Six years ago I offered to help for one or two Sundays a month at a group of churches not far from here. It would just be for a few months.
Over the last six years I have led worship on 222 Sundays. conducted fifteen funerals, three weddings and twelve baptisms. I have prepared two people for Confirmation, visited the sick, and offered pastoral care.
In return I have been loved and appreciated, supported when facing major surgery, helped to recover from a mental breakdown, and encouraged as I have faced increasing disability. I have been given tomato plants, flowers, cakes, wine and gin. Those lovely people have laughed at my crummy jokes, forgiven me my boo-boos and made me one of their own.
Later this month they are getting their own vicar and I shall move on to other places where there is no priest available. Yesterday I took my final service for the Brocklesby Park Group of Churches. I cried then and I am crying as I write this. I left with prayers, blessings and an incredibly generous gift. Thank you.
Awww..sounds like you have been the blessing as well as the blessed. I doubt you will truly ever retire, just go where needed! And there is always a need.
ReplyDeleteThanks - but I could never be as much blessing as blessed - and that is not fishing.
DeleteAww Mary, don't be sad; I'm sure you will be needed somewhere else very soon and you will find new friends, grateful parishioners and a feeling of belonging. Also, I hope you will go and re-visit the churches you have looked after where you will surely get a warm welcome and be able to spend time with old friends. In the meantime, have a (((((HUG))))) x
ReplyDeleteGratitude, not sadness is my dominant emotion. That group of parishes raised me up after I retired after a mental breakdown. And don't worry about me being unwanted, I have already accepted ten bookings and turned down a further four!
DeleteThey sound like real friends, so I am sure they will welcome you back as a parishioner and be able to see them often. Take care.
ReplyDeleteI shall visit as a friend but I am very aware that this will be the first time that the new chap has been a vicar and I don't want him to feel he is looking over his shoulder so I shall worship elsewhere. And quite apart from leading worship I want to be part of the congregation (not the leader) in the parish in which I live.
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