St Peter and St Paul, Old Brampton

Dear Friends

Old Brampton Church

 Dear friends, old and new,

Before his departure for the next stage of his journey with God, Revd Tony prepared a ‘handover list’ of just some of the hundreds of tasks that he has done during his ministry among us.  Tony, with consultation, allocated these tasks to various members of the faith community of St Peter and St Paul to enable the ministry of the Church to continue during the interregnum.  We are all extremely grateful to Tony for his thoughtfulness, consideration and for all the hard work that he has done to prepare us for the future without him.

It has been the custom for Tony and Frank to write the ‘Rector’s Letter’ on alternating months and Tony has asked that we, at Old Brampton, continue to do our share of the work, hopefully ensuring that not too much extra burden falls upon Frank’s shoulders.

On our handover list, against the heading, Magazine:
Rector’s Letter, -next to Frank’s name, also appears the name Celia.   And just in case you are wondering who Celia is perhaps I should introduce myself.  I am Celia Kelly, the new Reader at OB, having been licensed there just as Tony announced his new appointment.

I am sure that none of us would find it easy to follow in the footsteps of Frank and Tony, but we can try, and that applies not just writing the Rector’s letter, but for all of us, in whatever particular form of ministry that we undertake.

*O let me see thy foot-marks

One thing that we do know is that, as Christians, we have all been called to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ.   God calls us to recognise and respond to his great love for us, and to reflect his light and love to those around us. 

*And in them plant mine own;

One way that we can follow and respond is by recognising the gifts that God had given to us to use in his service and by ensuring that these gifts are not wasted.  Even if we think that we have little to offer in the way of talents or gifts, God will take what little we have and use it.  God will take our gifts and multiply them to bring glory to his name.

 *My hope to follow duly is in thy strength alone:

Those whom God calls, he also equips for the task, whatever that might be.

*O guide me, call me, draw me, uphold me to the end;
And then in heaven receive me, my Saviour and my friend

As we journey through Lent and follow the Stations of the Cross we follow Jesus’ footsteps on his journey towards his death in Jerusalem.   His journey was very painful for him, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.   Following in his footsteps is not always easy for us.
Our walk with God sometimes leads us into difficult and painful places.  We are not guaranteed safe passage, but we are told that we are not alone.  He has promised to be with us always.  He gives us hope, strength and courage, and guides us on our journey through life until we reach our final destination- eternal life in the presence of God.

*O speak to reassure me, to hasten or control;
O speak and make me listen, thou guardian of my soul.

This season of Lent is an ideal opportunity for us to personally look back and see where our footsteps have led us so far and to identify how we can follow more closely as Christians and disciples of Jesus Christ.  It is an opportunity for us to spend time in quiet prayer and reflection, asking for and listening to his loving guidance for our future discipleship.

With every good wish for our journey together,

Celia

* Words from O Jesus I have promised by John Ernest Bode, 1816-1874