Dear Friends
I can’t believe how time flies, especially when you’re having fun! It seems only yesterday that we came down to visit for the first time all excited, nervous and a little anxious to please so that we could come again. And now here we are settled and moved, living in 1 Riversmill Walk, Dursley. We have survived unpacking, starting a new school, meeting mums and dads at toddler groups and I have survived my first sermon, and by the time you read this many more things for the first time. This has only been made possible by the warm welcome we have received by all. Joel and I and the children feel very much at home here and that is because of each and every one of you. Thankyou for being stars! And by the way, I am loving this vocation and living in Dursley!
My Ordination at
Gloucester Cathedral on the 29th was a wonderful day.
I was incredibly nervous as I walked down the aisle with the other ordinands,
and I was reminded of my wedding day eight years ago and how the big wedding day
although important, compares little to the marriage that follows. My Ordination
is only the beginning of my journey, I know I will serve the church and God’s
people for the rest of my life. As Bishop Michael laid his hands on my head I
made that commitment to God that I am in this through thick and thin to the end.
As a young deacon I know I have a long journey ahead. I am also reminded that
although daunting at times, this is not a journey that I will be facing alone, I
have God walking beside me. Your many letters, gifts and cards have also played
a role in reminding me that I have your support too. All of you in some way or
another will be with me over the next four years. As I grow and develop my
skills as a deacon and hopefully as a priest I know this is a journey that we
will take together. Thanks to all of you who came to my ordination, whether you
were there in spirit through prayer or in person, it was wonderful to be able to
share it with so many of you. Like my wedding day, my ordination will be a day I
never forget.
Like in any new job the first month is about settling in to the new role and working out expectations and responsibilities. In my case it is also about me trying to fit into my timetable and work out everyone’s names. I have to be honest and admit now that names are not my forte but I never forget a face or a story. I am developing the existing skills I have that are required for curacy and along with this I am working out what new ones I need. I have never been a public speaker (not so hard to believe) and I was always more keen to work back stage than up front. So my calling for the priesthood has been working through my fears and insecurities and realising that with God anything is possible and handing it all over and saying “OK, you want it done then help me God, I am listening”. My first few weeks - and many more to follow, of that I am sure, will involve me saying no I can’t do that followed with God saying yes you can, so stop moping and get up there and do it. Each time I am stretched I realise that I can go a little further if I am humble enough to ask for help.
It is amazing what
God can do with our lives if we say “OK”. Whatever age you are, young or old,
male or female, God can really do wonders! It is never too late to offer our
services to God and the church. We may not all be called to be deacons and
priests but there are many other opportunities and helpers needed for the body
of Christ, His church, to work as one.
As for me I am honoured and very proud to be a part of the family of
St. James’ and St. Mark’s, and I look forward to our future together. If the
last month is anything to go by our journey together over the next few years is
going to be fun, exciting and challenging at times - which is not a bad thing,
challenge helps us to grow and keeps the spring in our step and keeps us on our
toes.
It is also very important to rest and for many of you August is the month of holidays, if that is the case have a wonderful time and do lots of lovely things and take many photos - I do like looking at photos. My holiday is in August too and we are off visiting friends from college in the first week and then visiting my parents in North Wales, Ffestiniog with some friends in the second. To all of you I say again many thanks for the cards, gifts and prayers. God Bless and keep safe on your travels.
Love in Christ,
Skye.