Rector's Letter

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The Rector's Letter

July 2009

The Rector writes:

Dear Friends,

Here is a salutary, if probably, apocryphal tale. At Pride-on-the-Marsh in deepest rural England, the parishioners were busily preparing for the imminent confirmation service. The choir were rehearsing under the meticulous and sometimes stern leadership of the Director of Music. The cleaning team was wielding dusters, brooms and the ancient but trusty vacuum cleaner. As dust and dirt were being swept away, beautiful flowers were being arranged in eye-catching positions. At the lectern, those reading and leading intercessions were taking turns to practice with the new sound system. At the chancel steps, the Vicar was taking the confirmation candidates through the liturgy. The common desire to impress their much-loved Bishop was reflected in focussed activity all around the beautiful church. Unobtrusively a wayfarer, tired and bedraggled, and seeking some quiet and rest, pushed open the West Door. He slid into a nearby pew, slumped down and duly fell asleep. His gentle snoring slowly brought him to everyone’s attention. “We can’t have him spoiling our church,” announced the senior churchwarden. Nods and murmurs of approval signalled unanimous agreement. In response, the Vicar woke the tramp and ushered him outside where he gave him £10 and directions to the local train station. As he headed off, the stranger thought to himself, “Not much of a church.” In marked and unsurprising contrast, the Bishop drove away after a memorable, uplifting service, reflecting on how “marvellous” the church was.

Perhaps the truth lies somewhere between these two opinions, as it does for most churches. The point of the story, however, is on the importance of the view of the outsider. I always try to pay particular attention to how newcomers or visitors find the churches in the Saffron Walden Team. They can offer valuable insights on where we need to develop. Moreover, as there is always the danger of becoming insular and preoccupied with ourselves, their presence is a telling reminder of the importance of the outsider – those who do not belong yet. As William Temple, a former Archbishop of Canterbury, said, “The church is the only society on earth that exists for the benefit of non-members.”

That is why it was very pleasing to hear that those who came on the recent parish weekend to help with the programme for children and young people found this gathered community from across the churches in our United Benefice warm and welcoming. Furthermore, Anne Howson who is to be ordained deacon on 5th July, and her husband Eddie, were also struck by the generous friendship that they had been offered and enjoyed the company immensely.

Over the next few months, there will be two further additions to the clergy team, Wendy Moore will be licensed as Team Vicar of Ashdon and Hadstock on 29th July and Paula Griffiths will be ordained as deacon on 20th September. I am confident that they along with their husbands, Keith and Roger, will swiftly feel at home amongst us.

Hospitality should be a fundamental characteristic of us as individual Christians and of our churches. Let us all look out for newcomers whether they are high profile or those who slip into church largely unnoticed. As we seek to be generous, sensitive and engaging to those who currently could be regarded as outsiders, there is the added incentive, highlighted at the beginning of chapter 13 of Hebrews, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”

With love

David Tomlinson

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