TEAM TALK 2025

Well, we still seem to be living in interesting times.  A long view of history and our lives can help us to recall God’s faithfulness over time.  Sadly, the agony of war

 

and injustice remains the backdrop to our daily news, and yet we are called to resist despair and respond with faithful lament as the backdrop to our prayers:  our online daily prayer continues Monday – Friday.  This year we have been shocked many times by human cruelty and the dereliction of duty in the church.  Yet we have also heard of incredible human courage and kindness, diligence and patience that has shone the light

 

of truth into some very dark places.  Although this has not yet brought complete reparation and healing, at least there is a stronger commitment to restoration and justice, particularly with regards to safeguarding.  I echo Bishop Rose’s words in thanking so many of you for the day-to-day work of creating a safer church in our parish and championing safeguarding culture where everyone in our churches realises that safeguarding is each of our responsibility.  All five of our churches are now using new online tools to help us continually improve:  the Dashboard and the Hub.  Parish Safeguarding volunteers now meet regularly to talk things through together, which is already a great source of support as we navigate changes and developments in the wider church.

 

In April our new Diocesan Secretary, Iain Blythe, moved to Canterbury Diocese from St Albans and was in at the deep end with Diocesan Synod elections for the new triennia.  Congratulations to Sue Bowles, Rosalind Drewitt and Malcolm Waller who were elected to serve Reculver Deanery in this capacity.  In the Autumn, elections to the Archbishop’s Council were held: congratulations to Rev Simon Tillotson who was elected to represent Canterbury Archdeaconry clergy.  With our new Finance director, Natalia Olszewska, and new Chair of the Board of Finance, Tony Richter, there is a very welcome change of culture in communication and an increased spirit of collaboration.  Financial challenges remain for us as for many dioceses, but it is good to have fresh leadership in this area.

 

Perhaps the biggest event to affect us here in Canterbury Diocese, was the unexpected resignation of Archbishop Justin in the Autumn.  Beyond the focus and work on supporting survivors of abuse, the timing of his departure highlighted weaknesses in our diocesan election processes particularly to the vital Vacancy in See Committee (ViSC) which are now being resolved.  Closer to home in our Deanery, it has been a pleasure to welcome Rev Chris Carnaby-Denyer to Reculver as Priest in charge at Herne with Greenhill.

 

Gathering for worship on Ascension Day and Advent Sunday continues to be a blessing and our gathered choir from across the churches goes from strength to strength.  Many of our esteemed retired colleagues provide invaluable support across the parish, and the annual thank you lunch also includes those who have decided to lay down their PTO as we model what it is to treasure our elders.  We continue to play an active part in Churches Together in Whitstable, with people from all churches participating in the Good Friday Walk of Witness, the annual celebration in the Autumn and involved in the shared social action projects described on the back page.  Our fellowship across difference in Churches Together is an important witness to koinonia and agape – loving community and friendship – that is possible for Christians even when they don’t agree on everything.

 

In 2024 the PCC and DCCs carefully considered and passed an ‘umbrella’ motion supporting the use of the prayers for love and faith for same sex couples within worship services in the parish, on the understanding that each Team church can adopt their own process of discernment and implementation of this liturgy.  This was an easier conversation in some churches than others, but the permission-giving approach allowed for different convictions to be respected, while not stifling our missional vocation as a whole.

 

The parish continues to foster vocations to lay and ordained ministry, with 5 people continuing in their discernment and one training for ordained ministry.  Rev Claude was appointed to a new benefice in Maidstone following the successful conclusion of her curacy.  We give thanks for all that she brought to our parish, and continue to pray for her, her family and those entrusted to her care and ministry.

At this time of annual reflection and prayer, a quote Dag Hammerskjold:

“For all that has been, Thank you. For all that is to come, Yes!”   Rev Rachel C Webbley, Team Rector