early Spring at St Michael's

A NEW ORDINAND announced that he’s been recommended for training for the priesthood – on his 24th wedding anniversary; three couples were present for the calling of their banns, two children were baptised, new “liturgy boxes” were introduced for the children, a large team of pastoral visitors were commissioned for the coming year, and altogether several hundred people gathered at St Michael’s during the course of the morning.

Some who will sit exams in the coming weeks prayed for confidence and good memories as they sit down to their writing. Some who will examine their papers prayed for wisdom and patience. New parents and godparents were encouraged. The bereaved and the sick were prayed for and held in hearts and minds. The Church was about its daily business, engaging with, living alongside God’s people; engaging with, living in and alongside God, the Source of all of our lives.

And it’s all undergirded and supported by a huge team of people who participate in ensuring that the day to day work of the Church continues. I remember talking to an airline pilot when I was Vicar of Ringway. “Mine’s the easy job”, he said, “I don’t have to maintain the plane, organise check-in, prepare the food, serve the coffee or run the airport. I just fly the plane.” And when I called into Church on the way to a house communion this afternoon I remembered that conversation when I observed that our quiet and faithful Verger had turned the aftermath of several hundred people’s presence into calm order and peace again. Ready for the next gathering. God bless him, and the entire crew.