Rob Harrison - Vicar
slowing down
After passing the 10 year mark in early 2007 it seemed more important than ever that I try to live and work at a steadier pace. This became particularly clear in the summer when the pressure of life and work began to interfere with my sleep and I was forced to take some time off.
Next came three months of sabbatical - a combination of rest and research. It was lovely to have more time to spend with my family, particularly in the evenings and at weekends, and to be more available as three of our children started new schools.
My research - into the lives and practices of 1st Century Jewish rabbis - was fascinating. It surprised me and challenged me. (More of that at the AGM.) It has also reminded me of how easily we assume that Jesus was like us, when we should instead be making ourselves more like him.
keeping up
It is not easy to slow down in a church as busy as St John's. As more people take part in leading our services, and in reaching out into the local community, supporting them adequately and appropriately is an increasing challenge.
We have restructured the regular planning process for Sunday mornings, to involve more people, give them more freedom and support them more consistently.
Over these 11 years at St John's, my role has changed significantly: from doing the public ministry, to sharing the public ministry, to helping others do the public ministry. And in the past year this has moved on yet another stage. I am now supporting those who are helping others do the public ministry. This is what growth feels like!
moving forwards
Life never stops changing, and church is part of life. I am increasingly involved in helping other church leaders to discover fresh ways of being God's church. This is about passing on the things we have learned and discovered at St John's. It is wonderful to note that St John's, Hillingdon, is helping other churches to serve God in our rapidly changing world - even as far away as South Africa!
But we have only scratched the surface. Last year we began to explore patterns of Christian ministry that will take the message of God's love to those Hillingdon people who will never come into our church. Already, it is true to say that Sunday morning worship is just one part of the life and work of St John's. We will, of course, continue to offer what we already offer on Sundays, but we must also do very different things in very different places.
meanwhile . . .
There is the usual round of weddings, funerals, school visits, assemblies, deanery meetings, Churches Together meetings, Willesden area meetings, Scripture Union meetings, paperwork, emails, phone calls etc etc etc.
What did I write about slowing down?
Elizabeth Moore-Bick - Curate
George Pinnell - Curate
It has been another challenging year with Rob being away on sabbatical for three months ( was he really away!) well we all managed to survive and for me that was the great thing that came out of it that the people of St Johns are strong enough in their faith to get on with things .
The growth in members of our church community taking on leadership rolls has enhanced our worship and it's wonderful to witness God enabling people to use their talents for the growth of his kingdom.
Quiet days have been very rewarding and many have enjoyed the time to just sit listen and pray. I have also shared these days with other parishes.
Weddings and funerals have continued much as last year and it's always a privilege to share in their times of joy as well as sharing moments of grief at the loss of a love one this being for me a real privilege of my ministry.
During the summer months I covered worship at other local churches while their vicar went away for a well earned rest this is always an exciting experience meeting fellow Christians and experiencing different styles of worship.
February this year we had a weekend retreat to Cautley House in Kent, all who came found it very rewarding.
Thank you for all your support, friendship and prayers over the past year.