As we enter into December and the season of Advent there is always a risk that we overlook this time as we race towards Christmas. Throughout advent in our services we light a candle each Sunday leading up to Christmas as we think about the themes of hope, joy, love and peace.
In preparing for the information afternoon for those who have joined the church in the last five or so years I began thinking about the last seven years I have had the privilege of being vicar of Old Felixstowe. It made me think about what has changed and how we have sought to grow together in our faith. This led me to look at the application I wrote for the role. In my application I highlighted four key priorities I discerned from the profile of the parish.
A few years ago I watched a clip on you tube of what happens after a forest fire. It was created by using photos taken from a static camera over several months. The early images showed the devastation caused by the horrific fire – the trees were charred and much of the undergrowth was seemingly destroyed.
One of the many joys of being vicar of Old Felixstowe is when I get the opportunity I get to spend with people, talking about faith and prayer. I am struck by the rich experience that people have and the desire to grow in depth in their relationship with Jesus.