I should have expected it. After all the interest in my bike-riding, and with photos on the cover of local newspapers saying ‘on your bike vicar’, it was only a matter of time before I fell off spectacularly. So I was suitably embarrassed to be sitting in the Accident and Emergency department after I crashed the bike and broke my arm.
It has been a real eye-opener for me, it’s the first time I have broken anything or had to be a patient in A&E. As broken bones go this has been quite a minor break, it hasn’t been too painful and it has healed very quickly. I do appreciate all your prayers and kind words throughout December. Of course, it has cramped my style a little. I haven’t been able to get out and about visiting as much as I would have liked to, I have relied on others to give me lifts around town. Even small things like dressing, washing and eating were difficult, one broken arm affected my whole being. Funnily enough, I am grateful for the experience of my broken arm. It has helped me to get a small glimpse of the kind of difficulties disabled or infirm people have to put up with every day, and I have learned how to do things with my left hand.
Our Sunday readings in January led us through St. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, where he explains that the Church is really one body made up of many parts – and like our own bodies when one part suffers, we all suffer, when one part is honoured, we all rejoice. In 1 Corinthians chapter 12 Paul makes the point that each of us are different, with different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit -- different kinds of service, but the same Lord.
St. Paul is convinced that all of us have a gift and a ministry of service that is given for us to do. We all have a part to play, no matter how old or young. Being the church is about each of us realising our unique gift and ministry together, it isn’t a personality cult about the vicar, or a job for trained professionals only.
For example, our worship should involve everyone, whether it is reading the Bible, leading intercessions, administering communion, praying and singing. At other times we can all show love and concern to those who are ill or in need of a visit, and do let us know so we can pray and visit too. St. Paul reminds us “Now you are the body of Christ”, may God show each one of us that we are a special part of it, with a unique contribution to make.
Yours in Christ, Steve
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