Perhaps this should be from the Vicar soon to be (!). The marker of the licensing date does provide an opportunity to look back a few months and express my thanks to God and His people for the way His hand has been with us. Let me also venture to look forward and using one of the three important “S’s” mentioned at the last APCM, namely “what do you see that God wants to do in the future”.
Looking back. We thank God for the people who have prayed, flexed and advised through many staff changes, limbering up out of covid restrictions and those seeking prayerfully to try out some new ways of community outreach. The wardens and finance team have been my closest confidants along with some new emerging music making teams for Sunday worship. I am especially thrilled to see new lay people having a go at leading and preaching at our services and re engaging in leading church groups and activities. Whilst numbers are not everything I note with interest six new members of PCC three last time and three this time. It gives me hope that when there is a tap on the shoulder or a shout out from the front the Lord’s people will respond. So to….
Looking forward (!) Friendly fellowship in Christ might be one. People come to church for many reasons but they stay for only one – they make friends. All Saints has an enormous capacity in this regard and an impressive track record so let us pray it continues. Every member ministry. Each person does have a part to play – some are perhaps too confident others not confident enough and all this needs encouragement and praying with boldness and sensitivity into so that each person in Christ discovers their calling and vocation. What is often missed and poorly articulated is the sense that using our gifts is not so much about our volunteering or doing jobs or even helping out but simply that allowing our gifts to be used. Churches work well when gifts are used and shared. Their members find in doing this renewal and spiritual vitality. We are members one of another so our gifts will be better used when other peoples are. I am praying that there will be a cascade of gifts and their respected us in our midst in the months and years ahead.
Thank you for your ongoing support and prayers and the privileged in Christ of being your Vicar !
Yours in Christ,
Mark Brown