WORD OF THE WEEK
GREETINGS from the Hill. Last week I went up to a frosty Thorpe Common and looked across to Ashbourne and over the hills towards Clifton, Norbury, Snelston, Mappleton, Tissington,
Fenny Bentley and around the corner to Parwich and Alsop en le dale.
It was a beautiful late afternoon, a cold wind, pink sky with ‘mackerel sky’ clouds catching the colours.
I don’t know if I told you but ever since I first moved to Ashbourne in March 2013, I have felt drawn to this valley and the villages in it.
When the vacancy in the Peak Five had been running for a while, and an unsuccessful round of interviews held, I spoke with Rev Duncan (who had been in Ashbourne about a year and of course was well settled in following their vacancy which I supported) and then with his blessing, applied.
The rest, since September 2017, as they sometimes say, is history, but recent history – my story, your story, God’s story of his people here.
I saw my future and made our plans. However, there’s a great Christian joke. ‘Do you know how to make God laugh? Tell him your plans!’
God’s plan was to send his son to earth, as we are about to celebrate in a few days – Christmas.
He has plans and purpose for each one of us; plans to help each other, to show care and charity, and work for justice.
I wonder which of God’s plans and works I might be involved in once I retire in January?
I wonder what you all might start and continue of God’s work?
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for making my time here in God’s service such a fun and meaningful time in my life.
I will remember the times and seasons, emotions and challenges we have faced together with fondness and gratitude.