Bishop Martin has written an article for May editions of parish magazines.
I hope you have been enjoying a blessed and joyous Eastertide. Lent and Holy Week get a good deal of attention, and rightly so. But the days and weeks of the Easter season can quite quickly feel like ‘ordinary time’ as we forget the exhilaration of that first Easter Day as the words ‘He is Risen’ were heard for the first time. The world would never be the same again, and our lives have been transformed by Jesus rising from the grave.
As we continue through this diocesan episcopal vacancy, thank you for your continued prayers for me, and for all those carrying extra responsibilities at this time. People often ask me how I am getting on, covering two roles instead of one. It is hard work of course, but it is also a joy for me to be asked to serve in this way, and to lead such a gifted and hardworking team of clergy and lay colleagues. It will still be a while before we see a new Bishop of Worcester in post, so do please keep praying for us all
The Crown Nominations Commission will be meeting on 9 May to shortlist potential candidates to be our next bishop, and interviews will take place on 12 & 13 June. I will be praying for the members of that group, and for those who will come forward for interview, as all seek to work together to discern who God is calling to serve the churches and communities of Dudley and Worcestershire. I hope you will join me in praying for all those involved, and for the Holy Spirit to guard and guide the whole process.
We are sharing resources to help everyone join us in prayer and have also created a timetable on the diocesan website for individuals or parishes to sign up to commit to praying during a particular time slot during the shortlisting and interviews. Find this here: www.cofe-worcester.org.uk/bishop-prayers
There will be a dedicated prayer space in the Cathedral on the June dates, but you could just pray by yourself at home, gather a small group or host a prayer event in your church. If your chosen slot is already taken, please don’t worry – the more people praying the better!
Heavenly Father,
We thank you for those you call to faithfully lead and shepherd your church.
As we seek a new Bishop of Worcester, help us to be attentive to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, give us heavenly wisdom, and bless our diocese that we might enter a
new season of growth and fruitfulness as Kingdom People.
For your glory and in the name of Christ. Amen
