Jenny’s letter October 5th
Dear Friends,
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). I thought of that verse when I heard the news that the Right Revd, Right Honourable Dame Sarah Mullally has been appointed as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury.
It’s a moment of history for the Church of England, and I think it’s both exciting and very brave. She will be the first woman to step into this role which, in itself, is hugely significant. But what encourages me most is not that she is female, but that she is such a gifted and faithful leader.
Dame Sarah has shown again and again that she has a shepherd’s heart, a real devotion to Christ, and a wise, steady spirit. She brings with her tremendous experience, including time working alongside government in her earlier career, deep knowledge in the field of safeguarding, and an enormous humility. In my view she is absolutely the right person for this calling.
That said, we know that change of this kind is not welcomed by everyone, and she will no doubt face resistance and turbulence along the way.
So I want to encourage you to keep her in your prayers in the weeks and months ahead—that God would protect her, strengthen her, and fill her with courage and joy as she begins this ministry. Bishop Mark has already sent his congratulations, and he invites us here in Chester Diocese to stand with him in supporting her through our prayers.
On a very local note, I want to say a big to everyone who helped make our Harvest Lunch so special. Particular thanks go to Helene and her husband Steve for their herculean efforts with all the food and for decorating the centre so beautifully. Thanks too to Jenny and Sue Parkin who served it all up so cheerfully, to those in the kitchen who washed up (heroes of the day!), and to everyone who came and shared in the meal together. And as I mentioned last Sunday, a huge thank you also to Gill and her team for making the church look so wonderful for Harvest. When I walked in on Sunday morning, I was honestly moved to tears at the sight of the displays. It was an offering of love that lifted all our hearts in worship.
Now, as Harvest fades into memory, we look ahead. Remembrance comes next: a chance to gather in gratitude and solemn reflection, and then—before we know it—the joy and sparkle of our Christmas Tree celebrations. The rhythm of church life carries us through gratitude, remembrance, and celebration, always pointing us back to the faithfulness of God.
May we keep walking together in faith, hope, and love, trusting that the God who calls us will lead us forward,
Wishing every blessing,
