May Parish Magazine

May edition of the Parish Magazine - now available! Fr. Raymond's letter looks to the future:

Bishop Richard wore dusty pink and cream, the other bishops donned apricot and cream. Prebendaries arrayed in crimson and gold – a lovely sight to behold under the dome of the cathedral. Clergy arrayed in cassock and surplice with an assortment of starry stoles and fine lace. Amid all this ‘pomp’ Bishop Richard’s homily to us Priests was stimulating and encouraging. This was the Sung Eucharist and Blessing of Oils at the cathedral church of Saint Paul on Maundy Thursday.

Reminding us of Jesus divesting himself of his garments at that final meal, he began to wash the disciples feet – an example to us all. He did not wash the multitude’s feet, only those close to him. And we too need to support and encourage one another if we are to continue the work that Jesus has called us to. We have a vision and a commitment to serve. Of course this is a call to the Christian church also.

The task facing the London Church is enormous, yet we are confident in moving forward. We need the support and love of our colleagues and congregations in order that together we may share the gospel message and in ways which are appropriate to the communities we minister to.

This is true for us at St. Stephen’s – a fresh vision and understanding of the years ahead. We must ensure that the church does not become a relic of past memories but an ensign to the living Spirit of God working through us NOW. We can no longer expect people to ‘come in and join us’, rather, we need to meet them where they are. Again this was demonstrated with the enormous success of the Residents Concert last month.

We need to find new ways, new expressions of our faith yet ensuring the integrity of Christian worship is not compromised. Come and join us as we forge ahead.