St Mary's Church, Mudford
January 2025
This month's message comes from Bill Watkins, Churchwarden at St. Mary's, Mudford
Dear Friends,
This is a great time of the year for meeting and greeting! Family and friends welcomed at Christmas and into the new year. And for Christians the joy of again welcoming the Christ child into our hearts and lives. January also brings us the feast of Epiphany, and the arrival of the Magi, those mysterious wise men from the East. We welcome their devotion to the babe who was born to save and to rule. Perhaps we also hope that some of their ancient wisdom might rub off and stay with us after they have left. Our world and its leaders could do with it…
On the 8th January we have a very special welcome to extend, when the Revd. Richard Horton will be installed as the new Rector of our benefice. At the service in St Mary’s, Mudford, Richard will be welcomed into his new post by the bishop and archdeacon as well as us - his new flock! It is an old, traditional ceremony, with much symbolism – the tolling of a bell, the use of the church door, and being conducted to the priest’s seat in the chancel. And we, the people, will be called upon to give a public promise to support Richard and his family in their ministry amongst us. Lots of singing, too!
Richard’s arrival will bring to an end a vacancy of nearly four years which has been difficult for everyone; a time of pestilence, with the Covid pandemic, as well as years of economic hardship for many! The leaders of our churches; retired and visiting clergy, lay readers and lay ministry teams especially, but also the wardens and PCCs have been hard pressed to keep the churches alive and kicking! We owe them a great big Thank You – not only did they bring us through the vacancy, but they did it with competence and understanding, and never failed with the kind word and smile, or a hug and a laugh, or a ready ear. Well done, and Bless you all!
Bill