A Curates reflection

Before I move to North Devon, I wanted to share some of the blessings, opportunities and challenges that I have known here. I have been so blessed by the way in which you welcomed me with love and acceptance. It has been a privilege to work with and learn from the very gifted team of both clergy and lay people who minister in this place.

This parish is blessed with rich worship traditions and beautiful buildings: I love to watch people enter Cockington and see them moved to awe and wonder by this ancient prayed-in space. St Matthew’s is full of beautiful symbols and I love the windows that

trace the gospel narrative in rich colour.

Both buildings are generously shared: concerts, school visits, the shop, special services, social events and coffee mornings for the surrounding community as well as keeping an Open Church so that people can visit. This is a rare privilege for many, who voice their amazement that these are not museums but weekly places of worship, with real people ringing the bells! You witness to a God who cares by offering a holy space in the community where people can be still and you provide candles and cards as ways to offer prayer.

Children are welcomed too through Kids’ Church, baptisms, special Christmas services and by the way in which you notice and include them.

Deepening our faith comes in many ways – through prayer and worship, through service, through our fellowship and through study. Lent and Advent groups, a house-group and coffee after services deepen relationships and help welcome newcomers.

Maintaining the buildings is a challenge and the work completed to keep both churches (and St Peter’s) safe and cared-for is impressive. Baptisms, weddings and funerals offer contact with those in our community who feel a church connection but have not yet committed to regular worship. We hope these services help people to see the living church and experience the God who loves them. The beautiful carved rood screen at Cockington shows birds feeding on a fruit-filled vine. In the Bible, Jesus speaks of himself as the vine (John chapter 15). The screen reminds us to feed on him: Christ’s provision for us is abundant – in the Cotswolds in winter snow our berried bushes at the Rectory would be denuded by greedy flocks of redstarts – feeding to stay alive in the bitter cold. So we are to feed on Christ eagerly and enthusiastically through regular worship and prayer if we are to stay alive and flourish in what can seem a harsh world.

Thank you so much for helping to train me and God bless you as you work together to see his kingdom come.

Blessings Ruth