Weekly Update – 23rd March
What a wonderful week it has been. Spring is here and we can look forward to this change in seasons and everything it means to us.
Here at St Nicholas and at St Paul’s we are also looking forward to Rev Claude being with us. On Monday she will be Licensed by the Bishop of Dover, to be our Priest-in-Charge. Just as Spring marks a transition from one season to the next, so we are at a transition point for our two parishes. It is an exciting time as we start a new phase on our journey of faith and mission, with Rev Claude as part of the team.
Looking a bit further forward, Rev Claude’s first Sunday at St Nicholas Church will be on 6th April (the first Sunday of the month) for the 10am Communion service. She is looking forward to getting know everyone.
As I write about change and transition, a passage from Hebrews 13 comes to mind. Verse 8 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Change and transition is something that we encounter in our lives for all sorts of reasons but this verse reminds us that Christ has been and will always be a constant presence.
The Gospel reading for Sunday includes the parable of the fig tree. A vineyard owner has a fig tree that does not bear fruit. Rather than cut it down, the fig tree is given more care and some fertiliser. And one more chance to be fruitful. The parable reminds us that if we seek God’s presence in our lives and look to God for guidance and inspiration then we will be fruitful. The grace and mercy that God gives, is the nourishment we need.
We are all at different stages in our journey of faith, but wherever we are, Christ is by our side, God is near.
Lent provides a good time to take stock on our relationship with God and reflect on what we are being called to do to ensure God’s message of love, peace, hope and joy is spread throughout our community.
St Augustine College of Theology has a very good series of weekly Lent podcasts. The one this week explores Lent as a chance to be attentive to the presence of God and not be distracted by the normal routines of life. The presenter of the podcast draws inspiration from his cat’s effortless attentiveness and reflects on how easily we get distracted yet how we might keep focus. The link below will take you to the podcast.
Nigel
Churchwarden
