Revd Claire Pearson is ordained presbyter
Congratulations to Revd Claire Pearson who has been ordained presbyter for the curacy of Sydenham. Claire has just completed her deacon year in the parish.
Bishop David ordained Claire along with Stu Armstrong, Cosmin Pascu and Timothy Eldon at a service in Down Cathedral on Sunday 27 August. The preacher was the Revd Greg Downes who is the director of Kingfisher Ministries and Theologian & Missioner of St Mary’s Cogges near Oxford. Greg is also the speaker at this year’s Bible Week.
Claire reflects on her deacon year
Beginning my deacon year there had been lots of changes for us as a family; we had recently moved back to Northern Ireland, after living in London for 13 years, I was starting a new role, my husband Matt was also starting a new job and our son Judah was beginning at nursery. Therefore I am so grateful to the community at St Brendan’s in Sydenham, who have welcomed my husband Matt, Judah and I with such generosity and kindness straight away.
It has made me aware again that the church is at its best when it feels like a family and there is generous hospitality; that is what we have felt at St Brendan’s. A quote that has always resonated with me is, “by Jesus’ welcome to us; He makes us capable to welcome others,” this welcome feels like the theme of my deacon year and I wanted to share a few more ways this appeared.
As we were welcomed as a family to St Brendan’s it was also a privilege to welcome others into the church by way of Christenings and Thanksgiving services. St Brendan’s has a thriving parent and toddlers group on a Friday and so it has been a joy to welcome these babies into the church and seeing their family and friends who wouldn’t normally attend church on a Sunday feel part of our service and experience what church is like.
We also welcomed others through community events – which the people of St Brendan’s are incredible at organising and putting on. We enjoyed a ‘Back to School Funday’ in September, Winter Wonderland, Easter Sunday Celebrations and Coronation Community Picnic. I love how these events are to encourage the local community into the church building and grounds to know something of the love of Jesus through the family fun and relationship building with those in the church.
I have also really enjoyed running the Alpha course this year, we had a mix of attendees from regulars at the church; some who professed a faith and others who were still exploring and we had people attend from the local community. We had a great time sharing a meal each week and discussing the bible and who Jesus is. The group loved meeting together so much they wanted a follow up bible study which is now happening.
Throughout the year I have been reflecting a lot on the first few verses of Psalm 23;
‘The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.’
God has been showing me how to rely on him in new ways, that we are only able to love others well and welcome them in by knowing how much He loves us. God has been highlighting how to rest when needed, know his faithfulness through this season and that his grace is always sufficient. I feel very grateful for this year of learning, growing and getting to know the wonderful community at St Brendan’s.
Claire
