BEGINNINGS AND ENDINGS
Reflecting on our last service and the following party on 2nd June, I was reminded of John Donne’s famous saying ‘No man is an island, entire of itself….’ Looking out over a packed Church - seeing babies I have baptised, couples I have married, people I have visited in their homes or in hospital, people who have come to seek my help or advice - really brought home to me how much of a privilege it has been to be taken into the heart of this community, but also how important it is for all of us to belong.
I think that John Donne expressed brilliantly the truism that human beings suffer when we are isolated from other people; we need to be part of a community in order to thrive, and to bring out the best in us. village that no-one need ever feel isolated or alone. Jesus also knew that well of course; God created us to live in community with one another, so Jesus called around him a community of disciples, and when he knew he would be leaving them, he instituted a special meal by which they could continue to be together and live out his message of peace and harmony for the world. So began the Church, which spread and grew right across the world and has continued through the centuries. Vicars come and go, but your Church remains, as it has for so many years, at the heart of this community, ready to serve and help, support and encourage. shaping who we are. I will carry you in my heart always. allowing me to be part of your life journey.
changed by the communities we share in, they become part of us and contribute to
but most importantly, thank you for welcoming me into this community and
With love and prayers, Rev’d Chris
