Some films begin with the end, and end with the beginning.
By a stroke of genius writers and directors somehow manage to tell the story,
developing characters and a decent plot in reverse. Revelation upon revelation.
With ‘Ah!’ moments along the way. Finally inviting you to take step back right at
the end, after the final twist, to observe and soak in the full picture. That
is an invitation God has now afforded me after serving at All Saints Loose. The
RSVP reads ‘Invitation accepted’.
My farewell this Sunday gone, 15th July 2012 was
both heart warming and heart breaking. How I have learnt to love God’s people
here in Loose! 22 months hasn’t
passed as a single block of time, but more a collection of moments. Now memories.
Precious ones at that. Sharing time. Living out the fullness of our lives
together. How I have been taught that the life in Christ is not one lived autonomously
but in community.
I have an open road before me. I know that God will take me
by the hand and take me where he wants me to go. That is by far the best thing
for me. What it does also mean is the real possibility that it takes me from
the fellowship here. That is what is heart breaking. When Paul and Timothy were
divided there were tears. Paul still recalling them years later. I shall always
fondly remember time spent with all the saints and your absence will be very
real. But I shall also look forward to meeting again, here or in glory.
So what about the sandwich filling? The stuff between the
beginning and the end. Or is it the end and the beginning? To use a grave
analogy, it’s the dash on a tombstone! It’s the most important bit!
It’s been a game of two halves. Two years at Cornhill, which
in turn changed the nature of my ministry at All Saints, presenting different
challenges along the way.
Year Two offered so many new opportunities. From meeting and
teaching new Disciples of Christ, to training more in the children and youth
ministries, and from getting a real view of what Christmas is like for a living
church … to looking after babies (eek! I never found the off switch!!)
Year One a rich and diverse experience of ministry which
stretched and tested me in all areas of my life. That seen by the public. And
that behind closed doors. Deeper still. That within. From Toddlers to Teas,
TABS to “more tea” at the Men’s Breakies, and Teens to “London Town” for the
London Men’s Convention. Thank God for His work in me, and in us together.
When I first arrived it was with a view to testing a call.
To training to see if God had any plans for using me in the ministry long term
full time. I’ve discovered that the life of a Disciple of Christ is a full time
endeavour. A whole hearted commitment. Whatever the weather! Whatever the job
description! Apprentice or minister. Accountant or tradesman. Fisherman or
lawyer. All are one in Christ. The call is the same. Whole life Discipleship.
So from end to beginning, beginning to end, God’s at work.
And yet He's finished the story. But for me, in the meantime, it’s on to the next
chapter …
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