Julie's Jottings for June 

This month we begin by meeting and getting to know Fr Edward Westrip and his wife Joanne. Fr Edward is to be the Associate Priest here at St Mary’s, and he will work with me in the parish as well as developing spirituality in the area. His wife Joanne is a teacher. 
We also pray for Rev Chris Shore as he prepares for his ordination as Deacon on 30 June.  Chris will be curate at St Mary’s. Davina, who is married to Chris, will also join us. Davina is currently training as a Pastoral Assistant.   
These arrivals make me aware of how important it is for people to find their calling.  A calling is an urge to serve God and  others.  In the church we believe that callings are God-given. A call can be to a church role or ministry, or to some purposeful activity in the community.  When we do a task that uses our gifts for the good of others, it not only makes a difference to others, but also makes us feel alive, even though the tasks can be demanding and challenging.
I believe that there is no hierarchy of callings.  There is a need for all of us to serve the good of all, and there are plenty of roles and ministries in the church that are needed so that the church can respond to others as God would have us.
A sense of call can sometimes be encouraged when someone else recognises a gift in them and asks, ‘have you ever considered …?’  Without that nudge many of those who answer a call would give in to self-doubt. There is joy that comes when our gifts are used for the good of others.
                                                                                                                                                                                            Rev Julie Norris