Vicar's Letter - July

Dear friends,

“One more step along the world I go, one more step along the world I go. From the old things to the new keep me travelling along with you”.

Words from a much-loved hymn, that always comes into its own at this time of year. It is a favourite school hymn and is often used at school leavers’ services as children prepare for changing schools or moving out into the wider world.

It was a pleasure for me to attend Trinity St Peter’s School last month, to take an assembly there. I used the text from 2 Corinthians 12: 10-12 about how in our weaknesses, the power of God in us makes us strong. A good thought to keep with us. One more step for me though, is not just a hymn, but a prayer. A prayer for children that they will always know God’s presence, strength and love with them wherever they go, but also a prayer for us as we face changes in our lives.

Later this month, I will be reading ‘Banns of Marriage’ for the first time at St Stephen’s, and that’s a real joy! Oriana and Callum will be getting married here, next month, and we pray that they will know God’s love and presence with them as they travel into this new phase of their lives together. For others, this time of year can mean a change of jobs or moving house. We pray for good endings and joyful new beginnings.

Change can be a scary thing, but it is necessary for us to grow and to experience new things.

Even going away on holiday is a change, though hopefully a change that will bring us rest and refreshment. It can broaden our horizons as we visit new places, bring us into contact with new people, different cultures and the option to try out new things. Even if we are not going away, it often feels as if there is a change to the pace of life as the days are longer, and perhaps we don’t have to rush around quite as much to get things done. Here’s hoping!

It’s always good to give thanks to God for all that He gives us, and for all the challenges and new chapters in our lives that come our way. So, whether or not there are changes ahead for you this summer, remember the chorus of the hymn;

“And it’s from the old I travel to the new, keep me travelling along with you”.

God Bless,
Keith