From the Vicarage

‘You must really notice a difference now that you are here in Cheshire, rather

than in Oxford!’ many people have said to me since my arrival here, and whilst

it is true that life here in Cheshire if different – calmer, more space, less rushed,

cleaner. It is also true that my ministry is not really that different at all.

Let me explain:

I still journey with people at times of great joy and sadness, and also through

the mundane and ordinariness of daily life. It is one of my greatest privileges to

be able to be alongside people on their life journey, helping them to discover

where it is that God is acting in their lives for their good.

I still do the round of church services, discovering each year something new in

the message from God that is given to us in the richness of the scripture.

I still constantly discover that I am unworthy, and that I can only do this job

through the Grace of God.

I still lead worship, and although this is now through four churches rather than

three, I still feel greatly privileged to lead worship. The Eucharist is one of the

main focuses of my ministry, and it is this that keeps me going, that sustains my

own spirituality as every time I celebrate the Eucharist I/we encounter the living

God here in our midst.

So, I would argue that Ministry here in Cheshire is not all that different than in

Inner City Manchester, rural Cornwall or semi-rural Oxfordshire.

Our lovely group of churches will be looking at a new service pattern early in

January as the current pattern cannot be undertaken by one priest on a Sunday

and, sadly, there are few retired priests available to help out Sunday by

Sunday.

I pray that when the new pattern is introduced that you will give it time, so that

you can see the pattern and routine. Change, I know, is never easy, but our

Lord never said that following Him was going to be easy. We need to examine

what we do in our services on a regular basis so that we can encounter God

through all the Offices that the church has to offer, both Eucharistic and

Non-Eucharistic.

Finally huge thanks must go to everybody who kept our lovely churches going

through the interregnum, you have all done an amazing job as not only have

you kept things going, I can also see that closer bonds have formed between

the churches and these will be vital to ensure that our churches remain active

and welcoming.

May I also wish you all a belated Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

With all Gods Blessings

Robert

My contact details are:

Revd R S Thewsey MA

The Vicarage

Rostherne

Knutsford WA16 6RZ

Telephone – 01565 830595

Email – [email protected]