It is early morning here in Ducklington as I sit and write this, my first Warden’s newsletter, and watch the rain fall and feel a chill in the air.
Ten days ago, I was appointed as one of two church wardens to work alongside Gill for the coming twelve months and follow on from a line of distinguished holders of the post: so, no pressure on me then!
I realised at a meeting with Roger and Gill earlier in the week, that a vast amount of the Warden’s work goes unnoticed but nevertheless is vital for the smooth running of our worship community. I know that I have some big shoes to fill and a lot of knowledge to grasp hold of, so please be gentle with me (at least until our new Rector, Andrea, arrives).
This time of year has always been a turning point for me. It marks the end of the winter sports season such a rugby, football and hockey. For me, the month of May always involved a transition to summer sports and my need to scurry through the loft to find my wicket keeping gloves, hoping that I wouldn’t find anything unsavoury that I had left in my bag the season before.
This transition always lifts me; an opportunity to move to the next activity which God has inspired us to do in the hope that we can improve on past performances (not so, in the case of my batting average). Whether it be sport, family, gardening or one of the many interests that we have, this ‘new beginning’ should be grasped with both hands.
Chelsea flower show is one of the signs of this transition. The BBC coverage this week is showing how beautiful and diverse the Creation is; stunning peonies, luscious hostas, vivid clematis and perfumed wisteria; these are some of my favourites and remind me “not even King Solomon …. had clothes as beautiful as these flowers”.
Please do me a favour! Notice the transition! As you travel around our lovely West Oxfordshire at this time of year, lift your head up! Grasp the opportunity to embrace the transition! Smell the aromas, notice the colours, listen to bird song! Hope for the future is all around us!
Martin
Churchwarden
