Dear Friends
I want to begin my letter this month by saying how much I have appreciated the contribution the Reverend Mary Essex has made in her time with us. She has been a supportive colleague and a valued member of our staff team. I know that many parishioners have been helped and encouraged by her ministry. We shall be sorry to say ‘farewell’ to Mary and will miss her. I am sure everyone will want to join in wishing her God’s blessing as she prepares for her licensing on 9th March at Kirkby Woodhouse.
In the neighbouring benefice of Sutton Bonington and Normanton-on-Soar warm tributes were paid to the Reverend Julia Palmer as she left for her new post in Sutton-in-Ashfield. The departure of two colleagues means that from mid February, for a time at least, the Reverend Steve Osman (Priest in Charge of the Gotham Group) and I will be responsible between us for oversight of twelve parishes. We are involved in discussions about future ministry needs and the possibility of a part-time colleague. At one time each parish had its own incumbent. Now, all over the country, parishes are grouping together, or developing new patterns of ministry to meet the challenges ahead. The reduction in clergy numbers has come about because ordinations are being exceeded by the number of retirements. I must pay tribute here to the invaluable support given by retired clergy. However, their ability and willingness to help is a bonus and not something we should rely on.
With fewer clergy, there will be more opportunities for lay involvement. The New Testament emphasis on the priesthood of all believers is something we would do well to reflect on. Some people think that the Holy Spirit is leading us into a more biblical pattern of every member ministry. It is important to discern and encourage the gifts of our laity. As lay people develop their gifts in the life of the Church, some will feel called to various authorised ministries. Lay Readers have made and, I trust, will continue to make a vital contribution to the ministry and mission of the Church. In the past few years we have also welcomed the contribution of Recognised Lay Ministers.
Over the past few years links have been forged across parish boundaries, working together as a ‘Cluster’ to appoint a youth worker, and to arrange joint ventures such as Alpha and Emmaus courses. Since last autumn a Cluster Strategic Planning Group has met under the chairmanship of our Area Dean, the Reverend Steve Jarratt, to seek God’s guidance for shaping the future. The group is making various recommendations to our PCCs. There is much work still to be done. Whilst the group sees the need to adapt and change, and recognises that some difficult decisions will have to be made, it is committed to seeking a way forward that will ensure pastoral care and provision for worship in all our villages.
I believe that in and through all this we must learn to rely less on our own resources and more on the grace of God, remembering that Jesus said, “With God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26, Mark 10:27, Luke 18:27)
With my love and prayers
Glynis Hetherington
Monday, 21 January 2008
Thursday, 17 January 2008
January 2008 The Rector writes..... Vol. 30 No.1
Dear Friends
Some years ago one of our sons was given a voucher for himself and a guest to attend a photographic makeover, and he invited his Mum! When the Christmas festivities are over and the days are dark and dreary many of us might feel that we would like a makeover. Perhaps some are prompted to try a different hairstyle or to revamp their wardrobe following a visit to the January sales. Others may want to give their homes a new look with anything from a fresh coat of paint to a new kitchen or bathroom. Some people want to go beyond cosmetic changes in their lives to address a bad habit they want to ‘kick’ or to adopt a more healthy lifestyle – hence all those new year resolutions.
In the Church, as we go forward into the new year, we trace the story of Jesus from his birth in Bethlehem through his earthly life and ministry, his death and resurrection and his ascension into heaven. We read in the gospels of the disciples whom Jesus called to follow him. One of the best known stories is of the fishermen, Peter and Andrew, James and John. They left their nets to follow Jesus. We can be disciples of Jesus too, for he calls us all to follow him. That will mean leaving behind anything that gets in the way of our relationship with God or which hinders us from following Jesus wholeheartedly. For some the challenge seems too great, but for those who respond to Jesus’ call there is great joy in knowing that he is with us always. The assurance of forgiveness enables us to put past sins and failures behind us and to step out into a new life with Jesus. This is an altogether richer and more joyful life than before. When the going gets tough, as it does from time to time, we have the gift of the Holy Spirit to empower and strengthen us. The Holy Spirit also shows us those areas in our lives that need to change. Through this power at work in us we can experience a complete change of heart and mind, not just a cosmetic change, but something deep within. This is far better than a makeover, or a new outfit or changing the décor of our homes.
New year resolutions tend to get broken pretty quickly. Sometimes people who have responded to Jesus’ call turn back from following him, especially when it becomes hard to be a disciple. On one occasion Jesus asked his disciples if they wanted to turn back and Peter said, “Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life.” Those words came into my mind once, a good many years ago, when I was going through a crisis of faith and felt that I couldn’t go on being a Christian. Once you have met Jesus there is no-one else to go to. So I hung on in there and discovered that God’s hold on my life is firm and strong, even when my faith falters.
In this coming year, whatever other changes you plan to make, can I urge you to respond to the call of Jesus and to allow the Holy Spirit to work in you whatever changes are needful to help you to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, and to discover the deep joy that being a disciple brings.
Some years ago one of our sons was given a voucher for himself and a guest to attend a photographic makeover, and he invited his Mum! When the Christmas festivities are over and the days are dark and dreary many of us might feel that we would like a makeover. Perhaps some are prompted to try a different hairstyle or to revamp their wardrobe following a visit to the January sales. Others may want to give their homes a new look with anything from a fresh coat of paint to a new kitchen or bathroom. Some people want to go beyond cosmetic changes in their lives to address a bad habit they want to ‘kick’ or to adopt a more healthy lifestyle – hence all those new year resolutions.
In the Church, as we go forward into the new year, we trace the story of Jesus from his birth in Bethlehem through his earthly life and ministry, his death and resurrection and his ascension into heaven. We read in the gospels of the disciples whom Jesus called to follow him. One of the best known stories is of the fishermen, Peter and Andrew, James and John. They left their nets to follow Jesus. We can be disciples of Jesus too, for he calls us all to follow him. That will mean leaving behind anything that gets in the way of our relationship with God or which hinders us from following Jesus wholeheartedly. For some the challenge seems too great, but for those who respond to Jesus’ call there is great joy in knowing that he is with us always. The assurance of forgiveness enables us to put past sins and failures behind us and to step out into a new life with Jesus. This is an altogether richer and more joyful life than before. When the going gets tough, as it does from time to time, we have the gift of the Holy Spirit to empower and strengthen us. The Holy Spirit also shows us those areas in our lives that need to change. Through this power at work in us we can experience a complete change of heart and mind, not just a cosmetic change, but something deep within. This is far better than a makeover, or a new outfit or changing the décor of our homes.
New year resolutions tend to get broken pretty quickly. Sometimes people who have responded to Jesus’ call turn back from following him, especially when it becomes hard to be a disciple. On one occasion Jesus asked his disciples if they wanted to turn back and Peter said, “Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life.” Those words came into my mind once, a good many years ago, when I was going through a crisis of faith and felt that I couldn’t go on being a Christian. Once you have met Jesus there is no-one else to go to. So I hung on in there and discovered that God’s hold on my life is firm and strong, even when my faith falters.
In this coming year, whatever other changes you plan to make, can I urge you to respond to the call of Jesus and to allow the Holy Spirit to work in you whatever changes are needful to help you to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, and to discover the deep joy that being a disciple brings.
With all good wishes for the coming year Glynis Hetherington
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