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May 2025

Dear Friends,

 Some weeks ago, the residents of the vicarage were puzzled by the unexpected presence of loud sounds and bright lights just outside our window at bedtime. Eventually everything became quiet and we settled in for a good nights sleep. In the morning as I came out of our driveway, behold – a brand new speed bump!

This was to be one of many new speed bumps populating the village to go with our new 20mph speed limit. I wonder how you’ve found the adjustment?

On an average day in the life of the vicar, I make at least one return trip up Bury Lane to the church, usually accompanied by my dog. In the weeks since the great speed bump arrival, I have noticed that the slower pace of traffic makes my various journeys up and down Bury Lane feel a bit more peaceful. As I drive around, it’s nice to know that I’m going at a speed that is more safe for children and animals. So far, so good!

Sometimes, though, slowing down can be a challenge for us. The pace of modern life is so fast, and getting faster all of the time. Where we used to be comfortable waiting weeks for a delivery, we might now experience frustration if our package can’t be delivered within 24 hours. I rarely have to wait a whole week to see the next episode of a series I’m watching. I’m sure we can all think of different ways in which the speed of life has increased, and this isn’t an always bad thing – but sometimes it can get a bit exhausting.

In the years that I have been a Christian, I have been learning, very slowly, how to walk with God. One of the greatest gifts of paying attention to our inner lives is an ability to slow down and notice what is going on inside us, especially when everything in the world around is racing past.

So, as we have been made to physically slow down as we travel around our village, I wonder where the opportunities might be for you to slow down in your inner life? And in slowing down, where might you find opportunities for rest and quietness, and perhaps even space to encounter the love of God? 

Rev’d Christie