The Vicar's Letter - January 2012
Dear Friends
In terms of our Centenary celebrations, this month sees the beginning of a new century! “Here beginneth a new Chapter in the life of our parish!” And yet, it is a day like any other.
hroughout this coming month, our readings in church will encourage us to put flesh on the bare bones of the Christmas message: ‘INCARNATION’ – ‘EMMANUEL’ – ‘GOD WITH US’. This day might indeed be a day like any other; but our Christian profession says that He walks through the day with us…making it a day full of limitless opportunity, if we have the eyes and the hearts to see!
As the Christmas message unfolds, Wise Men from the East appear. Vicars are always boringly reluctant to put them in the manger scene too early; for they were not present at the birth, and their advent on the scene has a significance of its own. This is the message of the Epiphany which – for us - unfolds through January.
It is a message important enough to stand alone: that the glory that is ‘Christ’ is not exclusively reserved for the Jewish people alone; but for ALL. In modern parlance: “How cool is that!”
Our world seems to be in an unusually parlous state. as we enter the New Year: erratic government in so many countries…a financial crisis that will be around for quite a time…and a generation of young people unable to find meaningful employment. The world does indeed need a ‘Saviour’.
Our readings in the January season of Epiphany all speak in one way or other of ‘signs’: signs of God’s manifest glory being worked out. In St John’s Gospel the story of the miraculous happenings at the Wedding in Cana is described as “…the first of his signs... (that) revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.”
The Wise Men were brought to Bethlehem by the star…a sign in the sky that told them something cosmic was happening (Luke 2.15-21). The Disciples (on the other hand) were brought to their discipleship of Jesus by what they saw in Him. (John 1.43-end & John 2.1-11). At the end of the month, we shall be reminded of the special ‘something’ that the elderly Simeon and Anna saw in the baby Jesus when he was brought to the Temple. The lesson should be clear.
What we ‘do’ in the sight of others…matters. What we ‘do’ in the sight of God matters even more; but there - at least – we must trust in his benevolent and forgiving nature. The world is less benevolent and forgiving…especially when we claim to be something we manifestly are not. May the sincerity of our Christian profession of faith in 2012 not only be seen in deeds and actions (that speak louder than words) but be blessed also by being someone else’s Epiphany.
Talking of ‘cool’ it may be that snow is in the air when you read this…making life difficult for the elderly especially. Whatever the winter weather brings, it is important that those of us who are able to be mobile help those who are not, and see to their needs if no one else is. A friendly offer of help will always be welcomed. In many ways, I hope that 2012 is a quieter year than 2011…and certainly that it is more peace-full around the world; but whatever lies ahead for each of us, know that the Lord walks with you.
A Happy and Blessed New Year to us all!
With best wishes,
About the Vicar ...
Jeremy was born in January 1951 in Putney, London. Educated at Wellington School, Somerset, he left in 1969 to become articled to a City firm of Chartered Accountants. Soon after qualifying, he felt that he wanted to test his vocation to the ordained ministry. Upon being selected for training, he attended Westcott House, Cambridge for three years before being ordained in 1978. Whilst there, he obtained the University's Certificate in Theology having been affiliated to Fitzwilliam College.
His first curacy was in the parish of St Denys, Evington on the outskirts of Leicester. Having managed a long interregnum there, he moved in 1981 to Ringwood in Hampshire to be curate in charge of St John the Baptist, Poulner as well as assistant curate to the parish as a whole. In 1984 he returned to Leicester to become priest in charge of the parish of Christ Church, Thurnby Lodge - a large estate just within the city boundaries. In 1989 he came to Poole to become Team Vicar of the newly opened church of St Paul's, Canford Heath which itself was part of the Oakdale Team Ministry - the largest parish in the diocese of Salisbury.
In 1995 he was asked to become Vicar of the parish of Canford Cliffs and Sandbanks.
Jeremy has served on various committees, most notably on the Boards of Finance of both Leicester and Salisbury diocese, the latter of which he chaired for six years up to 2006. He is a non-residentiary Canon of Salisbury cathedral.
Jeremy is married to Alison who is a Registered Nurse at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital. They have two children Helen and Tom. Jeremy also has two children from his former marriage, Sarah and David...not to mention two year old grandson Oliver John!
