Julie's Jottings for September
On 30 August Rev Dr Sarah West moves on to a new post. We thank her for all she has contributed to the Church and Village and send our love and prayers for her future ministry. Sarah writes a farewell Musing for us this month. Rev Julie Norris
St Mary’s Musings:
As Chaucer wrote, all things must come to an end. But knowing an ending is coming rarely makes the ending or the transition any easier. My curacy at Great Shelford was always due to finish in October, but it still feels like a surprise; time passes so quickly that things creep up on us unawares. That said, I have been given a fantastic and exciting new post as Team Vicar of the Sole Bay Team Ministry, serving alongside the Team Rector across 8 coastal churches in Suffolk in the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich. So, I will be moving house in September and starting a new chapter.
My time at Great Shelford has been one of healing, growth and leaning into where God is leading. I am grateful to the generous, welcoming community at St Mary’s who have made this a place of acceptance, belonging, and hope through their love and support.
It has been a joy to walk with you, hear your stories and share my love of choral music with you, through the choral Tenebrae service in Holy Week, the 'Lead Kindly Light' service for All Souls, and monthly Evensong.
However, to grow we must change. Change does not need to be dramatic, it could be a change in perspective, a new way of approaching life’s challenges, or simply accepting what is. August is a time for rest, when many of us take a break before the new academic year begins. September often brings change, when our young people start new schools, prepare for college or university, or start work, and parents adjust to the changes in their children. And as the seasons change, we are reminded of the passage of time and the changes in us through this journey of life.
Change can be difficult, but I am reminded of Jesus’ words to the disciples as they feared the storm and saw him walking on water, 'Take heart, It is I, Do not be afraid' (Matt 14). In the story, Peter steps out of the boat and joins Jesus on the water, but he becomes afraid and starts to sink. Jesus reaches out his hand and catches him. Jesus knows it is difficult, that our faiths, like Peter's, oscillate like waves from being full to being little and fragile, and that we can't sustain them on our own.
The good news is that when our hearts are joyful and full of faith & trust, God is with us. And when we are overwhelmed, sinking and afraid, God is there with us too. Sometimes we are called to brave the storm, and sometimes God calls us to step out of the boat, through our fear. Jesus invites us to put our trust in him; to let go and let God lead us on the journey. ‘Take heart’, Jesus says, ‘have courage, it is I, do not be afraid’. May the Lord bless you and keep you. Rev Sarah West