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”'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'” Jeremiah 29:11
As I sit at my desk in the manse in Upton, now as an ordained Minister of Word and Sacraments, I am filled with a mix of excitement and nerves. I am very glad to be here in the Chester North pastorate, finally able to live out the calling I have felt drawn to for most of my life. However, it has been a long and challenging journey to reach this point, and this is only the beginning of a brand new chapter in my life, with lots of new opportunities, but also, as yet, unseen, obstacles and pitfalls ahead.
The people of God in the Book of Jeremiah faced similar emotions. They were being led by God on a long journey towards the promised land, expecting to get there relatively quickly. However, God asks something completely unexpected of them, that they stop on the way, and wait in a strange land, not just for a short time, but for generations, meaning they themselves would not likely see the promised land. It would be their children, their grandchildren, or perhaps even further down the line that their goal would be reached.
We have the advantage of being able to look back on the bigger story, and to see that God did, indeed, lead the people to where they needed to be, at the time they needed to be there. This did not make the journey easy, but it did make it worthwhile. Similarly, I know in my heart and mind that I have been led well by God thus far, and this will continue.
As a new minister, I am still working out what it really means for me to be a minister. There are things I have learned about in the classroom, but haven’t actually done yet. There are tasks I am inexperienced in. I am worried about getting things wrong. However, my main feeling right now, is gratitude. Gratitude for the chance to serve God in ministry, gratitude for the warm welcome and support I have received in the past month or so as I have moved to the area and started to meet people.
Gratitude that we can always trust God’s promises, even if things happen in God’s ways and in God’s time rather than ours.There will be a lot of work ahead across three churches, the Synod and wider denomination, and I won’t be able to fit in everything I want to, but I do want to be available to you as your minister, at least to talk, and possibly to visit you if and when it’s appropriate. My work mobile number is 07876172953 and my work email address is revdsimonpeters.urc@gmail.com and if I can’t respond right away, please leave a message and I will get back to you.
Thank you so much to everyone for a wonderful welcome and especially such a moving Ordination and Induction service. I was so humbled to see so many there, both in person and online, as well as the lovely messages, cards and gifts which people sent. I am so glad to be here, and looking forward to journeying forward with you in faith.
With Love and Best Wishes,
Simon.
