My September article for our Parish Magazine

See www.beaconsfieldparishmag.org.uk for the full magazine...

September… new schools; new uniforms; new sports kits - new labels to be sewn (or glued) on.  Even if the name remains the same, it is the external labels which change: Nursery, Primary, Secondary and then perhaps 6^th Form and University.  And then what - do we ever stop learning and maturing?

As a curate, I’m in a recognised training role.  I need to provide evidence towards 46 learning outcomes during my 3+ years here.  This follows the three years at theological college, but that will not be the end of my study - all Anglican clergy are involved in regular reviews and “Continuing Ministerial Development”.  Indeed, during our ordination we are asked, “Will you be diligent in prayer, in reading Holy Scripture, and in all studies that will deepen your faith and fit you to bear witness to the truth of the gospel?”  We answer “By the help of God, I will”.  As someone who is not naturally ‘bookish’, it is reassuring to know that God helps me – indeed, his mission is my motivation.

Such promises ought not to be limited to the clergy.  I would hope that all Christians would want to deepen their faith so that we may witness to the truth of the gospel.  There are many ways to do this, including:

1)      For those who are relatively new to the faith, the Alpha Course provides a safe environment to explore the questions of life and some of the answers that Christianity provides.  We will be hosting a small group this autumn.

2)      For the more experienced, Cursillo provides “a short course in Christian Living” during a residential weekend at Douai Abbey and a method to continue in a life of prayer, study and action.  I would describe this as a course for the heart as much as the head.  See www.oxfordcursillo.co.uk for more information, including the next weekend from the evening of Thurs 30^th October to Sunday 2^nd November.

3)      We have a wide variety of house groups providing fellowship, support, learning, prayer and deepening faith.  I would encourage all church members to join an existing group or add your name to a waiting list for a new group.

If you would like to discuss where you are on your spiritual journey and what your next step might be, then I’d love to help.  But whatever you do, don’t stop learning!

Pause to Pray:

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”  (Romans 12:2)

Lord God,

open our minds to the light of your truth,

that mystery may unfold before us,

that knowledge may

shine around us

and that understanding may grow within us

in Jesus Christ our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

(Collect for Education - the Church in Wales)