From the Curate
Dear Friends,
As I write I have been with you for just over a year and wish to express my deep and sincere thanks for all your encouragement, advice and guidance. It has been a privilege to spend my Deacons year here, I feel blessed by our shared ministry.
Thank you all for your support and prayers at my ordination to the priesthood. It was a weekend Andy and I will never forget, to see so many at the Cathedral service, first Holy Communion and celebration lunch touched us both deeply.
Priesthood to me is very much about sharing Gods grace with others and my pre ordination retreat reflections were upon the parable of the prodigal son Luke 15: 11-31. This story is one of my favourites and emphasises the forgiveness and love that awaits all who have faith in Jesus. The more I grow in faith the more overwhelmed I am by the forgiveness of my sins and the love and blessing of God in my life and I hope to continue to share this with you as I journey into priesthood.
I have been helping out with weddings at St Giles and in my preparations rediscovered a wedding prayer of blessing by an unknown author which I have adapted for us at St Paul's and would like to share with you.
In the stars and in the sunshine of God,
May we be warmed and welcomed.
In the stories and the laughter of Jesus may we be challenged,
In the fire and the breath of the Holy Spirit may we be awakened and kept from harm.
May our church be a place of hospitality and kindness,
a beckoning lamp in the darkness,
a shelter for questions and dreaming.
a safe place for joy and tears.
May we celebrate life together,
May we grow in love for each other
May we dance with the little ones,
the saints and the angels.
May we be cherished.
May we be blessed.
Ann Simmons, assistant curate.
