Eunice’s letter for July 2008

Dear Friends

All over the world and in every Cathedral up and down our land, something special happens in the Church towards the end of June or at the beginning of July.  Men and women who have been suitably trained commit themselves to the service of God and his Church at their Ordination as Deacons or Priests. 

Anyone who has ever been to one of these services finds it very moving.  Family and friends are there to pray for the candidates and the Bishop and other members of the clergy lay their hands on each one asking for the Holy Spirit’s empowering; they are then anointed with oil, and sometimes the Bishop washes the feet of each person after the example of Jesus with his disciples.  This year there is a record number of both men and women of all ages entering theological training.  Make no mistake God is at work, despite the gloomy picture painted in some newspapers about the demise of the Church of England.  

Every person born into this world has a purpose and a calling to something.  Sadly there is a ‘destroyer’ at work who would try to bring people down and make them feel worthless or at least, less than adequate to many tasks.  This makes for aimless human beings without hope and without purpose.  Above all things, each of us needs to know that we are loved and have a reason to ‘be’.  Parents, schools and others have a duty to instil confidence in children and most are very good at it.  However, if we don’t see the big picture, and never wonder about the spiritual side of our children and how that might be developed, then we only do half a job.  Our children are short-changed and our communities are the poorer for it.  We all have gifts to offer with which to build up one another. In particular, every Christian could be asking at this time of the year, “Is there something more you want of me, Lord?”  Maybe God is asking you to take a step further to give of yourself wholeheartedly in ministry to others by offering yourself for Ordination or some other kind of ministry?  Although this is a particular kind of calling, all can say that any kind of contribution made to others in community or Church is a blessing not only to those on the receiving end, but it also brings personal satisfaction that makes life worth living.  There are so many folk in Frensham and Dockenfield who contribute and this is something for which to be profoundly grateful and which benefits us all.  Thank you so much.

 Eunice