The Vicar writes………
As I write we are all basking in the middle of a heatwave and many of us are taking holidays before the school holidays. The grass around us is looking parched and the flower beds and hanging baskets need regular watering. It is the care of the garden that led me to think of the growth of the church.
Since my last newsletter our Young Church has started on the 3rd Sunday of the month and the response so far has been positive. As Jesus spoke of the parable of the mustard seed everything has a small beginning, and has to be nurtured. We plant the seeds of faith, we care for and feed them, but God gives the growth (1 Corinthians 3.7).
That loving care for the seeds applies to all of us. The informal music group which sings on the 3rd Sunday, and other special occasions, provides an opportunity for growth in fellowship and confidence in sharing the word of God in our worship through the gift of music.
And beyond the regular worship in the church, so too personal faith grows in our journey with Christ through prayer and bible reading. There are many suitable forms of prayer available in books or through websites and phone applications. But at a corporate level I did particularly value the times of ‘Thy Kingdom Come’ between Ascension and Pentecost when Morning Prayer was moved to 9am and so many felt able to join in. It would be helpful to know if some of you might appreciate one of our Morning Prayer services in the week moving to 9am where we can pray for the concerns of the parish and beyond.
Looking ahead we look forward to welcoming Simon Gowler to our parish as our Curate along with Liz his wife, and Grace their child. He will be ordained at Chester on July 22nd. I know how much Simon enjoyed his placement as an Ordinand here (as we did too) and I am sure in his curacy he will bring his own gifts and aspects of Christian Ministry to the table which will enable all of us to grow in our faith and discipleship.
Yours in His Service ,
Paul