February already, and we are well into
another year. Where do the years
go? I can scarcely believe that I have
been in post as Rector of this Benefice for almost fourteen years. Prior to
that I was in self-supporting ministry. Ron, my ‘other half’ has been a Reader
in the Benefice for even longer. Now the
time has come to retire. By the time you receive this edition of Compass an
announcement will have been made in all our churches. We are both planning to retire from our
respective ministries in the Benefice this coming summer. Our final service will be held on Sunday 30th
June and more information about that will be given out nearer the time.
In Church ministry as in any walk of life
there are many blessings and rewards, and some frustrations. One of the things
I most enjoy is meeting so many delightful and interesting people of all ages
in the church and the wider community. It has been a real joy to meet and get
to know many of you. Sometimes that has come about through a happy occasion,
such as a wedding or baptism. I have
also met many people through funeral ministry.
Sharing with people in times of sadness and trying to bring some comfort
and hope into their situation is a huge privilege. I am acutely aware that the
pain of separation can take a long time to heal, and people never stop missing
the loved one they have been parted from by death, yet I dare to hope that God
can use me and my colleagues to help people in the process of grieving and
coming to terms with their loss.
People often turn to the Church at
significant moments in their lives. Some people find that these events cause
them to stop and think about what they truly believe, and some feel drawn to
further exploration of the Christian faith.
Whenever I see someone coming to faith, or re-kindling the faith they
once had, or growing in the faith they already have, that is most rewarding.
The work of the Church is mission – that’s what we are called by Jesus to be
doing. He commanded his disciples (and
that’s all of us who seek to follow his call and learn from him) to go into all
the world and make disciples. I long to see more people becoming disciples of
Jesus – but be warned! Once you respond
to the call to follow Jesus, you never know where he will lead you. When I first committed my life to following
Jesus I never for one moment thought that it would lead to ordination, let
alone to becoming Rector here!
With my love and prayers
Glynis
Hetherington
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