The Family of the Church

Over this last week, and for the first time since being in Wendover, I have been to a couple of functions in the Parish in my role as Church representative. There were other members of the community representing their various institutions and interests. The second of these functions was up at RAF Halton, a Spring Reception which involved not just drinks and canapés, but a parade by some of the RAF recruits and a fly-past by a spitfire!

On our way home, Mark (the vicar) and I were reflecting on the evening, and perhaps predictably, the highlight for Mark was being ‘that close to a spitfire!’ For me, however, much less used to this kind of function, I was struck by the role the Church plays in sharing community life. Perhaps there is a danger in the post-modern trend of consumerism that the Church becomes less connected to its community as fewer worshippers live in the parish, choosing instead to shop around and choose a church that suits them best. This would be a pity, for alongside politicians, head teachers of schools, patrons of local charities, the Church has a significant role to play in sharing our beliefs, our outlook and our priorities within the community context.

I was also involved this week in taking my first wedding at which I felt the same privilege at sharing this important day with the bride and groom and their families and friends. Being right up at the front with the couple and so being a party to the meaning and intimacy with which they made their vows was very special. It also made me realise what a crucial role the minister plays in making the wedding ceremony meaningful, yet comfortable, serious and yet relaxed. I hoped that slightly twisting the tradition of telling the groom (rather than the bride) that he looked very nice would help the whole congregation to relax!

Sharing significant moments in people’s lives has become important to me and my husband Lee recently, as we shared with our congregations on Easter Sunday the news that we are expecting our first baby in November. Our announcement was met with great joy and loving support, and somehow the prospect of having a baby whilst sharing in the church families of St Mary’s and St Michael’s makes everything a bit more special. After all love, encouragement, support, joy, fellowship – isn’t that what families are for?

Em Coley is in the first year of a curacy in Wendover with Halton.