2012 Dec - Cotton Parish

A Word from the Rectory
Parish and Community News December 2012
CHURCH NEWS
Dear All,
By the time you read this, I shall be back from my annual retreat to the tiny
Scottish island of Iona (unless the winter storms are bad enough to stop the
ferry!). The sixth century Irish prince Columba founded his monastery there,
and made it the base for a mission that brought the Gospel to most of
Scotland, then Northumberland, and eventually even as far as East Anglia.
Although the Vikings knocked over most of the original buildings, during
the last century a Church of Scotland minister had a vision to rebuild the
Abbey and it’s now the most amazing place to stay, full of atmosphere and
history and an amazing collection of art and craft work. For me it’s a
constant reminder that in any century a small group of people, with passion
and vision, can achieve extraordinary things. Being a guest at the Abbey is
one of the best ways I know to prepare myself for the Christmas rush.
This month St. George’s has a new venture. 22 Wyverstone families have
kindly offered to host some very special guests – Mary, Joseph and their
faithful donkey (all knitted figures!) will be travelling through the village on
their way to Bethlehem. This lovely idea, called a Posada, comes from South
America. It’s a great way to enjoy Advent and remember how hard it must
have been for Mary, still a teenager and very pregnant, to make such a long
journey. I wonder who gave her hospitality along the way. She and Joseph
must have been grateful to anyone who took them in for the night.
Speaking of being grateful, my father has asked me to say how much he has
appreciated the way he has been made welcome at the Bowls Club and
Community Circle. It wasn’t easy for him to leave his home and his own
friends, back in February when the cancer was discovered, and the friendship
he has found here has meant a great deal to him. Being his companion on
the last part of the journey, I have learnt a lot from his courage, about how
to enjoy each day as it comes.
May this Christmas season be a time of warm memories for all of us. For
some of us, Christmases now will be the stuff of many happy future
memories; for some of us, the memories will be of Christmases long past, in
the company of family and friends now gathered into eternity. For each of
us, may the peace of the Christ Child come into our hearts, silently as on that
first night long ago.
And if yours is one of the homes taking in two travellers and their woolly
donkey – thank you!
Yours with love Liz Varley
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