Dear friends,
This week I came across a book which I hadn’t seen for a while. It’s a book of Celtic prayers from Iona* and was given to me when I was confirmed, here at St Nicolas, by Bishop Dominic in November 2002. We didn’t go to church when I was a child, and only really became involved with St Nicolas because Alex (my eldest) wanted to come to the family service after meeting our then vicar Dan Tyndall at the St Nicolas Toddler Group run by one Julia Jones. Blame any/all of them for me being here!
All of us have our own journey of faith. It might be a straight road, a winding lane, or sometimes feel like a labyrinth. There are hills and valleys, bright sunshine and shadow. Green pastures with quiet waters and rock strewn paths. But as the psalmist reminds us, we have a guide to protect us, nourish us and whose goodness and love will follow us all the days of our life.
Last week, baby Luca, supported by his family and friends, was baptised and began his journey. This week the lovely Ella and
Tina will be baptised at St Nicolas and confirmed by Bishop Mary at St Peter’s. Our love and prayers go to them and I’d like to pass on a Celtic prayer for their journey, from the book given to me at my confirmation:
Bless to me, O God, the earth beneath my feet.
Bless to me, O God, the path on which I go.
Bless to me, O God, the people whom I meet.
O God of all gods, bless to me my life.
Yours, as we journey together,
Wendy
* “Each Day and Each Night” by J. Philip Newell