Prayer
Generous
God, you give us gifts and make them grow: though our faith is small as mustard
seed, make it grow to your glory and the flourishing of your kingdom; through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Services next week - 26th July
8.00am Holy Communion (BCP) LC (Andy Bell)
10.00am Family Service CH (John Scholefield)
10.30am Holy Communion LC (Andy Bell)
6.00pm Evensong NW (Robert Hutton)
Collect for
the Seventh Sunday after Trinity
Lord of all power and might, the author and
giver of all good things: graft in our hearts the love of your name, increase
in us true religion, nourish us with all goodness, and of your great mercy keep
us in the same; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns
with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
Sunday was the last service to be taken in our
Benefice by our Vicar, John Wynburne. We have been so lucky to
have known him these last six years, and we wish John and Anna a very happy
retirement in their new home. They will not be moving house
until around the end of August so you may see them in Long Crendon in the
meantime.
Many people from the three villages have expressed
their thanks for what John has done. Here is a selection:
In Long Crendon we
give thanks for John's experienced leadership, guidance, wisdom, literary
knowledge and most of all, his ability to relate to, and deal kindly with all
people. We would like to thank John for having the vision
of bringing St. Mary's architecturally into the 21st century in such a
beautifully tasteful way! Also for supporting the Friends and
PCC to carry out that vision.
From Chearsley –
enjoy a well-earned retirement with your family. Thank you for
making a real connection with our village community. You have
touched the lives of so many people with your love and care, your tireless
energy, and your great sense of fun!
John’s contribution
to the small community of Nether Winchendon has been significant. He
will be remembered, not only for his wisdom, intellect and knowledge, but
particularly for his humanity, tolerance and approachability and his ability to
relate to and engage with villagers of all ages. John and Anna
have been friends to so many of us and whilst we are sad to be saying goodbye
they are not going far so we look forward to keeping in touch.
The last word is from
the Vicar:
‘In the end is my
beginning’. TS Eliot always touches the spot for me. Endings
are also new beginnings. Even when we throw off our mortal
coil, the Christian heart boldly and confidently proclaims that death itself is
the gateway to new life with God in that mystery of what lies beyond our
sight. ‘I go there’, said Jesus,’ to prepare a place for you’.
Both myself and the
Benefice stand at the threshold of a new beginning. I wonder
what the next stage of life will be like. You wonder what a
new Vicar will bring. Uncertainty brings challenge and
opportunity. Look forward with joy.
At such times, it is
difficult to put into words the mixed emotions that are in my heart and mind. TS
Eliot again spoke of a ‘raid on the articulate’ and of ‘wrestling with words’. The
word ‘gratitude’ comes from the depths repeatedly. I am deeply
grateful for all the blessings that God has given me in abundance over the
years here and elsewhere. I am grateful to have had the
opportunity to serve these churches and for the amazing help and support that I
have been given. Will you now please give your full support to
the Churchwardens in their task of maintaining the worship and the activities of
the Benefice churches? A burden shared is a burden halved and
there are a great many jobs to do!
‘Are you looking
forward to your retirement?’ people ask. Well yes and no. There
is a huge sense of loss but also the excitement of a new beginning. Perhaps
TS Eliot should have the last word.
‘Old men ought to be explorers
Here or there does not matter
We must be still and still moving
Into another intensity
For a further union, a deeper communion
Through the dark cold and the empty desolation,
The wave cry, the wind cry, the vast waters
Of the petrel and the porpoise.
In my end is my beginning.’
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship
of the Holy Spirit, be with you
all. John
For the full pew sheet please follow this link
