Rector’s Ramblings March 2017
Rectors Ramblings
As we enter March and Lent, and if you think the year is going fast, then are probably right. And if this year has gone fast so have the last two, for sadly it is time for us to say farewell to rev Shemil Mathew.
He joined us nearly three years ago, as an assistant curate to receive his on the job training, to be a priest in the Church of England. He has now completed that training and has been offered the post of the chaplain to the Oxford Brooke University in the diocese of Oxford. He will leave us on Sunday 12th March after a celebration service at 11am followed by a buffet lunch in Aynho Village Hall. He doesn’t get much of a break before being licensed to his new post on 20th March. Although we are sad to see Shemil go, as we have enjoyed his time with us, we must send him away with our blessing knowing that he has completed his training, and that we all, in our many different ways, have played a part in giving him the experiences he needed to grow. So farewell Shemil, may God Bless you in your new post, and don’t forget that you will always be welcome back among us here.
With Shemil leaving many people have been asking, when will we get another curate? The answer to that one is, I don’t know. There is no guarantee that a parish or benefice will always receive a curate, the process is about choosing the right place for the right person. The Peterborough diocese are very keen to train more young curates like Shemil and are looking for places for them to grow. But it has to be the right place for them and the parish or parishes. I hope we might get another chance in training a curate, as it is encouraging to see somebody grow in faith and confidence. But I am not holding my breath in the next year or two at the moment, but if the next couple of years go as quick as the last then the opportunity may come our way again, sooner than we expect. In the mean time we will continue with our work of trying to bring in God’s kingdom to our villages.
Ash Wednesday 1st March
Ash Wednesday derives its name from the marking in ashes of a cross on a person’s forehead, signifying their turning from the wrong things in life (sin) and turning to Christ. It is also a reminder, if needed, about our mortality as the priest uses the words ‘Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return. Turn away from sin and be faithful to Christ.’ The ashes used are made from the burnt remains of last year’s palm crosses used on Palm Sunday.
Lent for Christians is a time for preparing for Easter as we recall the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness. Historically this would mean going without luxuries and hence the using up of ingredients on Shrove Tuesday. Today some people still give up certain foods or activities as Lenten discipline. If you want to try this why not give the money saved to charity. Or I would encourage taking up a profitable pastime or activity as an alternative, maybe even one of the Bible studies where you can feed body and soul. The middle of Lent is marked by Mothering Sunday which this year is on 26th March, which gives an excuse to have a celebration. Have a Good Lent. Simon
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