A message from the Rev’d Stephen Sutcliffe

Posted by Admin on 25 August 2018, 1:11 am

The Rev’d Stephen Sutcliffe

Assistant Curate

2 St Faiths Rd

Cowes.

Tel: 01983 652506

Email: steve.alan.sutcliffe@icloud.com

Good day to you people of Northwood!
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Firstly, let me introduce myself for those who have not yet met me: my name is Stephen Sutcliffe and I am your new curate. I will be training with the lovely Rev’d Amanda Collinson, serving in the parishes of Northwood and Gurnard with St Faith’s Cowes.
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‘But what is a curate?’ I hear you cry. Well a curate is basically a vicar in training! I was ordained by Bishop Christopher in Portsmouth Cathedral back in late June and I will be spending the next few years with you, learning how to be a vicar and how to run a parish or as is the case these days, a few parishes. You will see me at church services and parish events of course, but also around at various community events and local groups which bring people together and to support one another through the tribulations of daily living.
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As I get around the parishes I hope to meet as many of you as I can. You will quickly discover that I am a huge extrovert and love meeting people and hearing all about your lives, the good times as well as the tough times.
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During the incredibly long hot summer months I hope you all have had a time where you could unwind a little and reflect. I always value reflection time – time to pause and just think about the journey I am on and hope you do too. So how is your life journey going? I sincerely hope that you are managing OK and coping with the many changes that life throws at you.
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I hope there will be many people reading this who have simply enjoyed a wonderful summer but equally there may be people who have struggled this last month or so because of a change in their circumstances. Maybe there has been a death in the family, an end of a relationship, perhaps a new birth or a new relationship. Maybe there is a child in your household who is starting school for the first time or moving to a new school. Perhaps you have just moved into the area or are you preparing to leave?
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Our journeys through life are as diverse as we are. That’s what makes us so interesting I think! But it also means that we have a lot of experience between us. Experiences that shape us into the people that we are. Sadly, for some people those experiences can cause us hurt and can make us somewhat defensive in our behaviour. Other experiences can make us simply burst with excitement and something we just want to share with everyone!
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I believe it is important to share our life experiences with one another – with friends and those who are yet to become friends. That way we can strengthen one another when times become turbulent and can rejoice with each other when times are good.
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God created us to be in relationship with one another – of that I am sure. And God knows the power of communication, between that of a couple of friends as well as between us and Him through prayer. I believe God wants us to flourish in our lives through our own personal development and alongside those who live and work alongside us. I see our lives as part of a triangle with God at the pinnacle, ourselves forming one side and our friendships on the other side with the base of the triangle being our lives. When we work together for the good of others and ourselves God is at the heart of those relationships but when we remove ourselves or others from the triangle that is when things start to fall and when we are more likely to struggle.
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As you read this think about how your triangle is formed and what are the principle relationships within your life? Use any spare time you have this month to reflect and let me know your results if we meet in the next few weeks and months. More importantly I hope through your observations you will be able to share your encounters and experiences with others and help them make sense of their lives and of course vice versa!
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But for now let me wish you well and I will look forward to seeing and meeting you around the village very soon, take care.
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Rev’d Steve.