St Margaret's Church Prestwich

This month’s letter comes from Rev Christine:

As I begin to write this, I realise this is the first letter I have written since my ordination as a Priest and I am still coming down from the mountain top and getting used to being called Rev and being more active on the rota, presiding and preaching!

However, August is the month where everything is supposed to start slowing down, after what can seem to have been a hectic beginning to the year, especially with ordinations, concerts and festivals.  It’s a popular month for holidays, for relaxation (if you haven’t got young children to occupy!), or for some time to tidy the garden, or the house, or just some time to leisurely read that book you’ve been going to start reading for the last month or two.

We all need time to relax, and I’ve got to admit I did do that on my ordination retreat.  It was spent in a lovely place, known very well to our friend Debby, in St. Bueno’s, Wales.  We were well looked after and the silences gave us time to reflect on what we were preparing for; a life committed to God’s service and to think about the promises and vows we were to take in our Ordination service.  Not something to be taken lightly, but there was going to be a change, maybe something like that witnessed by the disciples on the day of Transfiguration, which is this month, when they are told, “This is my Beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased, listen to Him”.  Thinking about these words, which we hear a few times in the Bible, I began to get a feeling of nervousness, but also being inwardly changed by the commitment to serve God, that I pray will continue to shape my life and ministry.

Preparation for ordination was something I had not taken lightly, but I had and still have some very good mentors and friends. I also have the support, love and prayers from my family and both our church communities to accompany me on my journey.  I also reflect on these words from Matthew: 11: 28-30: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”  Which has accompanied me along my journey.

Discerning my vocation took lots of twists and turns, there were interviews to attend, there was studying and still is, there were doubts and affirmations.  Accepting God’s call took a long time to recognise, but making the vows before my ordination and the laying on of hands during the service, was affirmation that I had answered his call, it wasn’t a dream, and now my life will come down from the mountain top to spread the good news of the Gospel. 

The story of the Transfiguration describes how Jesus was changed.  He came down from the mountain, resolute and changed, ready to face the realities he would encounter.  I don’t feel particularly changed, I am still the same person, but I know that I have vowed to be an inspiration and guidance under God to bring grace and the truth of Christ to those I minister too and to make Him known to those around me.

Being around the many people I have met on my journey to ordination has confirmed within me, that we are all called in our own way, however unworthy we may feel, to stand in awe before the mystery of God.

So, to anyone considering any of the many forms of ministry, volunteer work within the church, trust the call that beckons, even when its edges seem indistinct.  Trust that God will equip you with whatever you need to do his work and let us be people who remember the light.  Let us listen for the voice that calls us and may we be transfigured by the holy and become bearers of that mystery for others.

In Christ’s Service.

Love Christine.