MARSHFIELD BENEFICE

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From the Vicar

September 2010

The Vicarage, Church Lane, Marshfield

Dear Friends,

A couple of elderly men were sitting in the park chatting about days gone by,

when a pretty young woman came into view and walked past. Seconds later a

young man appeared, walking just a bit faster than the young woman, and

gaining steadily on her.

The first old man gazed after the couple and said, ‘Do you remember when we

used to chase pretty girls down the street?’ His friend hardly stirred and replied

wearily, ‘Yes I do remember how we used to chase them, but I can’t for the life

of me remember why.’

If you are associated with the academic/educational world then September is

the month of new beginnings. For the rest of us however it marks the end of

summer, the beginning of autumn and the long months running up to

Christmas. The backend of the year as some might say. It is a time when

perseverance and commitment seem like good characteristics to have. Not

surprising then that some people speak of the September blues.

With any enterprise it is often the second half, the latter stages, which seems

to be the hardest. Whether it is sports, DIY projects, shopping trips or acts of

service to others – starting is often the easy bit. The idea is fresh and new and

you are full of energy and excitement. Then as time passes enthusiasm wanes

and tiredness takes over. To reach the end we need to learn to persevere.

This is often true of our spiritual as well as physical life experience. When we

first came to faith in Jesus Christ there was an excitement and expectancy.

Our experiences of church, the bible and prayer were fresh and new. Then as

the years move on faith can become, if we are honest, just a little duller and

our spiritual hopes and aspirations lessen.

It is at times like this that we need to remind ourselves of why we came to faith

in Jesus Christ in the first place. The book of Hebrews encourages us to do

just that:

Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes

on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith; who for the joy set before him

endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the

throne of God.

Hebrews 12:1-2

So let us look once again at the cross of Jesus Christ. Let us see there the

love and grace of God offered to us and let us remember why we believe in

Him. Then we can persevere in our faith, and finish the race of life.

Yours in Christ                                                                                                               

Revd Simon Drew

Please Note:
Simon Gaylard is now Editor of “Cotswold Edge”.

He can be contacted as follows:-
Tel: 01225 891948, Email: simon.gaylard@yahoo.co.uk

For further details about, baptisms, Weddings etc. please do not hesitate to contact the Revd Simon Drew, The Vicarage, Church Lane, Marshfield (Tel: 01225 891850). Please note that the Vicar’s day off  is Friday.