From the Lay Ministers

 

.....May 2025

 

Dear Friends,

 

As I write this month’s letter it is with the backdrop of an unstable and rapidly changing world, a world in which economic gain appears to be at the expense of all but the richest and where the prospect of peace seems distant. We face the challenges of the supreme court ruling on the definition of a woman, and all that this means for both those who are happy with the judgement and those who feel marginalised and stripped of their identity. Into this challenge and confusion, we find ourselves reflecting on the amazing realities of the Easter story, a story of recognised identity, of acknowledged importance, as Jesus’ sacrifice was for everyone, with no exceptions. On that resurrection morning he appeared to those who where his closest friends and called them by name. Jesus gave people worth and value for who they were and who they could become, he loved the vulnerable, the oppressed and those outside the norm of society. It makes me extremely glad that we endeavour to make our churches here in Wrotham and Ightham an open and inclusive place for all to find support and safety. It is into that reality that I want to take a moment to reflect on the life of service of Pope Francis and acknowledge his witness to the importance of each person and his commitment to being Christlike in his actions. We mourn his loss with the wider catholic faith.

 

As we continue to seek for the next incumbent, we ask for continued positive prayer. We will endeavour to continue the work of the churches in anticipation of their call. Thank you for all the encouragement and support given to our church community through this time and I hope that we may continue to serve you, whoever you are, in the coming months.

 

Yours in Christ

 

Michelle Lawson

Lay Minister