Our diocesan secretary, Jacqueline Ladds, gives an update.
In early July, I attended one of the Archdeacons’ Visitations – a service which acts as the official admittance of churchwardens as office holders for the coming year and which also affirms the gifts they bring to the life of our parishes across the Diocese.
The reading was 1 Corinthians 12 which reminds us that each of us is different, how we need each other and how we are united together in Christ.
‘Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone.’
This particular verse prompted me to reflect on the many people and the many gifts that God is using in us and that I have been blessed by recently.
From the wonderful congregation at St Mark’s Bilton who used their gift of hospitality when the Rev’d Daniel Bennett was installed as their incumbent, to the deanery treasurers who have been using their talents to help support the share offer process for next year, to the diocesan staff and clergy who used their gifts of nurture and organisation to help our curates prepare for their ordinations just six weeks ago. I am also reminded of the service performed by members of the Diocesan Finance Group who met to consider the Board of Finance’s annual report and financial statements and colleagues who have served the Diocese by using their specialist governance knowledge to manage the triennial elections to Diocesan Synod.
These are just a few examples.
Whatever your role in the life of the Diocese, thank you.
Whether you’re looking forward to a summer of rest or you have a summer of work ahead, both followed by the typically busy Autumn to come. Remember that God rejoices in the different gifts, skills and qualities He has given to us and that He brings us together to help one another to live out our mission purpose of worshipping God, making new disciples and transforming communities.
