Having some enforced rest during a recent illness I was watching an interview with Alex Jones who presents The One Show on BBC1.

She was asked how she got her big break in front of the cameras. She related that soon after she left university she was working in the office for the BBC in Wales. One day she was asked to go and collect Michael Crawford from the railway station and take him to a location nearby for filming. On the way she got a message saying that filming was delayed and could she please take Crawford out to lunch. She had only just started work and had very little money so she took him to a McDonald’s Drive Thru’. She said Michael seemed to be OK with this, but her bosses went crazy with her when they found out. A few weeks later she committed another ‘indiscretion’ and again her bosses were unimpressed. Apparently, one day her boss said to her something like : “Well, you’re no good in the office so let’s see if you’re any good in front of the camera.” Clearly she was good on camera and this launched her successful career. Effectively she found her career by chance.

Some of you will have heard that Archbishop Justin Welby recently discovered that his biological father is not the man he had always thought that he was. Apparently his mother had a brief liaison with another man just before her marriage to Gavin Welby. Archbishop Justin said that he was completely surprised, but then added: “I know that I find who I am in Jesus Christ, not in genetics, and my identity in him never changes…” .

This wonderful statement reflects something which is available to all of us. The invitation is open to everyone who believes in Jesus Christ to know their identity in him. That identity includes being loved, being part of God’s family and the promise of everlasting life in his Kingdom. This does not happen by chance. Rather, it is part of God’s plan for us all. Whether you feel that you are in the right job, or haven’t had the sort of break enjoyed by Alex Jones, or indeed if you are not working at all and whatever your family and personal circumstances, the invitation to find who you are in Jesus Christ is open to all.

You are all always welcome at any of our services at St. Peter’s – details are here or give me a call.

May I take this opportunity to invite you to our annual plant sale, Green Day, which is on Saturday May 7th from 10.00am at St. Peter’s. We also look forward to welcoming you to our service at 11.00am on May 15th to begin the second day of the Yaxley Festival on the Recreation Ground.

With my prayers.

Jon Randall (Vicar) 01733 240339; vicar@saintpeters.co.uk

Read this article in the Yaxley Gazette.