Rector - Revd. Teresa Townsend

Dear Friends,

I wonder how many of you have had, or do have, a fear of something that causes anxiety and sleepless nights?  I was thinking of this last week whilst sitting in the dentist waiting room in the town near where I lived before coming here. I have not changed my dentist, even though Nic and I have lived at the Rectory now for over four years. 

A dentist’s waiting room has been a place of considerable anxiety for me over decades, to the extent that I couldn’t go without someone being with me. Once in the dentist chair, I would need to hold stress balls and listen to audio books very loudly through earphones. It was stressful and uncomfortable.

Yet, last week, as it has been now for about three years, I happily sat waiting before going in for my check-up. There was no fear. No worry. Just looking forward to seeing my dentist. Over several years, she has worked with me to manage my anxiety, she has got to know me, treated me with kindness and listened carefully to make sure each visit was the best experience it could be.

I know the nursing staff and, when I am in the dentist’s room, we chat about families, work, and everyday life. We have built a relationship of mutual trust and respect. I have complete and utter trust that I am in good hands and I am very thankful. 

In the grand scheme of things, fear of a dentist is quite minor. There are so many things going on in people’s lives that weigh far more heavily and impact both mental and physical wellbeing. 

In our parishes, we continue to listen and to be there for people who need us. Often, we are not sought out and that is fine – but we are there. We seek to meet the needs of those who ask for help and to provide opportunities for support and companionship that can bring calm and comfort.

For many years, we have held our Men’s Café at the shop in Abbotts Ann – no women allowed. It has grown enough to require two sittings – on a Thursday morning and now afternoon too. Getting together to chat over a cup of tea is a highlight for many men and much valued.

In February this year, we began a Carer’s Coffee Morning on the second Friday of every month at St Peter’s in Goodworth Clatford. This was born from the need to create a space for those caring, or who have cared, for someone with an illness, whether mental health or physical. It too is growing and shows the importance of community who understand the realities of caring.

We are enormously proud of the commitment of so many to enable these gatherings to happen – from the shop committee in Abbotts Ann and Tim and Peter who organise it, to Nicky and helpers at St Peter’s. 

God calls each one of us to serve. Many people serve not necessarily in his name, but by offering kindness, friendship, a listening ear and compassion. Every contribution is valued, and I truly believe we live in communities where the presence of God is everywhere.  In a troubled world, having neighbours and friends who support us in our everyday lives is invaluable.

I give thanks for all the conversations I have within our communities and pray that relationships continue to grow.

Finally, in this Rambling from the Rectory, I will make a small mention of the garden – as I will certainly be picked up on it if I don’t! Nic has sown a beautiful lawn in the bare patch at the top of the garden and it is coming on a treat. I’m also very impressed with all the plants that he has grown from seed and am especially looking forward to the dahlias when they will bloom. The garden has been a real sanctuary for us both. 

Every blessing

Teresa