Hertingfordbury Parish News: May 2004

Clergy Letter

Dear Friends,

When you receive this, I will be about to go on holiday for two weeks with Joe. I return for one week before going into hospital to have my right knee replaced. I will then be out of action until the beginning of August. The Rev'd Marion Harding will be conducting the majority of Services (including weddings) during my absence. Marion is of course well known to many of you, and I know you will make her welcome as always. Marion is one of those extraordinarily busy people, known as 'retired'. It is no exaggeration to say that Marion is as busy (if not more so often), than when she was in full time Ministry. Priests never completely retire, and now that fewer people are entering Ordained Ministry, the retired element is being stretched in the extreme, and happy to be so in most cases.

The situation for our Parish will change quite a lot following my retirement in August 2005; so now is the time for EVERYONE to start thinking about what can I do? It is important that the life of our Ecclesiastical Parish goes on; it will be the responsibility of every member, resident or not, to face the challenge and step forward saying, "Here I am, what can I do?" Ministry doesn't always begin with a big M; we each have the ability to serve God in a variety of ways. Already there are people who read the Lessons, lead Intercessions, sing in the Choir, ring the Bells, arrange flowers, clean the Church, the brasses, wash the linen, serve refreshments once a month, work in the churchyard mowing and tidying. There is a whole host of hidden things to be done – i.e., registers to be kept, essential stock to be maintained, the list is endless, just as it should be.

During this Easter period we are reminded of much; God gave us the responsibility for His Creation, and His Son Jesus Christ as our example and Guide. At His crucifixion Jesus did ask, "Why hast thou forsaken me?", but trusted in His Father in Heaven to see Him through the pain and torment. How little is asked of us. Can we really risk the possibility of God Himself asking US, "why have YOU forsaken ME?" The path may be uneven at times, but be assured we will be given the strength to make it through to whenever our journey ends. Travel well and safely.

Love and Blessings,

Rev'd Rosemary

Please note: Although the Hertingfordbury Parish News is produced by St. Mary's PCC, the opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the PCC.