From the Rectory March 2024

Rev Canon Simon Ward
Team Rector, Great Yarmouth Team Ministry, and Rural Dean

About 10 years ago, I helped my younger son with a school project on rivers. From where we lived in Earlham, Norwich, we travelled to find the source of the river Yare. It involved driving around wet, muddy lanes in some remote villages not so very far from Dereham where we found these emerging streams which then merged together to make a larger stream. We checked in with the river a few miles further down and then stopped at Earlham Park where the Yare flows through before skirting around the southern side of Norwich where it meets the Wensum. We took pictures along the way and he seemed to enjoy the afternoon. I can’t remember what score he got for the project, but I thought I did a magnificent job!
 
We are very aware of the water around us in Great Yarmouth. It’s around us on nearly every side. We have to cross bridges frequently, hence the delight as a new one opened. Many of us will also have noted how wet it has been this autumn and winter and so far promise of spring does not seem to leave us any drier. I see water constantly lying in fields, where it has not done so be­fore. I hear many people say how the climate is changing and note that we have barely had any sharp frosts this winter. Or you may note the way that the bucket in the backyard seems to be perpetually, overflowing with rain water

There are many times in the Bible when water is an illustration or part of the story: thirst in a dry, dusty land; cleansing waters; being washed clean and the presence of well and rivers. Not surprising considering the dry nature of many of the Bible lands. One of the readings frequently used at Easter is from the book of Exodus and tells of the people of God passing through the waters. This theme is highlighted in the baptism service reminding us in our new life as Christians. We are washed to a newness of life

March this year begins at a point when have only just got Lent moving and will lead us to Easter Day on the last day of the month. We’ll look forward to that journey of Holy Week and enjoy the culmination of resurrection.it is always a busy time in the life of the church and we see the seasons change around us too. God’s generous offer of water to refresh and cleanse use stands in perpetuity. It is the water of new life

Fr Simon

this article courtesy of Parish Life

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