tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5366621735995057721.post275814742112815337..comments2024-03-17T09:17:01.454+00:00Comments on Vic the Vicar!: What was that!Vic Van Den Berghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581156515370131898noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5366621735995057721.post-65847186924942430142016-12-07T06:28:26.551+00:002016-12-07T06:28:26.551+00:00Thanks Ernie
VThanks Ernie<br /><br />VVic Van Den Berghhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09581156515370131898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5366621735995057721.post-16694350361693212302016-12-06T07:56:56.009+00:002016-12-06T07:56:56.009+00:00I suspect that Paul and his disciples might have f...I suspect that Paul and his disciples might have felt much as you do in this post.<br /><br />Offering in service and a passionate humility (thanks Stephen Cherry) the word of God, by living it out day to day, but often being met with hostility, indifference or with joy and interest. Such is your life as a Priest set apart for God's purposes, yet, still part of his people, living among and alongside the community you serve. <br /><br />I remember when I first came into the Church and the discernment process, I had to learn a whole new language. I came from 43 years of Army service, where oblique talk wasn't the style and we respected authority in most things, although, I can't honestly say that my humility was on the upper part of my horizon. <br /><br />I commanded people, military and civilian, and while treating them well, expected things to be done well and with priorities - just as my CO expected of me. In the Church the ability to speak the language and to use persuasion is much more to the fore than in the Army. Yes you asked for Volunteers, but in the end, you could always order people to do things.<br /><br />The church doesn't order anyone to do anything, but it offers opportunities, which it hopes that people of will recognise as suitable for them, perhaps matching their skills, abilities and experience and who offer to do so in humility and the spirit of service for the greater good (which in a way, was how I managed those I commanded), but if nobody steps forward, any initiative from you or others, can seem fruitless or frustration.<br /><br />We all need humility, and hope for the same from others, in the spirit of hope that God will prompt people to come forward, with our encouragement and join in with the work that God calls us all to - but sometimes it seems impossible.<br /><br />However, signs of God's action can hit you in the face. Recently, our Christmas Beazaar asked for assistance in providing cakes for the Cake stall. The lady who runs it, normally did the majority of the baking herself, but was unable to do so this time. People stepped forward in droves. On the day, so many cakes arrived, they were nearly over whelmed, but peoples generosity didn't finish there. All the cakes were sold and raised several hundred pounds to go towards the mission and ministry in our place - we give thanks to God that people can and do respond - just not as often as we would like.<br /><br /><br /><br />UKViewerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18114944341930758335noreply@blogger.com