June 2025 - Magazine - Page 37
A
frequent conversation I have is about how much the world seems to be
changing and how quickly. Whether it’s the rise of new technologies, changes
in our communities or the shifting values in society, many I speak with feel a
sense of dislocation, as though the ground beneath their feet is not as steady as it
once was.
Amid all this, it is natural to want to hold on to the things that are familiar, our
traditions, our customs, and our rhythms of village and church life. These patterns
are not relics of the past but are the very things that give us identity, stability,
and meaning. From the village fete to the quiet beauty of Sunday worship, such
moments bind us together and connect us to something deeper than ourselves.
But tradition is not the same as nostalgia. True tradition is not about retreating
into the past but about carrying forward the wisdom and faith that have sustained
generations, adapting when necessary, and yet never losing the heart of who we
are.
The early church knew this well. Faced with enormous social and cultural shifts,
they held fast to the core of their faith: the love of God and the love of neighbour
even as they were discovering new ways to express it. That is also our challenge,
to be rooted, but not rigid and to be faithful, but not fearful.
How can we honour our traditions while making space for those who come with
different experiences? How do we keep our church and community open, warm,
and welcoming, even as the world around us changes?
As we face the many challenges of a changing world, let us not lose sight of what
anchors us. Our traditions are not archaic habits, they are living practices that
connect us to God and to each other. They remind us of who we are and whose we
are.
Let us step forward with hope and not fear, trusting that God goes with us and
knowing that by his grace the most important things will endure.
With every blessing,
Rev Dr Andrew Cameron
Vicar, All Saints’ Church
WHO TO CONTACT...
For all routine church matters, especially weddings, funerals, baptism enquiries, etc,
Miranda Hungerford: admin@allsaintsbrenchley.com
VICAR Rev Dr Andy Cameron vicar@allsaintsbrenchley.com
CHILDREN & YOUTH youth@allsaintsbrenchley.com
SAFEGUARDING email in confidence
Alexandra MacCaskill: safeguarding@allsaintsbrenchley.com
CHURCH WARDENS wardens@allsaintsbrenchley.com
Robert Akenhead 01892 723920 + Moira Tunstall 01892 327980
( please contact by email - only call if genuinely urgent)
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