Proverbs 1.1-7
1 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
2 For learning about wisdom and instruction,
for understanding words of insight,
3 for gaining instruction in wise dealing,
righteousness, justice, and equity;
4 to teach shrewdness to the simple,
knowledge and prudence to the young—
5 let the wise also hear and gain in learning,
and the discerning acquire skill,
6 to understand a proverb and a figure,
the words of the wise and their riddles.
7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;
fools despise wisdom and instruction.
In mid-September I attended my first Curate’s training day. There was a sense of anticipation and excitement as I met up with my fellow curates who had been ordained deacon alongside me.
Having undertaken several years of ordination training on the Portsmouth Pathway, I am now participating in regular training days in Portsmouth Diocese. These sessions aim to support and enrich my experience and learning during my curacy at St. George’s.
As the words of Proverbs suggest, learning is a continual and enriching process. I especially hold onto the understanding that ‘the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge’.
One thing we reflected on at my training day was the importance of regular daily prayer. In my everyday life as a curate at St. George’s, I continue to learn the importance of prayer. Prayer helps me to deepen my relationship with the Lord. It is by being held in this relationship that I am enabled to live my life as a deacon and curate. I need to experience the ‘fear of the Lord’ to carry out my day to day curate’s life. I would not be able to share and teach God’s love without first experiencing it. Morning and Evening Prayer, shared alongside friends, shapes all I do during my day.
In my first few months at St. George’s I have been getting to know you all and remember your names! Part of getting to know you is to learn how you live your life as a church. I am learning how you celebrate God’s love at the Sunday services and how Eucharist is the centre of all that you do. I am endeavouring to join you in all that you do to share God’s love with other people. Some of my first experiences have been at the amazing toddler group; the friendly Knit and Natter and the warm bereavement support group.
I have been privileged to meet some of you in your own homes. You have shared your lives with me at times of joy and sorrow. You are helping me to learn that an important part of my life as an ordained deacon, is to serve as Jesus served. Thank you for your openness and generosity.
I have also been learning about the sacrament of baptism. I have attended several baptisms and have now baptised a very special little baby boy. What a joyful occasion!
My life of learning continues, both at St George’s and in the wider diocese. God continues to shape and form me for his service. I won’t always get things right. But, with the support of all of you at St. George’s and with God’s blessing, I trust that all will be well. I trust that, together, we will all grow in the knowledge and fear of the Lord.
