Vicar's Bit For June
Hidden yet shining
"Hidden with Christ in God", from Colossians 3.3, is one of my favourite bible verses. It feels so Anglican, so modest, yet deeply profound. A believer's true life is spiritually united with Jesus and protected by God. Inwardly we have died to sin with Christ and are raised to Easter life with Him. Our identity and ultimate destiny are secure in Jesus, rather than defined by earthly circumstances. Such inner consistency and character matters in our all too fluid, fast changing, uneasy world.
Signs of being hidden in Christ are found in acts of discipleship across our Benefice. The notable care and outreach of Little Footprints on a Monday morning. A consistently run coffee morning. The hidden hours practicing church music, or keeping church accounts or cleaning churches and arranging flowers. Three generous churchwardens, at Staunton, Ashleworth and Hasfield, standing on their own, despite longing for a partner churchwarden. Sally Banwell and Paula Crosby training as Parish Visitors. The love of nature seen in the new “bat box/shed” next to the Hartpury’s ‘Upper Room’. The recent celebration of 400 year old church bells at Hartpury. New flood defences at Tirley Church and a sump at Ashleworth Church, carefully crafted into their church structure. Not easy to spot, still an act of faith in the future.
In a strange way “hidden with Christ in God” compliments the our local school motto “Let your light shine” (Matthew 5.16). I pick out one area of school life. The tremendous effort teachers and pupils alike put into SENDCO (Special educational needs training and care). Locally in one of our schools over 30% of children receive this support. It is a real challenge for everyone. And the effort and love put into the care is largely hidden. Yet the result shines out in the character of the school when one visits. Vulnerable children’s lives are being transformed.
Somehow, perhaps modestly as good Anglicans, we hide our lives in Christ, the more the result truly matters in the real world. Well done good and faithful servants.
Leonard Cohen’s anthem comes to mind.
Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack, a crack in everything
That's how the light gets in
That's how the light gets in
That's how the light gets in
Two Benefice Services and a Baptism
May 31st 11am at Hasfield Church we are holding a fifth Sunday Benefice Songs of Praise followed by a short walk and picnic at the Old Rectory. Please bring your own picnic. Canon Michael Butler is leading the service coordinated by Jill Beddoe.
June 7th 11am at Staunton Church the United Benefice Communion. Do join us.
Jine 21st 3pm Hasfield Church the baptism of Lily Shayle, parents Lucy and Adam. We pass on our prayers and congratulations.