March 2010

Dear Friends,

The man from the Diocese came to do the five yearly check on the Vicarage recently.

He noted various maintenance issues which needed attention and which will now be put right over the coming weeks. He had lots of questions: they included one or two about the Vicarage drains, and it was good to be able to report that there had not been any drainage problems for just over six years.

The last time the drains were blocked was somewhat unpleasant. I’ll spare you the details; suffice it to say that the drainage engineer not only unblocked the drains but also took the trouble to carry out a camera survey of the system. This was very useful because it showed that at the time there were a number of structural problems which needed sorting out if we were to avoid a repeat of the problems.

This reminder of once-blocked drains got me thinking. Perhaps it’s not the most delicate illustration for a clergy letter but let me put it this way. We are always free to choose to keep the water ebbing and flowing through the drains of our lives (as individuals, as a church, or across the wider community) and simply try to deal with any blockages as they occur, knowing that there’ll be another…. and another…. and another. Or we can take a long hard look at any given situation or activity and decide that the time has come to make possibly major changes for a brighter future, changes which will, together with careful maintenance, reduce the need for emergency works.

The church’s season of Lent (which this year began with Ash Wednesday on 17th February) gives us just that sort of opportunity. Although we can do this at any time of year, Lent gives us an opportunity to examine ourselves. We have the opportunity to recognise our mortality, to address those areas of our lives where things are not as they should be, and with God’s help to do something about them.

Gazing on the cross of Christ, we can repent of (which means re-think and turn away from) long-standing wrong relationships, attitudes, behaviours and habits, and receive God’s assurance of forgiveness. Most of all, and in light of that assurance, we can determine to live differently from now on – with God’s help. And when we come to the great celebrations of Easter, our joy is greater still.

I know from personal experience that considering change in our lives (however small) can be difficult, and that it takes courage too. Clearing away the blockages in the murkiest depths of our lives is not easy, but it’s so worthwhile.

With all good wishes,

Chris Hollingshurst