Dear Friends,
As many of you will know, last week I travelled to the South of England to conduct the funeral of a very close friend. I had known Hazel for 44 years and her home was my second home when I lived in the south. She had been ill for some years and it really was time to say goodbye in this life, but none the less, it was an emotional and difficult time for her family and all who were gathered. And it was a great privilege for me to be invited to conduct her service.
This took place in her local parish church, a place of huge significance for her as it was the place where she had been married, where her daughter was baptised, and where she attended the early morning Eucharist for as long as she was able. But it was a place of worship with very different traditions from our own. This set me thinking about the architecture of our places of worship and what they have to say to us.
As you will see from the photograph, St Peter’s Parkstone is a huge Victorian Gothic edifice with a high altar which speaks of the centrality of the Eucharist. In our own churches, it is the pulpit that is usually more obvious, speaking of the centrality of the Word of God. In both cases, the means of Grace, the Eucharist (or Communion) and the Word of God are intended to bring the worshipper closer to the Saviour. The way this happens for us is a matter of faith and tradition, for in both cases Christ is the central focus.
It was a huge privilege for me to be allowed to lead worship in this beautiful church. It was a huge privilege to have the opportunity to serve a family that I know so well and who have given me so much love and support over the years. And it is a huge privilege for me to be allowed to open the scriptures to all of you at Boarhills and Dunino and Holy Trinity, as well as those who join us on-line and in print week by week. Thank you all for your love and support.
With love and blessings,
Marion
Categories: Minister's Blog