Our Mission

Message from the Manse

On 3 September this year I celebrated a decade of ordained ministry and have been reminiscing about those ten years and how I have seen God at work during this time.

I was ordained and inducted to three churches in and around Cambridge for a 12-month post as transitional minister. The post was time-limited and ideal for me, as it allowed me to stay in Cambridge whilst my daughter finished her secondary school education.

As a ‘newbie’ I was made very welcome at all three churches and enjoyed working with, and for, them but knowing that the role was only temporary I was encouraged to look for a new calling almost as soon as I had started.

During my time in Cambridge, I had the pleasure of taking a same gender blessing which gave me a better understanding of the gift of hospitality – not because of the fact that I would take such a service but …. 

I had arrived very early to set up the seating and have lunch before the service began. After setting up I sat in the vestry to eat my lunch but heard a lot of noise so grumpily got up and went to investigate….I discovered a large number of guests (who having travelled some distance) had arrived over an hour before the service was due to start and it was very windy and starting to rain. I quickly overcame my grumpiness and opened the church to them, served refreshments and played music while they waited.

I had good conversations with several people – an unexpected ministry of welcome, love and grace that surprised many but also helped them understand that ‘service’ comes in many shapes and sizes. It also helped me appreciate how blessed I was through hearing their stories and concerns and in some cases praying with and for them.

It drew me to think of 1 Peter 4:9-11

9. Be hospitable to one another without complaining.

10. Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.

11. Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

I was then called to Chester where I stayed for eight years. It was here that I led many of my ‘firsts’: baptism, wedding and burial as well as taking services in other URC churches in Chester. Here I enjoyed getting to know the church and wider community, although Covid did challenge this somewhat.

Working with my fellow URC and Methodist Ministers during Covid was a steep learning curve but it helped me learn how to use zoom, unwillingly at first, but as I gained confidence with the technology, I came to enjoy it.

I found comfort during times of challenge by reading Isaiah 41:8-10

8. But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, the offspring of Abraham, my friend;

9. You whom I took from the ends of the earth, and called from its farthest corners, saying to you, ‘You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off’;

10. Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.

I began to realise after eight years that my calling to Chester was coming to an end so began searching and discerning where God was calling me next…. And so, here I am 

I can honestly say that the last ten years have flown by, and I am truly blessed to be serving you. 

I am looking forward to discovering where Leading Your Church Into Growth will take us as we think about how we build stronger relationships with the wider community and how we can be of service to them in the future.

I will leave you with a message from Paul’s letter to the Romans (15:13)

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Thank you for being my companions on the road of this wonderful journey.

Blessings and peace, Ruth