February 2012

Ryall
Upton-upon-Severn
May 2012

Dear Friends

The month of May can be a time to reflect on Lent, Holy Week and Easter. In today's world life gets so busy that we do not have time to think about one thing before we are on to the next. A few centuries ago village life revolved around the church and its celebrations throughout the Christian year. Villagers took part in the festivals on these Holy Days, farm workers were given the day off to join in the celebrations. That is where the name 'holidays' comes from. Many churches still have stone Palm Crosses in the churchyard; they are reminders of times past, when the people of the village gathered to celebrate Palm Sunday, when Jesus rode triumphantly into Jerusalem. This way of life has been lost and some may say that is a good thing, but to have time to reflect and take in the seasons of the year and the meaning of certain ceremonies can help us to deal with the busy lives we lead.

One of the highlights for me, and, I imagine, for many, is Maundy Thursday, when we call to mind our Lord's last supper when he initiated the holy communion and said, 'do this in remembrance of me'. On that day, in the morning, Bishop John called all those in ministry to a service in Worcester Cathedral, as he does year by year, so that all could renew their commitment to ministry. So Lay ministers, deacons, priests and bishops were asked to witness to God's love for his people; continue faithfully in their ministry; to be faithful stewards of the mysteries of God, preaching the gospel and ministering his holy sacraments; watch over Christ's own flock and build them up in the unity of the Spirit and the bond of peace. All to their individual commitment reply, 'By the help of God, I will'. This service takes place each year and if you are interested in attending next year please let one of the ministry team know.

The season of Easter lasts forty days, so we come in May to Ascension Day on the 17th the time we remember when Jesus ascended to his Father, but reassured his disciples and us also that he would not leave them without a comforter and so ten days later, on May 27th, we celebrate the Day of Pentecost (Whit Sunday) when we remember the gift of the Holy Spirit.

May is also a time for other licensing. At our annual Parochial Church Meetings in March, Churchwardens were elected for the year and they will be admitted to office by the Archdeacon of Worcester and he will read his charge at the annual service. That takes place on Wednesday 30th May, at 7.30pm in St Edburga, Leigh, which is part of the Martley and Worcester West Deanery. On Ascension Day in Upton Church at 7.30pm there will be a deanery service for those who administer the chalice at Holy Communion. The Rural Dean, Rev Christopher Moss will sign their permission for another year. I commend this celebration to you and it is local so come and join us.

Yours in Christ

Geoffrey Moore