Working Together for the Kingdom

St Michaelā€™s Vicarage
Alnwick

Dear People of Alnwick,

By the time you read this blog, Gerard Rundell will have been ordained Deacon in our Cathedral Church and he, Karen and their children Theo and Phoebe will be beginning to ā€˜find their feetā€™ here in Alnwick.

When Bishop Martin invited me to consider becoming Vicar of Alnwick, some six and a half years ago, he said that he considered Alnwick to be a splendid context in which to serve a curacy and expected that candidates would continue to be offered that opportunity. It is good to know that Bishop Christine shares that view and I consider it a privilege to be given, once again, some share in the formation of another newly-ordained Deacon.

Such a ā€œvote of confidenceā€ is a recognition that this parish is already home to a viable and vibrant Christian community: a community which has firm foundations and which can be the basis for further growth and development.

And all of us are called ā€“ individually by God ā€“ to play our part in doing what we can to build on the foundation which already exists. Each one of us, from the tiniest of babies to the oldest of our number ā€“ including those who are now no longer able to make it to church, add something special and unique to the family of St. Michaelā€™s.

Indeed, each of us is called to ministry. Never forget that wonderful analogy of the body with its many limbs and organs which St. Paul expounds to the church in Corinth. To be really effective we must work together for the extension of the Kingdom in this place ā€“ and each of us has been given a contribution to make towards that goal.

The way in which many folk at St. Michaelā€™s already take seriously the challenge to make Christ known is a great witness that their faith is alive and healthy. Just think of the many jobs and responsibilities which go towards the smooth-running of the church in this place: from Choir and Servers, via those who help with the Mini Michaels and Messy Church to collecting for Christian Aid. The list is a long and varied one ā€“ and all of it undergirded by the prayer ā€œThy kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.ā€

As Gerard takes his place amongst us, and adds his own particular contribution to the life of the Christian community in this place, please pray for him and his family that Godā€™s work will go from strength to strength and that we all will be richly blessed.

Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of the Church is governed and sanctified: hear our prayer which we offer for all your faithful people, that in their vocation and ministry they may serve you in holiness and truth to the glory of your name; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

With every blessing,

Paul.

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