From the Rectory, Uttoxeter

1 Dec 2024 • From the Vicar

The Rectory, Uttoxeter

As we approach the end of 2024, I have spent some time reflecting back on the year that has passed, and planning for the year that is to come. For me 2024 has been a year full of mixed emotions everything from low and extremely sad moments, to the most wonderful and exciting.

For most of this year I have been dealing with a cancer scare needing major surgery, followed by post-surgery recovery. At the same time as being given the news of my surgery, I had to grieve the death of my best friend following a short illness. We had been friends since childhood, and she was also a Church of England priest. On 27th September Stephen and I got engaged and are getting married at St Marys and All Saints Church, Checkley on 22nd March 2025.

Looking forwards to 2025 is already filling me with joy and with excited anticipation of what is to come. In January I have been invited to St George’s House, Windsor Castle for ‘Time Away to Think and Pray’ Benefices Consultation. March 22nd Stephen and I are getting married. Easter Day (20th April) I will be 60! and after Easter I am taking Extended Study Leave (ESL), returning to work at the beginning of August. My Extended Study Leave will give me an opportunity to explore how large Teams, such as Uttoxeter Area of Parishes, continue to focus on mission and ministry with limited clergy and fewer and ageing volunteers.

As we approach the seasons of Advent and Christmas, I am reminded that despite its message of joy and celebration, the season is a time of mixed emotions, meaning different things for different people. For some it will be a time of celebration, bringing family get-togethers, parties, the giving and sharing of presents, the laughter of children, feasting and merriment. For others, by contrast, it will bring pain. It may be the memory of a loved one who has recently died that hurts, or of an earlier bereavement around Christmas. It may be the recollection of bygone years before children grew up and left home to start a family of their own. It may be the burden of sickness, disability or terminal illness. Christmas may be a time of joy, but not everyone will be rejoicing. Yet it is precisely here that we glimpse the true wonder of the Christmas message, for at it’s heart is the proclamation that God became flesh, taking on our humanity. In other words, he understands what we are going through, whatever it might be. He doesn’t just sympathise with our pain and sorrow; he empathises. Christmas is a time of joy, but it is not just for the joyful; it is a time of celebration, but it is not reserved just for those who are celebrating. It is a time of good news for all, whether they laugh now or weep, rejoice or despair. God has entered our world so that, whatever we face now, we know that he is with us in it, and that his love will finally bring joy and blessing to all. I am reminded in John’s gospel ‘The Word became flesh and lived among us, such that we have seen his glory: glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.’ (John 1:14).

I am grateful to the Area Staff Team for taking on extra duties during my absence, and especially to Rev Joe Cant and Rev Jules Walker for covering some of the Area Rector responsibilities during this time.

As I slowly phase back into my work and ministry, I am looking forwards to being with you, and I would like to wish you all a joyful and blessed Advent and Christmas season.

Rev Margaret