A message from The Rev’d Lyn McRostie, Rector of Northwood – November 2011

Posted by Admin on 25 October 2011, 1:58 pm

Have you seen the film “Eat, Pray, Love” (starring Julia Roberts) or perhaps you’ve read the book? The story is about one woman’s spiritual journey, the people she meets along the way and the conversations she has with them and with God.

One conversation she had particularly caught my attention. It was about words. The author (Elizabeth Gilbert) and her companion were discussing words to describe cities of the world, trying to find one word to summarize each city. (If you’re a Portsmouth or Southampton football supporter, then I suspect certain words have already sprung to mind however I’d encourage you to think of some other characteristic that summarizes the city!).

Elizabeth Gilbert chose “achieve” for New York and “succeed” for Los Angeles. Do you have a word you would choose for London, Manchester, Edinburgh, or for The Isle of Wight?

For me, in choosing a word for the Island, I’d say “relating”. I learned very early in my time here that the network of relationships on the Island is more complex than those shown in EastEnders! That complexity though creates a sense of community that runs very deep and gives a special quality to life here.

Now, as I write my last letter to you and pack up to return to my home city in Australia, I thank you for enabling me to share in that sense of community. It is a treasure and a gift I will take with me. Thank you too for all the opportunities I have had to share in special times in your lives and special events.

I should be grateful for your prayers and blessings as I take my leave of you – and I shall think of you all every time I read this passage from Paul’s letter to the Philippians, his most beloved community; “ I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy and this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.” (Philippians, 1.3-4, 9-11)

With my love and prayers

Lyn

MESSAGE FROM THE CHURCHWARDENS
Do you know of someone who would appreciate a visit by the church? Or would you, yourself, like to meet and talk with someone from the church? Please let the Churchwardens (Peter Lambert 01983 526385 or Anne Brooker 01983 296958) know. We’re happy to meet with you, to bring communion to you if you cannot come to church – or to explore with you if you just want to know more about the Christian faith. We are always here for you – because that’s what we’re about!