This is a sad occasion for us, as we compile this, our penultimate, ‘News from…’ article. Our six years licensing to the benefice comes to an end on 24th. May. This would be an appropriate time to retire as I am 70 earlier in May, with Norma reaching the same milestone in 2027.
Ironically, Pentecost Sunday is on 24th. May and this would be a fitting end to our ministry, although we can’t promise the same spectacle that greeted the disciples on that day over 2,000 years ago!
As Jesus, their leader, had just ascended back to heaven, and they anxiously wondered what lay ahead, the disciples waited for the promise of the ‘helper.’ Sure enough, Jesus did not disappoint, as the Holy Spirit came in tongues of fire, lay upon and empowered them, and his church was born.
St. Paul reminds the Corinthian church (see below) that individual leader’s ‘plant’ and ‘water,’ but only God can bring about growth.
We are sure God already has some one in mind to plant and water in Tilston and Shocklach. But, just as the Holy Spirit took control, and the early church grew 2,000 years ago, we need to be reminded of this fact, especially as Pentecost approaches. God will still be here, long after we have departed, and growth will continue.
As we depart, our greatest prayer for the two church communities is that our retirement will not be met with sadness and pessimism, but with joy and expectation that God is still at work, just as he was on that Pentecost Sunday over 2,000 years ago.
God bless,
Revd Tim and Revd Norma