This page is an anticipation of the months ahead, a reflection on a selection of things the Rector will be involved in.
July
Jazz in the Garden (12th)
When I came for interview here in July 2004, people were looking forward to this happening later that month. I gather it was wet but much enjoyed by those who came. The Friends of St. Nicholas are going to have another try, hoping to give people a really good evening and raise funds for the Friends. Hopefully the big improvement on the last one will be the weather, but if not, we've got the hall to retreat into! The inauguration of the Friend's eighteen months ago was an important step because it gave the village the opportunity for some involvement, which it can share with the worshipping community, with the oldest building in the village.
See details on the Events page
Men's Fellowship (15th)
Several years ago a group called the Church of England Men's Society (CEMS) folded because of lack of interest. It's curious that whilst the Mothers' Union is a flourishing World Wide organisation, with a large branch at St. Nicholas, the nearest men's equivalent failed and nobody appeared to miss it much. I thought it would be right to test out whether now is the right time to try out a group for the men of our church and parish, and so I've sent out invites. I wonder whether nobody or lots of men will come. I hope it's lots, because otherwise I will have several cans of beer, some wine, and nibbles to consume!.................... looks like I will be on a winner either way!
St Margaret's Patronal Festival (20th)
This is one of the highlights of my summer. At the top of an exposed hill, St Margaret's can be pretty bleak in the middle of winter, but there is no view more beautiful or prayerful than standing in the warmth of the mid summer sun, looking across the valley to the Barton Hills. It's so good to see the church that is set in this tiny hamlet filled with people, all there to praise God. Then, of course, there is the excellent tea afterwards to look forward to!
August
The traditional expectation is that August is a month with few or no meetings to have to prepare for. As I sit down to write this it would seem to be true, this year at any rate!. This means that I should have the time for 2 of the more hidden aspects of my ministry.
Visiting
The traditional roles for a C of E vicar are to take services and to visit all the parishioners. In today's world the taking of services continues, but visiting, unless it is for another purpose, only gets time given to it rarely. I would love to spend my days walking round the villages, and dropping in on those who are not church goers as well as those who do go to church, not for any other reason than because I would like to know them and them to know me. In practice, the plethora of meetings (Parish, Deanery, Diocesan and non-church) mean that there is never enough time. But in August................
The Filing Cabinet (and the Computer)
Every year I try to use some of the time in this quieter period to go through all my files, putting them in order and shredding papers that are no longer relevant and do not need to be kept for reference or as an archive. I am always amazed at just how many there are that, with a few months perspective, are really only cluttering up the place. I get a real sense of satisfaction when this task is completed and there is plenty of room for the files that are sure to come with new bits of work - after the tidy up I will feel ready for them.
Retreat
I suppose a retreat can be thought of as a time of de-cluttering and getting things in priority order and perspective within my prayer and spiritual life - doing the same for my soul as I have just described doing to my filing cabinet and computer. A few days of silence and reflection is, in my opinion, a basic necessity not an option for a parish priest if s/he is to feed the spiritual lives of the people in the parish. Its not always easy or comfortable, but in the end it refreshes and feeds the pastor who, for the rest of the year, is expected to provide the nourishment to the souls of those committee to his/her care.
September
Harvest Festival
Like most people I was taken by surprise when food prices started to climb. I remember the various food mountains that happened only a few short years ago. I had assumed that the politicians, and those in the know had got things sorted so that, on the whole, barring natural disasters and droughts, feeding the world was happening. Suddenly it is a live issue again, although for us it is the inconvenience of price rises NOT the re-emergence of the fight for life. I shall look forward to the Harvest Festival Services I shall attend this month as opportunities to reflect both on the goodness of God and our need to respond afresh when others go hungry.
Parish Conference
On 21st we have our second Parish Conference at St. Nicholas. I hope we will have as good an attendance as last year - or even better. With Canon Robin Brown coming to facilitate our day I believe we can set out some real strategies to keep St Nicholas' Church moving forward in our service of God and Barton-le Clay. I always enjoy Bring and Share lunches too!
Back to Church Sunday
28th September could be really important for many of us. I need to think and pray hard about my sermon for the day so that I do not let the side down by preaching too long or without a clear message, or a sermon that only sends everyone to sleep. St Nicholas is a beautiful building and the congregation full oflovely, welcoming people, I hope and pray that many of them will take their courage in both hands and invite plenty of people to come with them on that Sunday - who knows? It may just be what's needed for some to return after years away.
Visit to Vreta Kloster
I'm off to Vreta Kloster this month. The Diocese of Linkoping is planning a meeting to look at its place on the global scene and Vreta Kloster, with its established links with us and other places in the world, is taking a major part in this. Our Bishop will be there since there is a link at that level too. It will be good to renew our fellowship with our Swedish friends and to be reminded afresh that the Church is God's and is much bigger than we often remember.