Welcome to Revd Sue's Message Page.

Dear Friends,

This week I am writing from Anglesey- the small island at the very west of North Wales. We are staying on the north side of the island very near to the coastline, where there are a multitude of beautiful bays and spectacular cliffs. Today we walked to the church at a place called Llanbadrig; this word literally means the worship place of St Patrick. The story goes that newly appointed Bishop Patrick was travelling by sea to Ireland but became shipwrecked, landing on a tiny island a short distance from Anglesey. From here Patrick managed to make it to Anglesey itself and sought refuge. Where he reached land, Patrick established a church, and a church has remained on that site since 440AD

Having been prompted by the story of St Patrick and Anglesey, this feels like a week of several ‘new beginnings’: children returned to school this week having moved to new classes, we have all finally found out who our new Prime Minister is after weeks of speculation (whatever you may think of the person who has taken over this unenviable job). The PM, Liz Truss, now has the very difficult task of making new policies to help people in this time of great financial hardship and uncertainty. We, in the Tenbury Team, move a step closer to finding a new rector to replace Sian, as we advertise for her replacement.

This September, I am delighted to be involved with a new group involved in planning a contribution towards the ‘Year of Prayer’ which Bishop Richard has announced will take place throughout 2023. The group I am involved with is planning opportunities for people throughout the diocese to gather together and experience different ways of praying, from using apps or newspapers to silent contemplative prayer in a variety of different forms and many other ways of praying too. These opportunities will happen at intervals throughout 2023, but perhaps while we’re thinking about new beginnings this week, you could decide to try a new way of praying during 2023 by attending one of the events taking place. You never know - it may be the beginning of a deeper relationship with God which can, in turn, be the invitation to all sorts of new beginnings!

Revd Sue Foster.