​The Vicar's "Two Penn'orth"

November 2019:
Faithfulness and Change

Rev Paul, Vicar of Hoylake, writes ...

Seasons come and go but the work of the Church endures forever; “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever” (Hebrews, chapter 13, verse 8). What a wonderful verse to reflect upon! It makes me think of the faithfulness of the saints and all those who in this church have been faithful warriors for Christ.

Faithfulness is one of the most important building blocks of the Church and its desire to serve God and its community. I am sure you can think of those who have been faithful all their lives despite, as the song writer puts it, “through all the changing scenes of life”. Faithfulness is the response of a loving heart to keep going no matter what, being faithful in prayer, and diligent in actions.

It is never easy to remain faithful when things don’t go our way and we find ourselves out of step with the vision of those who lead us. This is the time to hold fast to the faith, pray with all your might, and trust in God.

Our Diocese is about to experience a great change as we pray and prepare for a new bishop - and who knows what his or her vision will be. God knows; and we need to be prepared to be led by God’s chosen representative as we seek God’s will for our lives and our church.

What has always reassured me is that God has a plan for us and, as the prophet Jeremiah says, “a plan to prosper and not to harm us.” Responding with faithfulness is in part about obedience and discipline - none of us are here to get our own way - but rather the way of Jesus and the path he chooses for us.

This year we have indeed said ‘goodbye’ to several faithful members of our church - not least Eric, a man who truly showed us what being faithful is all about. Eric didn’t always agree, but he always, without question, showed his support and care no matter what.

As we go through the loss of much-loved friends, we are called to keep the faith and pray for each and every new member of our church and, indeed, for every stranger who comes through the doors.

The Church of England has just celebrated the season of All Saints and All Souls. Many of you will have attended our service to commemorate the souls of the faithful. What a moving and beautiful service it was! The words of the liturgy and the prayers bringing us all close to the presence of our Lord who comforts us. This service is one of the opportunities we have as a community of faith to draw close to the broken hearted and to show Christ’s love and compassion.

It is what our vision is all about - being the Church, a sacred place where God speaks. The church rightly has a vision to reach out to the community and I think we do that very well, but we must also never forget that our prime role is to be a place of sanctuary: open and inclusive, a place for quiet prayer and reflection and a place to hear God’s word through the Bible and the services. May we go forward with our vision, always keeping our ears and minds open to God’s leading.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs, chapter 3, verses 5-6.

Your friend,

Rev Paul,
Vicar of Hoylake