This ordination season has been a busy one for us at Immanuel. Our ordinand, Judy Douglas, was ordained deacon at Southwark Cathedral on Saturday 28th June and our curate Rachel was ordained a priest at All Saint’s Kingston a week later on the 5th July.
We pray for Judy as she now moves on to her curacy at St Mary’s Balham which has been a happysad moment for us. Happy because she has taken the next step following the call God has placed on her life, happy because she has been such a blessing to us in her three years here, happy because she will continue to be a huge blessing in the future. But sad because it has meant we have had to let her go to pastures new. Though you never really get to leave Immanuel and St Andrew Church as everyone who has been a part of our community in the past knows – you are always part of the Immanuel family.
For Rachel we were able to celebrate with her as she presided for the first time over Holy Communion on Sunday 6th July. It was a joyful service, beautifully conducted by Rachel who was very relieved she didn’t drop anything! Fortunately we don’t need to say goodbye to Rachel as she will continue serving her curacy here for at least another two years and we look forward to her continuing ministry among us.
Ordination season reminds us that God calls us and invites us to participate in the amazing work God is up to. And God calls all of us, some to ordination and serving in the church but others to serve in all sorts of different ways. It could be getting involved in the local church, encouraging people, offering hospitality, being a provider, music, organising (the ministry of chair-moving is underrated but very important!), welcome, working with children or youth. It could be a calling to be a faithful presence in your workplace, a beacon of light shining God’s light into the community, volunteering at foodbanks, uniform groups, mental health charities or so many other things. When we are open to God’s invitation and guidance we find that there are exciting opportunties to get involved in. Opportunities which bring us life and bring life to others. So open your heart and ask the question – God, what are you calling me to?
