From the Vicarage - July/August 2010

Each of us is on a journey in this world and we are all learning from different experiences along the way. Whilst that journey may seem long and painful at times, as well as experiencing joys and sorrows, we always have a constant companion with us, our heavenly Father, helping to guide our thoughts and our steps. Each of us has a different journey, and even in the closest of relationships with others, such as marriage, family, or close friends, we can never know how others are truly feeling nor how they might be coping with their life experiences. Also, each of our experiences will have been different from the day that we were born, so that even with identical twins, there are very definitely two separate lives that are being lived out.

As we approach the main holiday season many people will be travelling far and wide, whilst others will be staying at home and perhaps enjoying house or garden, and even certain sports on the television perhaps!! Claire and I had an excellent trip to Turkey last month, not exactly travelling in the steps of St Paul, but seeing something of the countryside that he and many other disciples experienced as they made their journey in faith at the very beginning of Christianity. It is worth noting that our experience of the Turkish people was one of generous hospitality and friendship, possibly as good as anywhere that we have travelled previously. I know a great number of people who have made the pilgrimage to Oberammergau this year, saying how deeply moving it was. This is such a wonderful act of love and witness by that community that speaks so deeply to most of the visitors who make the journey every 10 years. I hope to make that journey in 10 years time, God willing!!

The Vicarage has been very different these last two weeks following Claire’s operation on both of her feet. It is Claire who keeps me “on the road” as it were, making sure that meals are ready for me to consume at whatever time I happen to get home, and, without her tremendous support, life can be, and is, very different!! She has been so grateful for the love and friendship that has been shown through the many cards, good wishes and acts of kindness that she, and I, have received, helping us to keep going through this difficult period.

We do hope that you all have the Mission Garden Party at the Vicarage in your diaries for Saturday 17th July, when we shall be delighted to entertain you. We should also be glad of any help you could offer please in setting up and looking after the stalls, as well as bringing along items to sell on them. Through this annual event we raise money to support the students that we have promised to help at the Itamba High School in Tanzania, people who are experiencing a very different journey to ours.

I wish you every blessing and refreshment during this summer season, wherever your journey may take you.
Rev Ron