2025 June Letter from our Priest
Dear friends,
Volunteers Week
Did you know that between the 2nd to 8th June marks Volunteers Week? Where would we be without volunteers? (As a neighbourhood, or indeed, a nation?). It is always so lovely to see a group of volunteers in action – recognising all that they do (and nothing is comparable to the smile you see on their faces). It is love in action. As much as we as volunteers seek to ‘bless’ another, we cannot help but be blessed ourselves in the process.
When I think of volunteers in Stratford, I instantly think of the Summer Cafés in the Reading Room, those who help out in the school and in church of course. Where would we as a church be without volunteers? I would guess 95 % of what is done at St. Lawrence is done by volunteers – people who give of their time, gifts and dedication (those who stay for a service, and those who don’t). But it is not about filling in the gaps left by the ministers but it is a way for the Christian givers to worship and follow the example of Jesus – whether making the silver sparkle out of the love they know from Jesus, or the spreading of gravel on the Reading Room car park (an act of love to ensure safety of others). At the core of Christianity is the call to love our neighbour. Jesus himself lived a life of service, saying, “I have not come to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45). We at church live by this.
We will have had our APCM (Annual Church Meeting) by the time you read this article. This is an opportunity to reflect on the year past, but also to say ‘thank you’ that people have stepped up and stepped in. To acknowledge the huge effort of so many that help the church not just function but thrive. And I, personally, am so very grateful for all those who help.
But when I think of every volunteer whether it’s supporting a local food bank, helping organize community events, or simply checking in on a neighbour, I want to reiterate every act of service matters. Please remember you are doing something important, volunteering:
- It brings people together – Volunteering builds friendships across generations and backgrounds, reminding us that community is about connection.
- It provides hope – A simple act of kindness can change someone’s day, or even their life.
- It strengthens society – Many vital services rely on volunteers, from youth initiatives to elderly care. Without them, communities would struggle.
So, to quote someone who knew all too well about volunteering (as a volunteer apostle in-between tent making to make ends meet) St Paul writes:
“Do not grow weary in doing good” (Galatians 6:9).
Sometimes we can lose sight of why we do what we do, or we find it difficult to see the impact, and get bogged down – be encouraged… you are making a huge difference, and it means so much - thank you all!
A grateful Rev Suzie…