As I have come to the end of my month-long placement here at St Mary Redcliffe, I really want to take this opportunity to express how exceptionally grateful I am for how welcoming, accommodating, and helpful the entire community has been in enabling me to catch a glimpse into the life of this vibrant church.

I have managed to do a wealth of exciting things while I’ve been on placement, however, cannot possibly write everything that I’ve done. As the Fourth Evangelist writes, ‘Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written’ (John 21.25). Although not that dramatic, I have experienced quite a lot while on placement.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to help lead services – and I am very grateful for the patience shown towards my mistakes! Many of you may have seen and heard (apart from the time I forgot to turn the microphone on!) me deaconing at the Eucharist, leading Evensong, leading Morning Prayer, and preaching. Having discovered my sense of calling to the priesthood in a larger church, the worship and atmosphere at St Mary Redcliffe has felt like coming home for me.     

I’ve also particularly enjoyed exploring the exciting and dynamic range of children’s work taking place in the community. Having attended Children’s Church, Toddler Church, and spending some time at St Mary Redcliffe Primary School. It has been such a delight to engage with the next generation of Christian leaders, by praying with them, learning with them, and even pretending to be a flamingo during the primary school’s collective worship, as you do!

I have witnessed how this community recognises, respects, and empowers the fundamental dignity of all human beings made in the image of God through the selfless, generous, and outward looking work which takes place at the Community Hub. When questioning ‘What would Jesus do?’, I’m sure he would have volunteered for a shift at the Community Hub.

Above all, I have very much enjoyed the opportunity to get to know so many members of this community and to discover the particular and unique gifts which each of you all bring. I have thoroughly enjoyed discovering the vast knowledge and dedication of the Vestments Conservation Group, the knowledge and hospitality of the Stewarding teams, the compassion and companionship of the pastoral care team, and the vision and dedication of those working towards a Silver Eco Church Award.

Although very brief, working with the team at St Mary Redcliffe has been an absolute joy – I have felt so welcomed, supported, looked out for, and loved during my time here and I wish I could have stayed for longer! I do now hope as I expectantly wait to find out where I will be sent, that the church I’m a curate in is full of talented, dedicated, and welcoming people like all of those I’ve found within this community. 

Edward Day

July 2022