For 30 years I was an Occupational Therapist, primarily based in Social Services, yet hearing God’s call into the priesthood. This profession brought me into contact with people who affirmed this call and urged me to obey.

 

I was blessed to be brought up in a Christian household, which provided a firm spiritual foundation for my faith however, I believe each one of us has to discover our own walk with God and listen and respond to God’s individual call on our lives. 

 

In my life there have been some times of wilderness as well as oases and I have learned that with Christ at the centre of all we do it is possible to flourish, even during the most arid times.

 

During my curacy I discovered the joy of Parish ministry at St Augustine’s with St Luke’s. We are created to dwell in community, supporting and caring about one another because ‘loving God’ and ‘our neighbour as ourselves’ are the greatest commandments Jesus Christ gave us.* (Learning to love ourselves as God intends is crucial if we are to love others well).

 

I have been observing the good works and activity of God at St Paul’s Church and feel a sense of joyful anticipation about what God has planned for us in the Parish. I particularly pray that we will be a church who ‘get out there’ and find those who most hunger for God and that we will grow as a loving community, seeking to join in with what God is already doing among us to grow his wonderful kingdom.

 

(Matthew 22:36-40)