Letter from the Vicarage - July 2010
Dear Friends,
Thank you so much those of you who came and supported the baptism and confirmation in the vicarage garden. It was a very happy event and to quote the baptism service it was good to see 'the Lord adding to our number.' It was more than good to have Bishop David with us and there are some lovely pictures around which as I gently get round to laminating them will appear in public places. There was a good picture in The Church Times and expect one in the Times Educational Supplement next week.
There are many activities taking place over the summer: Jo's ordination to the priesthood, Bishop David's farewell, the Tennis tournament, hymn singing in the Shepherd's Garden in Lower Woodford and the Children's Workshop to name but a few. Please support all these events. People are very generous in giving of their time and energies in helping us to have fun and build up our community life as well as raise much needed money. Join in and make it all extra worthwhile and happy for everyone.
In mid September we shall be joined by a second curate. He is called Iori Price ( Christian name pronounced Yori) He is half way through his four year period of initial training and is moving from Hereford with his wife Samantha (Sam) and two small children as his wife is taking up a new job as Head Teacher of the Godolphin School. Iori will be half time with us and is also exploring a role with the T.A. He will leave the parish in July 2012. Amongst other things Iori will be becoming a governor of Archer's Gate Primary School and will help us develop our work there. Either Bishop Stephen or Archdeacon Alan Jeans will licence him during September.
This Sunday's Gospel tells the story of Legion who was possessed of many demons. Most of the narratives in the gospel where demons are cast out show Jesus as restoring order in a chaotic world. In a similar way the story of the Stilling of the Storm does the same thing. The symbolic force of these narratives helps, not only illuminate the person of Jesus, but reflects the work of God himself.
In the myth of creation God creates order out of chaos as his first act.
There are many similar Biblical narratives. Those who owe allegiance to Jesus should similarly be bringing order out of the chaos in the world.
In some ways it is a sign of our faith and part of our commission to go into the world with Good News.
As we join in his work of healing, his work of fighting evil and distress, his work of bringing peace and his ability to reach out to all people we shall grow more like him.
I hope you are having some fun times this summer.
Get up your strength for the Harvest Barn Dance in September. We have already booked it. Put it in your diary!
God Bless
Ann