Our benefice – opportunity for growth ‘in grace’ …
The ‘letting go’ of a loved and respected vicar has been likened to bereavement, since characteristics of pain, loss and confusion are felt with subsequent questioning - why has this happened to me/us? How will I/we cope? Where do I/we begin? For a while one lives on automatic pilot before picking up the pieces, making some sense of it all and discovering new paths. It is right for us to feel saddened, saying to Clare, “cheerio and may God be with you”, for she has served us and our benefice unstintingly over the past 5+ years. So, we grieve.
It is also often said that interregnum offers a period for spiritual growth – perhaps enabling the teachings of past clergy to really take root with the laity. “Keep your eyes set on Jesus” was a phrase spoken often to me by Canon David Boyes, predecessor to Clare. In other words, always remain ‘Christ focussed’. The resounding message of Clare’s preaching and ministry through word and action will be remembered as “we are the body of Christ”. She spoke of, and demonstrated inclusive respect, to, for and of others and put into daily action Christ-like love in very practical human ways.
Now is the time for us to ‘test’ those words, to trial the truths; to experience at first hand the ‘we’ of “we are the body of Christ” and to monitor and evaluate the results. It is that whole experience that brings about spiritual growth. Yes, it is right for us to grieve but it is also right for us in confidence to seek and receive God’s grace. And it is right that we will grow, for as members of Christ’s adopted family we all share ‘in Christ’ his gifts and power. Surely, there are exciting times ahead.
So, my rallying cry to everyone is this, “may we strive to put into word and action the legacy that we have received and journey our new path, wherever it may lead and for however long, with a confidence born from the grace of God.”
Romans 8:5 ….’but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.’
Matthew 28:20 ….’And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age.’
“We are the body of Christ”. May God truly go with us and bless us. Amen.
Wendy Gourlay