Rector - Revd. Teresa Townsend

Dear Friends,

When I wrote my Ramblings from the Rectory for last year’s March edition of the magazine, it was Valentine’s Day and I remember describing a dreary, grey day. As I write this year’s, it is also Valentine’s Day, yet I am delighted to say the sky is blue, the grass is green and the snowdrops on the front lawn are catching the light brilliantly, almost singing their own song of joy.

It is always around this time that we begin to hope that spring is really on its way – that the constant rain and greyness might soon give way to longer days, warmth and sunshine. And this year, as the seasons turn, we have also entered Lent: that quieter, more reflective time when we tend the soil of our own hearts and lives, making space for the new life Easter promises.

Over recent weeks, Nic has spent many days in full wet-weather gear out in the garden, preparing the vegetable patches, the flower beds and, in particular, the area we call ‘The Terrace’ in the top area of the rear garden, unusable so far. A task begun last summer, he has been digging it out, removing brambles and their roots, clearing weeds and old planting. I would not quite call it a labour of love for him, though drier weather certainly helps! The Terrace has become a long-term project and we hope that all his preparations will soon mean he can sow grass seed there. Then, with care and attention, we will watch new life take hold and imagine how that restored space might be used in the future.

I have written before how I feel Nic’s tending of the Rectory garden runs in parallel with my ministry here as your Rector. Everything takes time: time to observe, to see what grows well and where, to understand what needs changing (if anything) and why. It has been a real joy each day to see so many of you, whether while visiting or simply out and about. Getting to know each parish has been the most important part of ministry for me. Like strong roots beneath the surface, building relationships matter deeply.

Last month I wrote about our ‘Sowing Seeds’ focus as we look ahead. As our church communities consider how we can grow in faith and strengthen our connection with our wider communities, we are recognising that much groundwork is already in place. Sowing Seeds is about preparing faithfully for what God may be calling us to in the coming seasons. By focusing together on prayer for growth, we deepen and strengthen the roots that will sustain whatever emerges.

Just as in our gardens and greenhouses, we know that we do not see instant growth when seeds are sown. Much is happening unseen, as roots search for nutrients and establish firm foundations before shoots appear. Lent invites us into that same patient work – sometimes quiet, sometimes hidden, but essential.

Among the seeds already sown is a new, regular monthly Prayer Gathering at the Rectory. Prayer is for growth within our churches, so that they be known not simply as beautiful buildings in stunning settings, but as living and breathing worshipping communities, places of welcome for all. We pray too for our parishes, that many may come to know the welcome awaiting them and that worship will continue for generations to come.

Another seed sown is our new, monthly Carers Coffee Morning, held in St Peter’s Room at St Peter’s Church – a space for those who are caring, or who have cared, for someone with a long-term illness and who would value time that is simply their own.

Sowing seeds and deepening roots, strengthens the foundations we need – this very much is the importance of this season. As we head towards spring with its abundance of colour, warmth and hope, may we trust that good things are growing, even if we cannot yet see them.

May you find hope taking root in your life this Lent.  

Every blessing

Teresa