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Writing from the Rectory
As I write today the rain is falling heavily, it is dark and cold and I have reached that time in the year when I am done with winter. It can be easy to be downcast in this weather, but as we look around there are signs of spring and new life – the first of the blossom on the trees, the bulbs shooting up with promise of crocuses and daffodils.
These words form part of the wonderful poem written by the teenager Amanda Gorman which she read at President Biden’s inauguration. It brings such hope; spring will always follow winter, there will always be light if we search for it. She also talks of finding the courage to be that light – as Jesus was a light in the darkness so we are called to share that light of hope in this world.
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Revd Andrew Doarks
February in the church calendar usually heralds the start of Lent –those 40 days leading up to Easter, marking the 40 days that Christ spent fasting in the desert. Many of us will enjoy the tradition of pancakes on Shrove Tuesday before trying to give up something for the following days. It is a time for us to reflect, perhaps to consider our wellbeing, and I encourage you to look at taking up something positive during this time as an alternative to giving something up. Whether you choose to commit to a spot of daily exercise on our beautiful water meadows or a chat on a Saturday at our local church coffee mornings; Lent does not need to be arduous – why not let it be a time where you look after yourself, be that physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually? I would love to welcome you to St Gregory’s or All Saints’ if you would like to nurture your spiritual self in this time.
In the words of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, ‘Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness’. I pray that you find that light this month, and that you can be that light to others.
Revd Andrew Doarks
