LETTER FROM THE TWO PULPITS
Since I returned to St Oswald’s after Ashley’s illness, I have had more than a
few conversations with people from all walks of life who have very definite
ideas about me.
Yes moi!
And they haven’t minded telling me what they think. The common
denominator in these encounters has been about this charge, St Oswald’s.
These folks have either told me that I am doing too much and changing too
much, or that I am not doing enough or changing enough. And, Of course,
there are those who are saying ’We need more people as members of this
church, however, we won’t change a thing, we don’t want that kind of ‘thing’.
Marvellous, here is me, left wondering what kind of ‘thing’ is it that isn’t
wanted! Ahhhh! I know the answer.
CHANGE
As I do, when I have these revelations of wisdom, I had a conversation with
the one who knows all about me, you, and St Oswald’s charge (God; in case
you thought I meant the Bishop)
I asked Him in a cheeky way if He would either send me a PA who would
work for free, or an encourager like Barnabas to keep me going.
No PA came forth to write my report, this letter, or clear my desk; however,
as I scrolled through Google in search of inspiration, I found this article. It
was written 18 months ago by Rev Scott Robertson for the Fresh
Expressions magazine.
I read through it and thanked God for sending a ‘Barnabas encouragement’
to remind me of the aspirations we collectively had at the point of my
licencing. I send it out to you all as a reminder of what you had prayed for
and had received. It makes for an enlightened reflection.
It would be good if we as church family could collectively chat about this at
some point.
Does it encourage you? Or does it disappoint you?
Lesley-ann
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