‘But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.’ — JOHN 14.26-27
Having celebrated the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, we now enter a time in the Church year when we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit, given to the disciples at Pentecost, and us at our baptism.
The season after Pentecost is a time when we rejoice in the gift of the Spirit to us as a comforter and sustainer. It is a time of growth for us, and the whole Church; a time when we seek to grow in the gifts of love, joy and peace.
Looking back over the year we have done much to grow in our worship and in our spiritual lives which has supported us in our call to serve Christ as a church which welcomes everyone but is also there to support all those in need who are outside the Church.
As we continue our journey as an inclusive church and an outward facing church, our adventure is filled with joy, however, this month some sadness enters in. We are all aware that Chris and Marilyn are moving to Shetland to begin a new and exciting time in their lives. We will look back with fondness at the times we shared together, and in thankfulness for all the work they did for St Oswald’s and the local community. While we will miss them very much we celebrate their new opportunities and wish them the joy and peace of Christ in their new adventure. Our ‘official’ goodbye is on the 10th June but there will be many other opportunities for more personal goodbyes.
Another sadness is the news of Bishop Gregor’s pending retirement. He has been a true pastor and friend to us over the years and will be greatly missed. The good news, though possibly not for Bishop Gregor, is that he will not be moving far so we might be able to charm him into popping in now and again. Bishop Gregor will be leading our Thursday morning study group in July and preaching and celebrating at our Patronal Festival, St Oswald’s Day, in August. So again, lots of opportunities to say goodbye.
May the Spirit of Pentecost see us grow as God’s children and in our witness to God’s all-encompassing love.
Jim
Priest-in-Charge
