Rectory Letter - May 2008
 Dear Friends,
Throughout my ministry, when preparing couples for marriage, I have told them that during their life together there should be no secrets but there can be surprises. This advice very much came home to roost last month. Firstly, I had no idea about the centre page spread of photographs in April’s edition of The Parish (thanks to Janet for that [Ed: and Kathryn and Amy Haworth]) and then having already enjoyed several surprise events arranged for me by my family, those of you in Aldbrough Village Hall for my 60th birthday party would have been in no doubt when I arrived that this was also a complete surprise. Thank you all very much for your good wishes, the cards and presents. It’s not often I am lost for words, but that night I was.
In the Bible we can read of many surprises, particularly in the stories of Our Lord Jesus’ life and ministry. The word used by the gospel writers is usually translated “amazed”: Those who heard His words, experienced His mighty works and who bore witness to His Resurrection were amazed at the teaching and the actions. Jesus’ ministry was full of surprises – and we must not make a secret of them.
Some people, such as those living in fear of persecution, do have to make a secret of their faith. In our country we do not. So why is it that so many of us are secretive about our faith? Perhaps it is because we are afraid of what surprises God might have in store for us.
Let’s have the courage to be strong in our faith – and be ready for those surprises. We may sometimes be rendered speechless but we should never be lost for the words to give thanks to God for all He has done.
With best wishes,
Stan Haworth
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