Message from the church ..............

THE REVD JOHN HOOLEY

With great sadness we reported the sudden death of the greatly loved Vicar of Old Dalby, the Revd John Hooley. John was with us only two years, but in that short time his impact on village life was extraordinary. He spent all his time and energy on his work as Parish Priest, even when his health was failing. His quiet way of speaking of ordinary things touched old and young alike. Everyone was of interest to him, and wherever people were, there was John.

Originally from Sheffield, he never lost his love for his roots and especially his enthusiasm for United! ‘Match of the Day’s theme-song was even played at his funeral! The church was packed, and for the first time we heard a little of his outstanding and often courageous service as an army chaplain, as well as Bishop Tim’s moving tribute to his work as a faithful priest of God.

Our prayers continue for Jean his widow, and for Duncan his son. Meanwhile we commit ourselves to continue and eventually complete the projects that John initiated.

Revd Dr Eric Lott

A new chapter

It is a very daunting prospect - to be faced with a blank page, or vacant computer screen, and have to write something meaningful, something that people will want to read, something that will make them think. How do you get started? What are you going to take as your topic? Where is the inspiration to come from?

This is certainly something very much on my mind as I start my new ministry here in these villages. It is tempting to see it as a ‘blank page’ for me to write on, but I know full well that much has already been ‘written’. At the moment it is, to me, in ‘invisible ink’ but as I get to know more and more people and learn more about what is happening here and what has happened I shall begin to understand the story. Then perhaps together we shall be able to continue it in a way that makes sense for everyone.

Grace Shepherd, the widow of the former Bishop of Liverpool, writes and speaks about prayer and spirituality. When faced with a blank page she begins by writing ‘In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit’. Only then, having asked for God’s assistance and dedicating what she writes to him, does she make a start. This is an acknowledgement that all our creative faculties are a gift from God and that the inspiration for what we do flows from him.

This is the way I would wish to begin my work alongside you here. You have already demonstrated your support for me (and for Margaret) in the wonderful induction service and the uplifting worship of Holy Week and Easter and we are very grateful for that. It is very encouraging to see the spirit of co-operation among the people of the churches here.

May God bless us all in everything we do in his name.

Jeff Hopewell

Vicar