St Peter's Yaxley

…reaching out in love and faith

Give Thanks & Encouragement

by

On May 9th I had the great privilege to be involved in a service at St. Giles, Holme at which Lance Bombardier William Barrington, Bill, was presented with the Legion d’Honneur.

Bill was awarded this honour for his involvement in the D Day Landings in Normandy in June 1944. If you live in Holme or Conington you can read more about this award in last month’s Holme Parish News. I’ve known Bill for several years and he is a warm and inspirational character.

As I drove home across the fen after the service it occurred to me that 74 years was a long time to wait to be thanked. Now, I’m certain that Bill didn’t do what he did in Normandy (and indeed elsewhere in WWII) in order to be thanked. However, it did feel to me like a good reminder of the importance of thanking those around us who make a positive impact on our lives.

I heard a Christian speaker ask recently how one could tell if someone needed encouragement. “It’s straightforward,” was his response: “if someone is breathing they need encouragement!” In other words, we all need to be thanked and encouraged – Christians, those of other faiths and those of none. May I suggest that as you read the rest of this article you give some thought to who you might say “thank you” to today? This simple act will make a real impact on the person / people you thank.

If you enjoy folk music may I extend a welcome to you to a concert which is being held at St. Peter’s at 7.30pm on Friday June 8th as part of the Oundle International Festival. The concert is being given by TEYR and tickets can be purchased at www.oundlefestival.savoysystems.co.uk

You are all very welcome to join us at St. Giles, St. Peter’s and indeed other local churches as we thank God for all that he has done for us.

With my prayers,

Jon
Jon Randall (Vicar) 07939 449255; vicar@saintpeters.co.uk

Opportunity awaits the courageous

by

Happy New Year to you all!

I can remember when I was a boy calculating how old I would be in the year 2,000. Well this year, I’ll be 1.5 times as old as that. As they say; “Time waits for no-one”. Hopefully, this is an encouragement to me and us all to make the most of every day.

How might we do that? One way is to try to ensure that we make the most of every opportunity and not let setbacks and difficulties hold us back. Let me illustrate this in a light-hearted way by comparing my day at the end of November to that of our cat.

November 30th saw the first snow of the winter. Our cat was desperate to go outside and explore. However, she put one paw outside the door, realized how cold it was and turned round and went back to bed for the day. I was due to go to Newcastle and visit our daughter for the day. I was aware that 2-5cm of snow was forecast. When I stepped out of the front door at 8.00am, the wind chill hit me. But I was braver than the cat (!) and carried on. When I arrived in Newcastle there was a fair bit of snow already. As I ran to where our daughter had parked I stepped in a puddle of slush and discovered a hole in my shoe. As we walked to a pub for lunch my sock got wetter and wetter.

However, by braving the elements (and a wet foot) I had a wonderful day in Newcastle with my daughter. An opportunity taken despite the setbacks. The cat apparently slept all day and missed her chance to explore.

I wonder what opportunities lie ahead of you this year. Let’s be courageous and pursue them even if we face setbacks. I am, of course, well aware that a bit of snow is insignificant compared to some of the issues which some will face this year.

Whatever you do this year may you know Jesus’ promise to all who believe and trust in him. His last words before he returned to heaven after his resurrection were; “Remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age”. If you would like prayer for any issues you face, please contact me.

With my prayers for you all for 2018 and beyond,

Jon Randall (Vicar) 07939 449255; vicar@saintpeters.co.uk

Read this article in the Yaxley Gazette.