Last Sunday we revisited the story of the last decade.  How I came to be Rector of our 10 villages and how we had journeyed together.  It is a journey through doubt (it won’t work), reluctance to cross the great divide (the A140) and Pandemic to friendship and teamwork.

I reflected that God moves in mysterious ways, his wonders to perform.  Recalling my childhood memory of the words Except the Lord build the house, they labour but in vain that build it (Psalm 127:10), in the window behind the altar of my home church; a reminder that no matter how clear our vision, how well made our plans, without God we work in vain.

But where to build the kingdom?  Quite plainly, Jesus built with all the wrong people, the religious authorities said so (eg: Matthew 9:10-13). But who are the wrong people?  Far too many of our neighbours assume that the description extends to them.  Over the years the church, in all its many forms, has told them they are no longer welcome; their life experiences have disqualified them.  Hospitality in moments of need is an important opportunity to break through that misconception and help bring someone closer to God once more.  Helping the wounded see that God cares for them helps us all flourish.

In our 10 years together, we have lived and worked through much change and turmoil.  It has not always been easy.  What we have achieved, we have achieved together; with each other and with God.  Several people asked what is the next chapter?  In reply I leave you with 2 thoughts.

Our story does not begin with my interview, or appointment.  Our 10 years together, large though it may be in our lives, is little more than a paragraph in the life of the church in our villages; a chapter in our lives.  On a personal level, I can see how my path to North Bosmere is part of a life-long journey; the influence of parents, friends, school, church and much more. This is true for all of us. The Psalmist (Ps 139) tells us that God created us and knew us, even before we were born.

As to the next chapter; here our paths diverge once more.  My time here is over.  For Mary and me, another chapter awaits us.  As we journey on, we carry your love and friendship with us, that we know.  The next chapter for you is for someone else to write; maybe for you to write together.  Thank you, and as our paths part, may you know God’s presence on the next stage of your story.

Rev’d Philip  Payne                The Notice Sheet for 4 August 2024 can be found here.  Morning Worship at St Mary’s at 9.30am on Sunday 4th August

Post Script:

This series of weekly From the Rectory reflections began on Mothering Sunday 2020 in response to the COVID lock-down order to close all churches.  This is my last offering.  Thank you for all the comments I have received over more than four years.  I hope that you have found them as helpful to read as I find them to write.  God be with you.