As I head into a time of maternity leave, it is a great opportunity to look back and reflect over the last few years.

This role of Rural Pioneer was somewhat of an experiment, an unknown, and when I first arrived, Andy and I only had a vague idea, a few bullet points, of how it might work.  It is amazing to look back now and see how the Spirit has prompted us, to see the clarity of vision that has come out of much prayer and listening.

Not that long ago, you may remember, we spent some time as a benefice, listening to God, to each other and to the communities to discern what our collective vision might be.  Our focus and reason.  Taking onboard everyone’s thoughts and comments and prayers.  This was the outcome:

Sharing Jesus, in the everyday, of everyone, Over Wyre.

Across the benefice, we live this vision out by aiming to grow and develop healthy relationships with God, with each other and with creation.  We want people to know that Jesus is relevant in their everyday lives, not just on special occasions, nor on Sundays, and not just for ‘special’ people, but rather that God’s love and acceptance, the Good News of Jesus, is readily available for everyone!

This has been my focus over the last few years.  Sharing a life of faith with others, trying to live my life following Jesus and seeing what that means for all areas – what does it mean for how I spend my time, and money and energy?  How does following Jesus affect my relationships, my marriage, my parenting?  How does knowing God make a difference to how I respond to things?  What does prayer and talking to Jesus look like in the midst of the business and mundane reality of having a young family?  How do I pass on stories of faith to my children and to others?

I don’t do this alone.  These questions and others are worked through together as we consider what it means to follow Jesus.  It happens with others in normal everyday conversations and situations, in meetings and planning and preparation, at the walks began back in 2020, the toddler groups (the Wednesday one is celebrating its 1^st birthday with a party on 31^st August!), Sunday services, Zoom Prayer Course, “Stay and Play” service on a Saturday, Benefice Prayer meetings, through school children coming in to church and the questions they ask, in all sorts of ways.

It is amazing to see how things have grown and developed.  I am incredibly grateful to all those who have prayed, been involved, helped out and who are living this vision!  I am grateful to all those who are asking the questions and seeking Jesus together.  It is wonderful to see our benefice vision being lived out as we make deeper relationships with one another, with those who don’t normally come to church, and with Jesus.

As I take time off for maternity leave, I look forward to seeing these things grow and develop and more importantly to see the relationships continue to deepen as we put Jesus at the centre of our lives.  There is so much potential Over Wyre and I have no doubt that the God of hope is filling us with all peace and joy as we trust in Him (Romans 15:13).

What does it mean for you to follow Jesus?  Does it impact your relationships?  How does knowing God make a difference in your life?

Naomi