Page 15 - Herald August 2024

AUGUST 2024
THE NEW COUNTESTHORPE HERALD 15
NEWS AND VIEWS FROM THE CHURCHES
CALLED ...
Dear Friends
Elsewhere in this edition of The Herald you will see that we are very fortunate in The Four Saints Benefice to welcome as our new Curate Cameron Wiltshire-Plant and his wife Harriet. Cam was ordained as a Deacon at the end of June after a long period of prayer, discernment and interviews. He has a great sense of calling or, as some would say, vocation.
The word ‘vocation’ has a tendency to be used in a religious sense for those who are called to be vicars or lay-ministers. But I feel this does a great disservice to those who fulfil many other functions, not just in the church, but in the wider world. School teachers or nurses (to name just two) often say they have found their purpose in life by offering their skills in various different ways. They will often talk about feeling that this is what they were meant to do and to be.
When I left school, I didn’t go to college or university. I was fortunate enough to go into the family business of the local builder and funeral director, and trained, first of all to be a plumber (which I hated!) and then as a funeral director (which I grew to love and felt a sense of vocation). I felt that serving people at a difficult time in their lives was what I was meant to do, but as vocation is not a static or one-off event, it evolves, and I eventually felt that God was calling me to ordination.
I feel very blessed and fortunate that I now lead the life that God has called me to. It was a journey which has a great cost in many ways, but, for me, it was about being faithful to God and to follow his
voice.
I firmly believe that everyone has a role to play in our world. We are not all meant to be vicars, teachers, nurses or even funeral directors, but when we discover that purpose in our lives, there is nothing better. God calls us to be the best that we can be in the jobs and roles we find ourselves in. It is about giving ourselves to others in service where we can find fulfilment and purpose.
Remember that Jesus called everyday people, including fishermen and tax- collectors, to become his messengers and disciples and they changed the course of our history.
What are you being called to do and be? Where can you find purpose and fulfilment? God has something planned for you. Are you open to his call?
With my prayers
Richard
The Revd Richard Reakes, Rector of the Four Saints Benefice of Countesthorpe, Foston, Peatling Magna snd Willoughby Waterleys
Countesthorpe Village Hall FRIDAY 20 SEPTEMBER 7.30 for an 8.00pm prompt start
Teams of six, £5 per person to include light refreshments Prize Draw
Please register your team with Revd Richard at richard.vicarage@gmail.com by 13 September (number of teams limited)
Raising funds for St Andrew’s Church
EVERYONE IS WELCOME
CHARITY MEAL
A most enjoyable meal took place at the Axe and Square on 9 July and £805 was raised for church funds.
Photo: Tim Jelves
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