Right Then Left, Steady Now.

While at St Mark’s a lot of energy has gone into identifying individuals gifts and empowering them to use those gifts.  Of course the intention behind that was never to ready them for my leaving on day, but over the past two Sundays much of that work has shown itself in that light.

A week past Sunday, while I was at Silverstone for the British Grand Prix, there was initially a bit of a panic when it became clear that a priest couldn’t be found to cover.  The Vestry met and discussed the various options and decided that a non-Eucharistic service would be held, led by those who have been license by the Bishop to lead worship.  A service was drawn up, using the rhythm of the 1662 Matins, but using modern versions of the canticles in the SEC’s Daily Prayer, and the sermon was covered by a couple of members of the congregation agreeing to do a presentation of a conversation between Jesus and Peter from Wild Goose.  When the plan was announced to the congregation there were some rumblings about it, however, apart from some confusion about how long people were to stand, it would appear it was widely welcomed even by those who had voiced doubts.  The congregation now have that tool in their grasp for those occasions during the interregnum when it might be difficult to find a priest.

Yesterday was the Healing Service, something that the congregation and Vestry are keen should continue.  Parts of this service, which follows the main service once a month, is often led by others, but I am usually up at the front somewhere.  This time I sat at the back of the congregation as they confidently and prayerfully led the service.  At the end of the service, their concerns were quickly chased away with some affirmation.  Another success.

It was like those by gone days when I saw the children take their first steps.