Autumn has well and truly arrived. The nights are getting colder, the clocks have changed, and the trees look spectacular. It’s a season of quiet remembrance, the storing up of treasure, and the anticipation of newness. In practical terms that’s also what my life is like at the moment! As I prepare to move, I’m sorting through the house, working out what to let go of and what to keep, whilst tentatively looking forward. It’s happening on a much deeper level too, as I sort through memories, look back over the past seven years and identify the treasures that I will take into an unknown future.
That process of remembering, sifting, storing and anticipating is part of the Christian life, individually and collectively. We’re shaped by our stories, and the greater story of faith in which our lives are located. We’re also pilgrim people, working out what to leave behind and what treasures to take for the journey. As I reflect on my time here in the diocese, I can see that that creative process of balancing rootedness and pilgrimage has been, and is, integral to our life together, shaping our priorities for ministry and mission across the diocese, our conversations about finance, buildings and governance, and the whole deanery strategic planning process.
My overwhelming feeling as I look back is one of gratitude. It’s been a privilege to serve both as Archdeacon of Gloucester and as a Residentiary Canon of Gloucester Cathedral. There are many treasures I will take away. Here are just three. I’ve been moved by the way that difference and diversity is lived in this diocese, underpinned by strong relationships and mutual respect. It’s a gift we can never underestimate and should always cherish as we learn from one another. I’ve been awed by the often costly faithfulness of individuals and worshipping communities, serving their wider communities diligently through times of joy and significant challenge. And I’m so thankful for the friendship, kindness and support that has come from relationships forged in this place.
As the travellers walk away from Jerusalem on the road to Emmaus, Jesus falls into step beside them. He listens to them and opens up the scriptures. They invite him in and, at the breaking of the bread, they recognise him, their hearts burn within them, and they go out to share the good news of the resurrection. A helpful model for this season of quiet remembrance, the storing up of treasure and the anticipation of newness. As we travel on, Jesus meets us where we are. He reminds us of the story which shapes us and the treasures among us. And he opens our eyes to the grace and glory which surround us, that we might be his bearers of love and hope.
The Venerable Hilary Dawson, Archdeacon of Gloucester.
At Evensong on Sunday 23 November, at 3pm, we will say thank you and farewell to Archdeacon Hilary. With canticles by Sir Herbert Brewer, an anthem by Ralph Vaughan Williams and a sermon given by Archdeacon Hilary, we will celebrate in words and music a ministry that has been valued by so many across the diocese. All are welcome.
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