From the Vicarage

Spring Into Action

May flowers are already flourishing, and we are well into Eastertide as this beautiful month begins. The 17th May is the Thursday this year when Ascension Day seals the triumph of the incarnation as we celebrate the victorious return of Jesus to his throne in heaven. The last Sunday of May brings us the Feast of Pentecost, Whit Sunday, as we thank our heavenly Father for the gift of the Holy Spirit, giving the first disciples the courage to begin their mission of telling the whole world about Jesus Christ. It is through the grace of God’s Holy Spirit that we have the Church as our spiritual home and family, and our own call to spread the Gospel, too.

Members of families don’t always pay each other much attention, though, do they ? It is sad when parents say of their children, ‘They’re only here when they want something.’ Every autumn vicars receive a rush of requests for signatures on Church School application forms. The forms require an assurance that the applicant attends church services regularly and understands the Christian faith, so people who do not qualify have to go away disappointed. If you know of anyone who will be looking at Church Schools this year, do encourage them to start making contact with their local church now.

Several people have enquired about being confirmed, so new confirmation courses for young people and adults may be starting this summer. Canon Law, which is the law of the Church of England and our nation, requires baptism and full Christian ‘initiation’ before the sacrament of Holy Communion can normally be received. Christians are therefore strongly encouraged to continue their spiritual development by seeking to be confirmed so that they can be regular communicants.

With every blessing,

Ann

The above is the lead article from the parish magazine for May 2007.
If you wish to receive the full magazine it is available for a subscription of £3 per year from Mrs Mavis Bradley on 01322 338654 or email parishmag at sladegreen dot org

Index of the previous magazine articles