Thank you very much to all those who have prayed for my ordination, for all who are coming to my service tomorrow, and for all who have expressed their support in different ways. It has been an honour to serve as Curate at All Saints so far and I look forward to this next stage of service here as an ordained priest.
Part of the ordination liturgy states that “you cannot bear the weight of this calling in your own strength, but only by the grace and power of God. Pray therefore that your heart may daily be enlarged, and your understanding of the Scriptures enlightened. Pray earnestly for the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Whilst the call to ordained ministry in the Church of England is for some, and not all, these words remind us that the Christian life for all of us is only possible with God’s grace and help, nourished by his Scriptures and Spirit. So as your pray for those under God who are called to shepherd his church in this place, let us pray for each other – for his grace and power to be at work in our lives together.
I look forward to presiding at Holy Communion for the first time, at the 11am service on Sunday 2nd July, and to see the new 11am service team of wonderful volunteers commissioned. Do stay for a church lunch afterwards if you’re able to!
With love and thanks,
Simon Oatridge