Dear Friends,

 

By the time you read this, we may have discovered the identity of the mystery ‘Piano Man’ who recently turned up looking very bedraggled, not knowing who he was – but having requested a grand piano (not by speaking, but by drawing a sketch of one on a piece of paper) was able to play brilliantly a demanding piece of piano music.

How sad to think of a gifted human being ending up in such a situation of complete isolation, with no-one to call him by name. Did no-one notice that he was missing? Will he ever be able to return to normal life, and take his place within a network of relationships, such as most of us take for granted?

 

As the poet John Donne famously wrote, ‘no man is an island, entire of himself’ – we need one another. So we reach out to one another, seeking to make relationships. The wedding season in our parish is just beginning – a professional duty for me, but one which I usually find brings me great joy. That special day on which a couple promise before God to do their utmost to make their marriage work, is heart-warming and good. We know that some – even many - relationships fail, whether because of the enormous pressures which our society puts on us, or because people simply aren’t prepared to work at their relationships when they hit difficult times. But something deep within still prompts human beings to reach out to one another in order to travel through life together. As I write this, one couple will be celebrating 20 years of marriage in a service this Saturday, while Sue and Bryan Irwin are preparing for their Ruby Wedding. Congratulations to them!

 

For some, bereavement means looking to friends, rather than to one exclusive partner, for that sense of relationship; while for others, family life may bring pain rather than joy. As my late husband’s great uncle, the writer Hugh Kingsmill, commented, ‘Friends are God’s apology for family’. (He didn’t get on with his relations!) Whether it’s a spouse, a partner, family or friends, we all need someone with whom we can connect, someone to open our hearts to.

 

The whole world of relationships is much more complex these days than it used to be – no doubt why the counselling agency which used to be called ‘Marriage Guidance’ is now simply known as ‘Relate’. Organisations such as this can help people in making their relationships work better, by opening up communication and helping to address difficult issues with honesty, in a safe and caring context. Here in Nailsea we are fortunate to have ‘Wellspring’, a counselling agency which helps people with all sorts of difficulties, many to do with relationships. Wellspring was set up in 1995, and has helped 1,130 people during the past ten years. Counselling help can normally be offered within two weeks of initial contact.

(Tel. 810879 for an appointment)

 

As Christians we believe in a God who exists in relationship (the dynamic family relationship of Father, Son and Holy Spirit), who reaches out in love to relate to us, and in turn, invites us to reach out to one another, to overcome our natural shyness and aloneness in the warmth of acceptance and generosity.  In relationship with God we feel welcomed and accepted, no longer alone in a vast, hostile universe. Many say that this is the relationship in their lives – the one that will never let them down. It can also be the bedrock which gives security and lasting value to our human relationships – perhaps a reason why many still choose to be married in church. Our church community should reflect this open, loving, nature of God, which seeks to offer friendship and build up good relationships with others.

 

There is no need for anyone to be alone. Here at the two churches in our parish, you will find a warm welcome. We make it our business to be welcoming – because that’s what God has done for us. (And if by chance you were a brilliant pianist – or organist – you’d be especially welcome!)

 

With love,

Rosey