On Maundy Thursday, I attended the Chrism Eucharist in the Cathedral. It is a beautiful service which serves as a reaffirmation of ministerial vows and as the blessing of oils that are used in baptisms and confirmations for example.
During the service the Bishop invites in turn clergy, deacons, licensed lay readers, headteachers and those involved in the work of Church schools, and anyone involved in the church’s active service of Christ to renew their commitments. There is also an opportunity to be blessed and anointed with oils.
I found it very moving and poignant.
In her sermon, Bishop Ruth thanked everyone for what they had given in ministry and service for God and finished by saying ‘For all of us, whether ordained or lay, our calling is to be one who serves’.
In his teachings, Jesus emphasises the importance of service showing that greatness in God’s kingdom is measured by one’s willingness to serve others. Matthew says ‘Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve ..’
This is something I truly believe in and ‘service’ is a core value for the Diocesan staff team.
Whether it is support with safeguarding, parish structures, HR or communications, advice on the care and development of church buildings, maintaining and repairing our clergy housing, paying grants, stipends and pensions, managing investments, guiding individuals in discerning their vocation, providing training and development to our curates and clergy or advising parishes in vacancy or clergy appointments, every single one of my Diocesan Office colleagues offers a service. In doing so they are seeking to serve and support mission and ministry across the Diocese and ultimately our God – the Servant King.
Let me finish with a few words from Graham Kendrick’s hymn which serves to remind us all of our service to God.
From heaven you came, helpless babe,
Entered our world, your glory veiled;
Not to be served but to serve,
And give your life that we might live.
This is our God, the Servant King,
He calls us now to follow him,
To bring our lives as a daily offering
Of worship to the Servant King.
So let us learn how to serve,
And in our lives enthrone him;
Each other's needs to prefer,
For it is Christ we're serving.
