! sadly, so often now traditional church celebrations have been overtaken by secular enterprises in this 21 st century. Many, this year have bemoaned to me the lack of the traditional Easter card!But what of our creator God, the sacrificial act of His Son…. and the joy of knowing that thanks to the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, we are assured that our earthly life is but a time of transition, our personal ascension to those eternal shores. Yesterday, today, forever, Jesus is the same. All may change, but Jesus never! Glory to His name! Glory to His nameGlory to His name! All may change, but Jesus never! Glory to His name! **My memory of Ascension day is meeting a totally blind lady incarcerated by her disability in the local workhouse ( in 1950’s early 60’s such places still existed though less archaic in nature ) As she sung the CMS chorus her face became radiant.He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way.He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart.***Even in such circumstances she knew she journeyed not through this world alone but God the Father, God the Son enabled by the power within of Holy Spirit journeyed with her.All are welcome …..to our Ascension day celebration which is on the 14 th May …come and share your memories and make some new ones. Held hopefully in the grounds of Harpsden Church, (inside the church if wet )informal service at 12 noon followed by bring and share picnic lunch afterwards… please let Revd Heather know revhwturner@gmail.com for catering purposes what you plan to bring.*Next Anna Tea May 27th in Dunsden church …tea served at 2.30 ALL are welcome please let Revd Heather know you are coming 07946352026revhwturner@gmail.com** written in 1890: by A.B.Simpson based on Hebrews 13 Jesus’ love power and mercy remain the same for ever.***chorus of the hymn ‘ I serve a risen saviour ‘ Alfred H Ackley 1933 highlighting the personal assurance of Christ's resurrection and his presence in the believer's life. Bonded in His love Heather.
