As I settle into my role as the new minister of the North Downs Surrey Pastorate, I feel excited about the future. Joining these church communities, who have already achieved so much, is inspiring. My family and I have felt warmly welcomed and are gradually finding our place here. Our little one has started a new school, and we're beginning to explore Reigate and the beautiful green spaces around us.
This week, I took a few moments in my car after school drop-off to listen to my prayer app. As I prayed, I watched the busy scene around me: parents running late and rushing their kids along the path, cars inching past each other to get on to the next task, and new friends saying hello. It reminded me that life is busy and moves quickly, and God sits alongside us here in our daily hecticness.
Faith is our anchor. In the middle of busy lives, as we volunteer, work, or care for children and relatives, faith invites us to pause and notice the presence of God in the ordinary.
A verse that resonates with me this month is Isaiah 43:19: "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?" A new thing! New beginnings and the potential that lies ahead. In worship across the pastorate this month, I have been learning about the people-history of our churches - those important moments that make us who we are today. Seeing how God has walked alongside you has inspired me as I join you on the journey for this new chapter.
During my ordination and induction service, we sang "Be Thou My Vision," my favourite hymn. Its message encourages us to keep God at the forefront of our lives, walking beside us in our busyness and rest. We also sang "All Are Welcome", another favourite hymn of mine, because it reflects my hope for our church: that we continue to be a place where everyone feels embraced, where friendships can develop and sustain us, and where faith can be questioned and explored in the context of God's love for everybody.
As I become more familiar with our church community, I am learning new names and faces every day. Please bear with me during this process. When we see each other, I encourage you to say hello and share some of your stories about belonging to Reigate Park Church. I am also keen to hear your ideas and dreams for the future.
Looking forward to October, I know that we are excited as a family about the junior church social featuring "Encanto" and a taco night! I've already enjoyed joining the Conquest Art group and our church book club meeting. I am delighted to be with you as we grow together in faith and community.
With every blessing,
Siobhán Antoniou
Minister, North Downs Surrey Pastorate