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t is good to
get back to writing my Two Penn’orth again after a very busy period. Christmas
has been and gone with great success. My thanks must go to the huge number of
people who contributed throughout the Christmas tree festival and all the other
events we managed over the Christmas period. It was very much a whole parish
effort, so thanks to you all.
I
always find it exciting as we begin a New Year looking for new ideas and new
initiatives to grow our parish and extend God’s kingdom out into the community.
We are reminded in Luke’s Gospel 8:1 that:
Jesus travelled from one town or village to
another, proclaiming the Good News of the kingdom of God.
What
better example is there for us to follow than that of Jesus to enhance God’s
kingdom by reaching out into the community.
I
am extremely proud of the work that is moving us forward and reaching out from
St Hildeburgh’s Church at the moment, including the Soup & Sandwich lunches
for the care homes, our Bacon Butty Brunch, Messy Church and work at Holy
Trinity School, to name but a few. These are all really exciting activities.
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art
of my remit as a vicar is to discern people’s callings, which is also a very
important role in the life of the Church, and the calling of new people into
different roles within the life of the Church is vital as we sustain growth.
New people helping in any way can stimulate those of us who have been stalwarts
of the church for many years, testing our own calling and developing our
commitment. For instance, we could be encouraged to put our name forward to
read a lesson or lead prayers in one of the services, or to help in the
kitchen. There are many ways that God calls us forward to work in growing his
Kingdom.
St
Paul reminds us in his Letter to the Romans 8: 28:
And we know that in all things God works for the
good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
We
all have a purpose and we all have a calling. What more exciting time is there
than now in helping St Hildeburgh’s move forward!
Part
of that is seeing our ministry team grow and take on more responsibility as
they extend their knowledge with training. Please do find time to encourage
them and pray for them as they continue their studies.
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hat
is essential for the church is that we support, in whatever way we can, all of
our new projects so that, as our congregation grows, we are seen to be supporting
each other and the various initiatives. It all adds to the wonderful feeling of
love and fellowship that flows throughout the Church. We are reminded in
scripture, from I John 1:3, which says to us:
We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so
that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the
Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.
As
we begin this New Year let us all look forward to joining in God’s work in this
place and remember to thank him for his abundant blessings.
Your friend,
Rev’d Paul
25 January 2015
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