From the Vicarage April 2008

Things have been getting back to being a bit more like normal at the Vicarage, as Claire gains more mobility and, thankfully, is in less pain than she was. We greatly appreciate the love and concern shown to us by so many people during what has been a very difficult time.

With Easter being so early the weather has definitely been cold and wintry, although the flowers in the garden have been springing into bloom. The Chrism Eucharist at Worcester Cathedral, held on Maundy Thursday, when the Oil stocks for the coming year are blessed and ministerial vows are renewed, was another very inspiring service, with Bishop John presiding and Bishop David preaching.

Bishop David spoke about how easy it was for ministers to be busy in today’s Church, and these words rang very true for me, as I had rushed to get there in what had been a very busy yet rewarding Holy Week. Sometimes we simply have to say that’s enough and it’s time to sit back and to take stock of what is happening to us and to our lives.

A very special time for me in Holy Week was the 3 hours Devotion at The Foot of the Cross on Good Friday. I was deeply grateful to have Andrew Fletcher playing the organ again for that service, so skilfully interpreting my words into music, and also to have Hilary Savage taking part as well. I used the Lord’s Prayer in conjunction with St Mark’s version of the Passion story, reflecting on the experiences of Jesus and how we can relate to his experiences in our lives today, with a particular focus on prayer.

Prayer is such an important part of our lives. Time with God, and time away from the increasing distractions and demands of the world in which we live. The House Groups will be continuing to look at the Great Prayers of the Bible at the beginning of April, and they would welcome new people to join the groups if you would like to on either Tuesday or Thursday evenings. Please contact Margaret Boxley (373585) or Claire Curtis (392401) if you would like more information.

As we celebrate the joy of the risen Christ in our lives may we be ready and eager in our prayers, not just to ask God for the help that we need and the things that we would like to happen, but to thank him for his goodness and his loving kindness, shown to us in so many ways. Not least is the gift of the risen Christ, with the wonderful message of light coming out of darkness and the hope revealed to us again through the Easter story.
With every blessing,
Rev Ron