Monthly Newsletter

Dear Church Friends

Hope you’ve all had a lovely summer break? Haven’t we been lucky with the weather? God has really shone down on us all, in more ways than one over the past weeks.

On a personal note, August, for me, saw a host of family get-togethers with a family wedding on the Czech / Polish border, catching up with family from Germany who were visiting the UK and visiting family up north. When I visit family, time permitting, I’ll try and get to a local church service as I enjoy seeing the differences in worship styles. Even within Church of England churches, the services can be very different.  Yet they still have an air of familiarity: that homely feeling, a feeling of belonging yet with a variety that just adds something new. Of course that’s the beauty of being part of God’s church and family. Everyone is welcome and it’s a home for anyone.

Similarly, whilst in this period of vacancy, I personally have taken a great deal from the variety of people who’ve led our worship over the past year. Our visiting priests from across the diocese, along with the wonderful Liz and Ruth (who are a huge part of our church family) have led beautiful Eucharist and communion services. Our fantastic Licensed Lay Ministers, Mike and Keith, and our Lay Worship Leaders have led our Services of the Word, Morning Prayer and Evensong services with their own individual styles. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the wide variety of services and have gained so much from the differing styles and wonderful words of faith and encouragement.

It makes me think of the famous saying, by the English poet William Cowper, ‘Variety is the Spice of Life’ and how true this is.

During this period of Ordinary Time we’ve been focusing on Jesus’s public ministry and reflecting on his life and teachings. The variety of messages we’ve heard from the Bible, particularly Luke’s Gospel during this time, is a true blessing.

Luke’s Gospel emphasises that God’s love is for ALL irrespective of wealth, social status character or background. Luke highlights Jesus’ interactions with not only the marginalised but a whole variety of different characters.

We’ve heard parables like the Good Samaritan and the Rich Fool. We’ve heard about some of His amazing miracles such as restoring a demon-possessed man and healing a crippled woman on the Sabbath. Then there have been teachings on how to pray and how to trust in God’s Provision.

All these perfectly demonstrate the variety of ways Jesus connected (and still connects) with all varieties of people. We are all unique and we are whom God made us to be. Inclusively and exclusively His.

These three verses from Corinthians emphasise that God gives different gifts and abilities to individuals for the common good, and that these diverse gifts contribute to the overall functioning and effectiveness of the church.

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 

and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 

and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.

1 Corinthians 12:4-6  English Standard Version

I know I’ve said it a lot already in previous newsletters but, as a congregation and church family, I’m really proud of how we’ve all pulled together, pooling our God given gifts to ensure our Parish not only survives but thrives during this period of vacancy. Whatever the outcome of our search for a new priest, I certainly feel that the right candidate will instantly feel at home, and welcomed, in our Parish and be motivated and excited to lead us further in our journeys of faith.

So as variety is indeed the spice of life, how can we continue to season our faith in the month ahead to add even more flavour to our actions, in Jesus’ name?

I know that our fundraising will continue to add zing to both the Tower Fund and our Parish share, with our Auction of Promises and Live at Shaw events during September and beyond. A generous dash of hope is certainly on the menu as we take the next steps in our search for a new Parish priest plus I know we’ll continue to pepper our services to add our usual warmth as autumn arrives. Whatever we do as a Parish, jointly and individually, let’s continue to use our variety of gifts and taste the true delights of having a rich relationship with the Lord through his Word and leadership.

Blessings

Paula