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Sandal Magna Parish

3 weeks ago

WORDS SHARED ON SUNDAY BY RUPERT & SALLY

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit." 25 years ago on our first Sunday here, I preached on these beautiful words of Jesus. So it is fitting that today we have heard the same passage, as Sally and I share with you that in May next year we will be leaving our ministry here, after 26 years of sharing with you in the life of Christ.

As we have prayed and listened to God over the last couple of years asking the question “What next Lord?” We sensed the connection between 26 years and 26 miles as the length of a marathon!! Neither of us have run a marathon but you do need a finishing line and even though we never imagined this testing time caused by the Coronavirus, we do sense it is still the right time for us to move to a new season next year as the church moves forward into a new season.

It has been and will continue to be a great joy to serve here. Our family have grown up here and we have loved every season. We are grateful for the many people who have lived with us as extended family and really blessed us, and we are so grateful for all of you with whom we have shared life, ministry and worship during our time here.

The heart of our ministry has always been our desire for people of all ages to get to know how much they are loved by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and to find purpose and calling in life. We have enjoyed seeing many come to faith, be baptised and confirmed, become part of the body of Christ and share in belonging to the communities of believers at St Helen’s, St Paul’s, The Spring and Portobello. We are so grateful for all those who have served faithfully over the years. 
As we move into this new season of life, we are inspired by the many who serve and pray into their 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. You are great example and an inspiration to us.

We are always encouraged and challenged everyday by the calling of Jesus to live with hope, grace and active love with the help of the holy spirit. We have loved walking alongside and seeing so many growing in their faith and bringing light and life, a Christ-like resilience and prayer to their situations. This is what Jesus asked us to do when he called us to follow him and be his disciples. Thinking of the picture of a garden we have seen beautiful growth; we have also felt as if we have been pruned right back during this time, but we know that after pruning there is always growth to follow. We also know everyone is finding ways to nourish their spiritual life and keep close to Jesus the vine. There is much to be done, much prayer needed in this city.

We have loved getting to know people in every part of this beautiful parish and city, sharing with so many at times of joy and sorrow and in between.

Above all we are grateful to God for his continuing presence and guidance. We trust in his providence to help us navigate this time of transition, especially during this season of uncertainty. May God be 'the rock of our salvation', as we pray for those who will lead in years to come.

We are still here for another 9 months and we will treasure this time and look forward to all that will happen during the seasons leading up to the great festivals of Christmas and Easter, which we will be celebrating in new and creative ways.

Let’s continue to live out our faith and to hold onto the mission that has held us together over the years, that with Jesus, the lost are found, the found grow and the lonely are enfolded.

We can still do this in this time of uncertainty because we trust in a certain God. So we can remain in the vine, Jesus, love the people and places where we live, work and serve, and be part of the body of Christ exactly where we are, wearing the “ALL PURPOSE GARMENT OF LOVE”.

Rupert & Sally ... See MoreSee Less