Bible Study

Opening up the Bible is part of the vocation as a Christian. Tuesday Bible study group are working their way through Paul's letter to the church in Philippi. Taking time, together, to read His Word offers much more than encouragement, it gives an opportunity to discover how God is working in others' lives - The same is true of taking time to pray and to listen, alone with Him -

We are living though turbulent times - so it is even more important to put time aside to attend to the purposes of God. As I began my conscious journey, all those years ago, when a part of Koinonia we were encouraged to have Quiet Times (QT) daily. As a priest there is the promise to attend to the Daily Office - following the Lectionary, that is the readings set for the day Morning and Evening Prayer. It is this rhythm that sustains and continues to surprise me in just how closely the Lectionary fits the moment.

Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.
Psalm 119v105

As we see the markets tumble, unrest in places that were once settled, political turmoil across the world the words of verse 127 of the same seem to to be highlighted. - Truly I love your commandments more than gold, more than fine gold -

Chaplaincy

To be what we are, and to become what we are capable of becoming, is the only end of life
Robert Louis Stevenson

Over the past 5 years I have been Chaplain to 2467 Squadron of the ATC - distance prevents frequent visits, but there is skype! Accompanying the young men and women through these formative years is a real privilege.

I have come to know many able young people, some of faith and all on the journey of discovery. You only get out of things what you are prepared to put in ... as the saying goes and ATC, SU, to name two, are great organisations for youth. (There are others, too).

As a teenager I was part of a large youth group, called Koinonia. This was a lively organisation - and one which gave a great foundation, not just for faith, but life itself. Within its structure there were people who undertook a chaplaincy role, though might not have used that term. These were trustworthy people who had the ability to encourage, as well as the patience to listen, and gently direct those in their care.

Indeed these gifts of encouragement and patience are essential for those who put time aside to walk with young and old alike.

Thank you to those I knew in my youth, and thank you, too, to the youth who encourage me today.

Favourite Hymn

Which would you chose? Over the years there have been many favourites. Each special markers along the pathway of faith. One particularly is - O Jesus I have promised to serve thee to the end. The first line characterises the response to The Call.

As I moved to my last post I chose the terrific 21st century one - In Christ Alone - the words resonate with the ministry I was called to exercise in that place, as well as the move to this place.

In Christ Alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song;
This Cornerstone, this solid Ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All,
Here in the love of Christ I stand.

It's taken time to see clearly the Hand of God in all that took place, and to be thankful for the experience. Yesterday we sang this song again in St Mary's on the Harbour. Minutes later I was greeted by a lovely manxwoman, visiting her sister here, who now lives close to our last Vicarage. New to that area, she has become very active in one of the prayer groups there. Jean brought greetings and encouragement from my many sisters there.