Dear friends,

As I write this, I have been in post less than a week. However, during this short time both Dianne  and I have been humbled by the kind and loving reception we have received from everyone we have met following my induction and licensing on 9th June. It is a truly wonderful community.

Coming from a pastoral ministry calling and wearing a collar in the parishes gives me the opportunity for many ‘God conversations’, and every now and then I hear the comment “I don’t go to church, but it’s good to meet you”. This is often followed by “But when life gets hard, I do pray for a miracle”.

One of the most affirming ministries of my curacy was the time spent in care homes and, in particular, the time spent with dementia patients. I was often struck by those who would not attend my communion services in the community lounges and sat at the other side of the room. They would say they had no faith or indeed doubted their faith, yet when we said the Lord’s prayer,

they would utter the words of the prayer from the other side of the lounge as if they were recounting a past encounter with faith. 

These instances affirm to me that even when people doubt, there is still a part of them that places their hope in God. The 3rd of July sees the festival and celebration of St Thomas. Thomas the Apostle, also known as Didymus, was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus, according to the New Testament. He is commonly referred to as "Doubting Thomas" because he initially doubted the resurrection of Jesus Christ. However, upon seeing the healed wounds on Jesus’ body after the crucifixion, he confessed his faith with the words, "My lord and my God."

The story of Doubting Thomas in John 20:19-31 reminds us of the struggle many people face in their faith journey. It is natural to have doubts and questions, and this passage demonstrates how Jesus compassionately addresses those concerns.

When Jesus appeared to His disciples after His resurrection, He offered them peace and showed them His wounds as evidence of His victory over death. Thomas, however, was not present during this encounter and expressed scepticism when told about Jesus’ appearance. He demanded physical proof, stating that he would not believe unless he saw and touched Jesus’ wounds.

In response to Thomas’ doubts, Jesus graciously appeared to him, offering the physical evidence he sought. Upon seeing and touching Jesus, Thomas’ doubts were erased, and he proclaimed his belief in Jesus as Lord and God.

This passage emphasizes the importance of faith – believing without seeing. Jesus acknowledges the challenge of believing without tangible evidence, yet He also blesses those who are able to maintain faith without sight.

I am reminded how we often pray when we need help either for ourselves or a loved one, yet we are called to pray often and indeed give thanks, not just when we are in need. We will not always see the signs around us and will have doubts just like St Thomas, but God offers hope and peace in  times of trouble.

We are all on different journeys and turn to God in different ways. Our united benefice is full of love and community spirit. Let’s keep reminding ourselves that we may not always see what God is doing in our lives and at times may have doubts, but God is love and always present in the ups and downs of life, no matter where we are on our faith journey. All we need are the eyes to see and ears to hear.   John 20:19-31

            Rev David Saunders.

For local enquiries relating to Week St. Mary Church matters please contact either of the Churchwardens:
Lesley Booker Tel: 01288 341221 or Linda Cobbledick Tel: 01288 341468

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For enquiries relating to Week St. Mary Methodist Church please contact:
Rev Steve Swann • Telephone: 01840 779339