Dedication

At the invitation of Reverend Mark and Jess, a wonderful afternoon get together was enjoyed in the lovely Nolton Rectory Garden on Sunday 14th July. The sun shone brightly as so many, from all eight churches across the Ministry Area, enjoyed delicious refreshments, conversation and laughter.

The fellowship and friendship was tangible. Many, who prior to this moment, had not made contact with each other, were soon exchanging information and anecdotes relating to themselves and their churches. Meanwhile Hiro, the handsome Rectory Labrador, was just hoping that a small tidbit might come his way and Josephine, the beautiful Rectory cat was intent on identifying the warmest spot in the garden.

To my mind, the message that is to be taken from such an informal, relaxed, event affords infinitely more possibilities for interaction than any formal gathering. Warm thanks are extended to both Reverend Mark and Jess.

Having been in post, as Ministry Area Lay Chair, since January, my initial fears are slowly dissipating. I was concerned that I would struggle to follow in the ‘footsteps’ of my outstanding predecessor Andrew Dix. I was also concerned that the Reverends Mark and Roger would, as the result of Reverend Maggie’s suggestion, inherit an elderly unknown as opposed to a more youthful, dynamic, Lay Chair.

I can only stress my pleasure, relief and thanks at the total acceptance that I have experienced. Perhaps the greatest privilege of my role must be that I’ve been given the opportunity to gain an overview of our eight unique Ministry Area churches and their associated congregations. We so frequently live in our own little ‘bubble’ and are reluctant to step outside our ‘comfort zone.’ When we do so, we often discover that it’s less daunting than anticipated, and so liberating.

For many years, I’ve been acutely aware of the hard work and contribution of those in my own church of All Saints, but I have been so impressed by the selfless dedication demonstrated by so many in churches across the Ministry Area. I make no apologies for sharing a poem by John Betjeman with you which can be found below. I have already shared it with some, as it resonates with me. It was printed in the recent AVM annual report of a neighbouring Ministry Area, and it summarises all that should be celebrated in our churches, even though it was composed in the 1950s.

Let's praise the man, who goes to light, the church stove on an icy night.
Let's praise the hard worked, he or she, the Treasurer of the PCC.
Let's praise the cleaner of the aisles, the Nave, the candlestick, the tiles.
Let's praise the organist who tries to make the choir increase in size.
Or if that simply cannot be, just to improve its quality.
Let's praise the ringers in the tower, who come to ring in cold and shower.
But most of all, let's praise the few, who are seen in their accustomed pew.
Throughout the year, whate'er the weather, that they may worship God together.
These, like the fire of glowing coals, strike warmth into each other's souls.
And though they be but two or three, they keep the church for you and me.

(An extract from the poem entitled 'Septuagesima' by John Betjeman.)