Turn! Turn! Turn!
Dear Friends,
'There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.' I often start a funeral service with those well-known words. 'A time to be born, a time to die […] A time to laugh, a time to weep.' Even those who are unfamiliar with its original source (the Bible, of course) might know this quote from the Byrds song 'Turn! Turn! Turn!'.
I hate saying goodbye. I don’t believe in endings. Nothing really ends or fully disappears. Something always survives, something always lives on, even if it is only a memory in the heart. Each ending is per definition the start of a new beginning. Everything turns in cycles, all of the time: 'Turn! Turn! Turn!'.
On Ascension Day (14th May) we remember how Jesus said his final goodbye to his followers. He gave them a task, to tell the whole world his story, to baptise new believers, and to teach them to follow in his footsteps. St Luke recalls how Jesus then disappeared from view behind a cloud. As soon as he was gone, an angel appeared, with a very down-to-earth question: “Why do you stand here looking into the sky?”. It was time for them to 'Turn! Turn! Turn!'.
Some of you already know I will soon be saying goodbye to this parish. I have been appointed Rector of Guisborough and my final service in Osbaldwick and Murton will be on Sunday 9th August. Don’t worry, the church isn’t closing! A wise old churchwarden once said to me: ‘Vicars come and vicars go, but the people of God remain forever’. One chapter ends, another chapter begins. 'Turn! Turn! Turn!'.
For our churchwardens, Glenn and Eileen, and our Lay Minister, Julie, a busy time lies ahead. During the period of vacancy, the church is run entirely by volunteers. Too often the same few people take on the vast majority of jobs. If ever you considered volunteering for the church, this might be the opportune time to take your turn. ('Turn! Turn!')
Love and Prayers
