As we began to attend Church regularly we quickly felt at home. It was then
we decided to be confirmed. And so it was that on a Wednesday morning
Eucharist in St. Oswald's Bishop Gregor confirmed us. On that same
morning Anne Young said to us "Welcome to our family"
This was the first time either of us had heard the word "family" used in a
Church.
Events then seemed to move rapidly. Firstly, Enez became Treasurer and I
also soon was invited to join the Vestry.
The friendliness in St Oswalds's continued to grow as far as we were
concerned. For example, last year we visited York. On learning of our
intended trip to the city, both Paula & Jean were most helpful with
suggestions of what we might do and see. As a result, we attended lunch
time Eucharist in the Minster and also Evensong, and more besides. It was
as though they both cared that we would enjoy our visit to the full, and we
did thanks to them.
On the theme of friendship, I am delighted to say we are still in contact with
Fr Michael. Mostly it is by e-mails or postcards. Easter or Christmas
cards. However last year he paid a two-day visit to Edinburgh. He wanted to
visit Old St. Pauls. We spent the second day with him. For lunch we went to
a Hostelry in the City's Rose Street. It rejoices in the name of the Auld
Hundred. The name was not lost on Michael and there he much enjoyed his
first taste of Haggis, neeps and tatties.
Michael has now retired and living in Spalding. However, he can be found
acting as a locum in Lisbon, Porto and other places in Europe at any given
time in a year.
What we love about the Eucharist is in the part members of the congregation
are able to play. Taking the elements and reading. On the day Lesley-ann
was licensed we were delighted to play a part in that moving ceremony.
Our new Bible study group is a first class incentive, not only do we learn to
better understand what we are studying and what it means but all who
attend get better knowledge of one another. No bad thing at all. We have
no regrets about coming part of St Oswalds's family. Lesley-ann constantly
and continually reminds us that we are members of a family. In time I am
certain we will grow in strength and love to do Gods will in our community
through our Lord, Jesus Christ and the continued presence of his Holy Spirit.
George Anderson
StOM Page 18