Letter to the Parish.
November 2026
Have you ever been to a meeting or joined a new group where you have to introduce yourself – ‘Tell us your name and one interesting fact about you.’ My mind goes blank and if I can remember my name I’m pleased with myself. Everyone else has something fascinating to say and gets a laugh and then it comes round to me. I would never be able to write an autobiography.
The stories we tell about ourselves, how we describe who we are, are very important because they determine, shape and even create a narrative that we live up to. Often it is the negative things that have the greatest influence – I was never any good at school, I’m not good with numbers, I don’t like crowds. Add to that what other people say – he was a difficult child, that family has always been bad news – and we get a self fulfilling prophecy, we live up to the narrative.
The British don’t particularly like people being boastful so we tend to down play our successes – Oh it was nothing, don’t mention it – when really it was wonderful and should be acknowledged.
Something that has come along is Visualisation, the techniques where you picture something in the future as if it was happening with the idea that it will then happen. Visualising winning the Lottery, or a race or getting a job. It has some basis in reality as in some circumstances it may make us more aware of opportunities we come across or give us more confidence. Perhaps it is more than wishful thinking, but it won’t change the Lottery numbers.
Knowing who you are and having that confirmed by an outside influence is at the heart of faith. Even the negative side of realistically acknowledging our failings adds depth to the story because it adds to the value of God’s love for us – despite what we might have done, or said or thought. To start of our narrative with ‘I am loved by God’ is a great foundation. Jesus loved me enough to die for me is a confidence boost; I have eternal life with God gives us perspective; I am part of a world wide family called the Church gives vision; I will love my neighbour as myself and love God with all my heart, gives purpose.
Maybe at the next new group a I will say, ‘I am Nick and I am a child of God.’ Let’s see what they make of that.
Nick
Team Vicar
Planning ahead
If you are planning a wedding or baptism in St Andrew’s or Holy Trinity in 2027, now is the time to book the date. I have several weddings booked already but need to tell you that from the end of August next year I will be taking an extended break, so if you need me there, now is the time to let me know.
Did you know that as we are part of a wider church community you can legally get married in any of the 9 churches in the benefice (Bere Ferrers, Bere Alston, 2 in Brent Tor, Gulworthy, Mary Tavy, Peter Tavy, St Eustachius in Tavistock, and Whitchurch) and there are lots of different ministers who can lead the services. Please get in touch for further information. Nick