A final note from the Manse
Life has a habit of making a mockery of our plans. \Ve think we know what is going to happen in the next days, weeks, months but life gets in the way and everything changes.
How comforting to know that our names are written on the palms of God's hands. We are always in His care.
These last months have been difficult and disappointing. I was hoping to lead worship during this quarter, but it wasn't to be.
However, I have really enjoyed my years in Sudbury, Glemsford and Bradfield. I reflect on all that has happened and all we have achieved and I thank God. I think of you all as friends and I am sad to be leaving. However, maybe I have done what God sent me to do. Maybe He has different challenges for you and for me in the future.
At the harvest service we heard the Gospel reading about planting seeds and letting them grow in God's care. Between us I am confident that we have planted some seeds which will continue in growth. Keep working at nourishing them and remember it is God's church, not ours and we are His workers in the field.
I have been impressed by the way you have all pulled together to enable the worship and activities to continue successfully. I hope that some of you have discovered new gifts that you did not know you had.
A probationary minister is coming in September.
Don't expect them to do all you are now doing. Give them room, time, and space to create their own vision for God's work in Bradfield, Glemsford and St Johns.
Rev Stephen Yelland is taking the Communion service at St Johns on 30th November and I plan to assist him. Also in the afternoon of that day please join me for a cup of tea at St Johns from 3pm to give me an opportunity to say goodbye.
'''Tis Jesus the first and the last,
Whose Spirit shall guide us safe home;
We'll praise him for all that is past,
And trust him for all that's to come."
HP277
Au revoir
