It’s hard to believe that summer, which this year has seen 4 heat waves, is drawing to a close and autumn is round the corner. The clocks will be going back on Sunday, 26th October and the days will begin to get a little shorter and cooler. The sun will still be around, but not quite as long or as hot, and there’s that certain hush in the evenings now which says, “Change is coming.” It feels like the perfect time to stop, look back, and look ahead—just to see where God is at work in our lives and in the world.
Looking back, it doesn’t seem like 4 months ago since I was ordained as a Priest and it all seems to be a bit of a dream. A good dream, don’t get me wrong and one I wouldn’t change, but looking to today, what does it mean to be a Priest? To wear a “collar” and to be recognised as a leader in the church?
I think the easiest way to describe it is, when you decide to have a dramatic new hairstyle. You suddenly attract more notice and people approach you, sometimes to congratulate you on your new look, sometimes to ask you questions, especially when you wear a collar. Which reminds me of the hymn,” Will you come and follow me?” (V.2) “Will you risk the hostile stare, should your life attract or scare? And (V.4) “Will you let me answer prayer in you? Will you love the “you” you hide. If I but call your name? Will you quell the fear inside. And never be the same?” Words that can have hidden depths, mystery and reassurance.
Well, I like to think I am the same, but I know I’m not and I can’t explain that, because it’s different for everyone and God works in a mysterious way to use us as we are. He uses your skills, your abilities and your experiences. God equips everyone, because he knows the “you” you hide and he wants to use us where we are, in our homes and in the community, because we are all here to serve each other as Christ taught his disciples and us.
We might ask, “How does he use us?” I can only answer for myself. There are people who have asked me a number of questions since being ordained, mainly which Church I serve and it generally starts a conversation. Sometimes about their own faith or why they have no faith. It’s those times when I feel God’s presence the most, guiding me to answer difficult questions that I pray will comfort the person to whom I am speaking and maybe, just maybe give them the answers they need.
Being an ordained minister isn’t just about serving in the Church, it’s about serving wherever we are, at all times, even when walking dogs in the park! And that’s another story.
However, in September we celebrated Creationtide reminding us how connected we are to God’s big, beautiful world and as the season changes, we see the beauty of the autumn colours. We talked about how we should care for the earth, the creatures that we share our space with, and also about serving each other and finding joy in all the simple, everyday miracles around us.
So now looking ahead as we swap sandals for boots and start thinking about Harvest, let’s think about what we’ve learned. What seeds did Creationtide plant in your heart? How does the turning of the seasons echo what’s happening in our faith and in our church?
For many of us, it’s a time to count our blessings, good friends, laughter, moments of peace, all the beauty that’s right outside our doors and working together to support each other in the running of our church.
Let’s also not forget to be thankful for all those little things: the slow, steady growing that happens when we’re not even looking, especially in our children in Sunday Club and Messy Church. God’s love is woven through every bit of it, and you don’t need to wear a collar to be part of it.
God, thank you for summer and for Creationtide. As autumn begins, help us see your hand in nature, in people, and in every change. Make us good stewards of the earth and each other and fill us with hope for what’s next. Amen.
Every blessing, Rev. Christine
St Margaret's Church Prestwich 