Yesterday afternoon was my induction service in Manchester, and it was a joyful and joyous occasion.
The preacher, drawing on vine imagery from John 15 spoke about the intertwining of participants such that 1+1+1 = 1, where the three 1s were Church, Catriona and Christ... as we work together so love evolves, and ministry and mission emerges.
I had also prepared little 'goody bags' for those who came along, each with three hearts...
- A wooden heart with the words 'love shows itself in actions' (paraphrased from 1 John 3:18) one of the texts for preaching
- A chocolate heart because, apart from needing a sweet treat, it is a symbol of love, and that love is good (taste and see that the Lord is good... kind of...)
- A paper heart, impregnated with wild flower seeds and with a bee image... because of Manchester bees... and because the kingdom of God is like wildflowers... and because love is sacrificial (unless an ear of wheat falls to the ground...)
My good friend R assures me that is the last time she will ever 'preach me in' (she's done it three times) and I have assured her it's the last time I will ask her (because we both now nearing retirement age!).
The love ethic of the God who is love - what better sermon could anyone preach.