Our churchwardens look forward with confidence in the Lord
Every year, after churches have held their Annual Parish Meetings and churchwardens have been elected, the wardens attend a service of celebration of their ministry, usually in early summer. For Bev and me, we usually look forward to a service at Christchurch Priory with our fellow churchwardens from all around the Diocese. This year, of course, no such service could take place and, in November, Zoom became the order of the day. Two services were arranged and, amazingly, over 200 people were involved in each one from their homes including us and Bishop Tim. Our Bishop spoke about how the stronger church members are called to support the weaker ones in our communities and how we rely on God for our joy, peace and hope (Romans 15:1-13). We both agreed that the service we attended seemed more personal and meaningful because of the low-key nature.
As we wardens said our promises, we were united in the desire to serve God by serving our churches – a unity that was and is possible through the power of the Holy Spirit. Currently life may be different in many ways, but not even Covid-19 can separate the People of God! Not even Covid-19 can stop us caring, loving, and serving in His name! The church buildings may not be in use as before, but the People of God are as alive and as active as they have ever been.
We pray that you and your families will all stay well and hold firm trusting God. We so look forward to the day when we are able to welcome you back to church, so that we can worship together again as a church family once more.
May God’s peace and joy completely fill our hearts this Christmas. May we overflow in confident Hope.
With our love and prayers,
Bev Collum-Mills and Christine Moyes, churchwardens
