Dear Friends,
Romans 12 v 4-6. “ For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.”
We give thanks for all the gifts shared last weekend from many in our church and community. As we give thanks so we Celebrate the diversity of those gifts. Celebration is also expressed in every Eucharist; as we meet in fellowship over coffee; and when we gather in groups. This week I have witnessed a great Celebration of the Mothers’ Union in London, as members gathered at St. Paul’s Cathedral to give thanks for their founder Mary Sumner and the ensuing 150 years of life and work of the Mothers’ Union.
In addition, there was much celebration as friends met up after the service and strengthened bonds that had held them together over many years. Then as you read this letter I will be returning from a full day MU conference. I know from past experiences, that I and all who have attended will be fired up with enthusiasm to see the MU walk its path of prayer, faith and service in the coming years.
This Sunday our service will reflect our thanksgiving and celebration of the Mothers’ Union which has played a huge part in the life and witness of St. Nicolas Church over the past years. We will give thanks for all who have led and guided it as branch leader including Pat Dummer our generous donor of our church centre. In my memory Maggie Carter and Ingrid Pooler.
In two weeks time the church celebrates Petertide. A celebration that reminds us that God has called each of us, regardless of our weaknesses, to be part of his work in the world. Like Peter, we are invited to trust God’s guidance, step out in faith, and serve with courage. The day also marks ordinations, so is a time to pray for those stepping into leadership and ministry roles, empowered by the Holy Spirit to shepherd God’s people. Amongst those, please pray for our oldest son Mark who is to be ordained Deacon at Worcester Cathedral.
As we give thanks and celebrate, may we embrace the gifts we have each received for the tasks we are asked to undertake, knowing that Christ equips us and strengthens us to be his hands and feet in the world.
Yours, in Christ,
Daphne
Daphne Cook, LLM