Vocations Sunday

The Fourth Sunday of Easter is often known as ‘Good Shepherd Sunday’ because the gospel reading for the day is taken from John 10, which explores the image of Jesus as the good shepherd. At St Oswald’s and at many other churches this is also ‘Vocations Sunday’ which offers us the opportunity to consider what ‘calling’ means in the Church, and how we may best use our gifts in God’s service. This year, Vocations Sunday fell on 22nd April and the ordinands and lay reader candidates training for ministry were preaching at various churches around Scotland.

We were delighted to welcome Ellie Charman, a final year ordinand, to St Oswald’s. Ellie played an active role in the service by choosing the hymns, assisting at the altar and, of course, preaching for us on the Gospel of the day. In a small congregation that relies heavily on the lay ministries of our members as well as the ministry of our priest, Ellie’s words were very much appreciated in reminding us all of our own individual vocations as Christians. A collection was taken during the service, raising £60 to support the Scottish Episcopal Institute. We are very grateful to Ellie for travelling from Edinburgh to join us and we will be keeping her in our prayers as she continues on her journey to ordination.