The Vicar's Letter (written by Reverend Coralie McCluskey, Vicar of St Mary's Church in Eaton Bray) has been appearing in the villages Focus magazine since March 2011
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Vicar's Letter

March 2012

Reverend Coralie McCluskey, vicar of the Church of St Mary The Virgin, Eaton Bray with Edlesborough.

It has been an exciting, busy and memorable year. I have met so many kind, hardworking, lovely people who are totally committed to the life of the four villages. In all my years of ministry I've never been to as many village/parish events or drunk as much coffee as I have endeavoured to put myself about a bit. The year at St Mary's Church and All Saints Church Dagnall has been a time of discovery, reflection and prayer as I and the congregation seek to discern God's will for the Anglican Church in the villages. I have also really valued the friendship and support of those who minister and worship in the other churches that make up Churches Together. Christians working and worshipping together is both wonderful and hope filled at a time when there is such great pain in the world.

What next?

As you read this it will be Lent, a time when I shall endeavour to step back from the frantic, instant access, no time to think world in which we live. A world that is driven by the internet, email, mobile and other more sophisticated means of communication storage and retrieval of information that we cannot seem to do without. I will continue to answer

Why?

I/We owe it to our families, friends and future generations to regain control, to enjoy the present moment, to give thanks for all that is good and for Christians to prepare once again to celebrate the great gift of Easter.

How?

I look to the lives of the saints and this year it will be St David, keeping me in touch with my homeland. St David grew up in Wales during the sixth century when Christianity was becoming well established, with many monasteries and abbeys being built. He was a gentle, devout man who never tired of teaching and caring for those in need. As he travelled people flocked around him as sheep around a shepherd and he was loved and honoured by all who knew him. On his feast day, March 1st, I will make Welsh cakes, leek soup and sing Welsh hymns and rugby songs. There is much that we can learn from the saints about simplicity of living, courage, perseverance, contentment and that deep commitment to Christ and people that is an essential part of Christian living. Their names live on and will continue to do so without the aid of the internet, email or mobile phone.

An Easter Blessing. Go out into the world in the joy and peace of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Care for his redeemed creation; follow him as children of light; make disciples by your life and words; and glorify him by your dedication and love; so he may bless you with his gift of the Holy Spirit and be with you until his kingdom comes.

Amen.

Coralie

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About the Vicar's Letter

The Vicar's Letter has been appearing in the villages Focus magazine since August 2002.

The Rev. Peter Graham also used to publish The Vicar's Letter in the parish magazine of 1964. Please see the area for these.