Revd Helens Letter ( June 2024)

Lessons from Sabbatical (Sabbath=rest, refreshment, refuelling)

1st: Waiting. At every time of waiting there is always creativity, sometimes there is pain and above all God always blesses the waiting with the gift of arrival.

2nd: Risk. taking things that make me fearful and then when I achieve them, I am filled with joy. Walking over Sydney Harbour Bridge with my cousin was the biggest.

3rd, Simple Living: I lived most of my sabbatical in one room, yet I had all of creation to explore. I was deeply grateful for all the hospitality I received. It was abundant and kind.

4th: Being in the right place at the right time: In each place I visited my experience and skills came into use. Past nursing, pastoral supervision, retreat leading, preaching and teaching, time for prayer and reading the Bible.

5th: The Sea:  Every place was near to the sea, and I loved the ebb and flow of the tide reminding of God’s provision, faithfulness, and goodness. I swam in most seas and even had a paddle at St Abbs head.

6th: Pilgrimage: the whole experience was a pilgrimage. Honouring my dad who died when I was 12 at Jocks Creek Australia, walking tenderly alongside the parishioners and clergy at St Pauls Beaconsfield Fremantle Perth. Leading a pilgrimage about St Cuthbert with the Northumbria Community. Walking with God on Iona as a self-guided retreat pilgrimage and inventing ‘play praying’ together.

And now a 7th lesson: The art of coming back well. God and Love are everywhere. Blessings to you all and hugely grateful to Rev Richard, Keith and Judith and all the volunteers who held the fort.

Blessings

Helen