On the 2nd June 2004, I went on the pilgrimage led by our Vicar, to the Holy Land. At the time, I had just been accepted for Ordination training. It was an unforgettable experience and from the time I arrived home, my main aim was to go back as soon as I could. I had to be patient though for I had to wait four years; but it was worth waiting for and on the 3rd June, prior to being ordained priest, I set off once again to visit the earthly home of our Lord.

The whole experience was just as amazing. I cannot begin to describe how wonderful it was to be back in the land of the Holy One, and especially to have the time and space to sit and watch the sun rise over the Galilee.

The most moving part of the visit was the time spent on the shore of the Galilee at the place called 'Mensa Christi', or 'Christ's Table'. This was where, according to tradition, Jesus cooked breakfast for some of His disciples and commissioned Peter to feed and look after His sheep. To be in this place the week before I was 'entrusted with Christ's own flock' (words from the Ordination service) was so very, very special. The words and the place came back to me quite clearly at the very moment of ordination.

On returning home, I went into Retreat, which was a lovely time of quiet preparation, led beautifully by the former Archdeacon of Liverpool, the Venerable Bob Metcalfe. There was time to reflect and meditate and really take time out to be with God, before, inevitably, emotions took over ~ and they did! I really struggled to keep my composure throughout the service and when my stole was placed across my shoulders by the Archdeacon, the tears just flowed.

This was only part of it, of course. Then came Sunday and the enormous privilege of presiding in the quiet of the early service and then to share the Sung Eucharist with my family and so many of you. I was delighted that my parents could be there, especially as mum has been so poorly over the past months ~ dad brought her across from the hospital in a wheelchair for the service.

I am now really looking forward to serving you and 'following the example of the Good Shepherd' here at St. Saviour's. As you will be well aware, I have an excellent teacher in Diane and I cannot thank her enough for her patience and teaching over the past years. I know that I will continue to learn under her careful guidance and will continue to grow in my ministry as your priest under her wings. Also, none of this would have been possible without the ongoing support of Mick, Peter and Joanne who have walked with me along the amazing road I've travelled over the past few years ~ I am so very grateful for all they have done.

Finally, thank you all so much for your continued prayers and encouragement and for the cards, kind words and gifts I've received over the past weeks. I was absolutely overwhelmed by the very generous gift of money from the church which I put towards a beautiful Jerusalem cross, bought in Bethlehem, and which will always mean so much to me as I look back on this very special time in my life and ministry. May God bless you all.

With love,

Lynn

The Curate Writes