Dear Friends,
This morning at the Sung Mass we baptise Rory Stephen Palmer, son of Kara and Stephen, and grandson of Taryne Malaquin. We welcome Rory into the Church, and all of his family and friends as they join with us in celebration today.
At the end of the Mass we shall commission and bless the new parish officers appointed at the AGM last Sunday. Their names are listed below. We are very grateful to them for their willingness to serve the parish community in this way.
The 10:00 am Mass today is my last service before I go on leave. We welcome Fr Tim Hurd, who is taking my place at S. Michael’s for much of the next four months. He is looking forward to meeting you all.
For most purposes relating to worship and pastoral need, please contact Fr Tim, who will be working closely with our other clergy and the Wardens. In terms of statutory and final decisions, and all that belongs with the office of the Vicar, the Revd Lynne Horwood will be responsible (with the Wardens) until my return.
The Gospel today gives us the lovely image of the vine and the branches, an image for the relationship of Christian people with the risen Jesus Christ in whom they are called to make their home. In a wonderful little book inspired by this Gospel, Henri Nouwen concludes:
Jesus is a very patient teacher. He never stops telling us where to make our true home, what to look for and how to live. When we are distracted, we focus upon all the dangers and forget what we have heard. But Jesus says over and over again, “Make your home in me, as I make mine in you. Whoever remains in me, with me in them, bears fruit in plenty… I have told you this so that my own joy may be in you, and your joy may be complete.” Thus Jesus invites us to an intimate, fruitful, and ecstatic life in his home, which is ours too.
May God bless you all. I leave you in very good hands, and above all in the loving hands of God, who blesses us so richly at S. Michael’s.
Fr Peter Williams
S. Michael’s Vestry 2009
Vicar: Fr Peter Williams
Priest Assistant: Revd Lynne Horwood
Churchwardens: Robert Maclagan Claire Anstice
Synodspeople: Michael Graveston Tim Hill
Elected Members:
Denis Coulter/ John De la Bere/ John Fowler/ Malcolm Griffiths/ Michael Ladd/ Virginia O’Donnell
