Some of you will know that Masha and her two sons have arrived in our village, refugees from the war in their homeland. Masha's husband remains in Ukraine.They are getting to grips with life in a new country and have received a warm welcome. When you see them please say 'hello" and make sure they know we support them in their plight.And as well as giving them the practical help they need, please don't forget that we are asked to remember Ukraine in our prayers. Here's a special prayer for Ukraine.Oh God of mercy and love,we pray for your Spirit's transforming powerto be at work in the present situation of war in Ukraine.We ask for softening of hard hearts and shelter for frightened souls.Give us eyes and ears to perceive how we can offer help in the most appropriate way.Gracious God, we cry out to you and ask for peace and safety for all those affected.In Jesus' name.Amen.
Tomorrow we celebrate a Holy Communion with baptism service at St Mary and All Saints' Church, Dunsfold at 10am. We'd love you to join us. If you're away or housebound you can take part online by clicking on the link below.<a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5253921788?pwd=MC9kNmpldmFrRSsrV1pkc1k5aU1vZz09">https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5253921788?pwd=MC9kNmpldmFrRSsrV1pkc1k5aU1vZz09</a><br>
My journey to Christianity didn’t happen overnight,” Glyn explained. “I was baptised as a baby, and I attended Sunday school as a child – I had great Sunday school teachers who knew their Bibles thoroughly,” he laughed. “I felt as though I was following God’s plan – do well in school, go to university, get a job, have children, retire, die.” But soon enough, Glyn felt his path was “tedious” and at 18-years-old, he decided to audition for Channel 4’s Big Brother. “I had much determination to get a place on TV’s biggest reality TV show,” he said.“I prayed and as always – God was listening.” He added: “I continued praying for God to guide me through the game show, but I prayed under the covers, as I thought being cool was more important than being a Christian at the time – which I heavily regret.”After three months of being in the Big Brother House, Glyn was thrust into the media spotlight. He made guest appearances on UK TV and radio shows, got a modelling contract with Calvin Klein, and became a youth radio host for BBC Radio Cymru. “I was invited to all sorts of parties and movie premiers, but deep down I felt lonely,” Glyn explained. “I had left my faith behind during this period.“In the middle of all the glitz and glamour of fame, I had become someone I hardly recognised.” Deciding that he “needed to get back on track”, Glyn studied Welsh at Cardiff University and continued studying post-graduation, with a PGCE in Secondary teaching. He became a teacher in Aberdare and then a lecturer at Cardiff University. “But a part of me wanted to experience new cultures, and learn something new,” he said. This opportunity came when Glyn’s church asked him if he wanted to volunteer with them in Uganda over the Summer break, so he did – teaching English at an orphanage in Kampala, Uganda.“I taught 200 children sat on the floor, it was such an eye opener,” he said. Glyn continued travelling and later moved to work in Shanghai, China. “I grew in my faith in the five years I was in China,” he explained. When Glyn returned to the UK, he felt ready to become a Priest – but he wanted more experience. One day he came across an advert in the Church Times for Pastoral Assistants in London. After applying, he started the role within a week: “I never felt closer to God in my life,” he reflected.“The confidence I carry today is thanks to my experience as a Pastoral Assistant and I’m looking forward to the next chapter in my life,” he said.
