What is in Kelvin's Head?

Sunday’s Sermon on Vocations

25/04/2013

Here’s what I said on Sunday about vocations

[Sorry about the poor audio. We’ve some major problems with the sound system that are going to take some weeks to sort out – however, the Vestry are well aware that Something Needs to be Done].

The Bishops of the Scottish Episcopal Church have asked the whole church today to reflect on vocations. The idea is that on this Sunday, when the readings tend to reflect on the idea of Jesus as the great shepherd of the flock, we think about the notion of calling. So we must think about how we discern Godâ€™s calling and what we might make as an appropriate response.

I am aware as I begin to open up that subject that we are stepping on sacred ground and must mind where we go. Immense amounts of sadness and disappointment have been the result of vocations, and not exclusively clerical vocations, which the church has not been able to affirm and rejoice in. On the other hand, this is, as the gathering place for the diocese, a place where vocations are delighted in and celebrated in ordination services and in various ways of thanksgiving for lay ministry, including the Ministry Celebrations Service in the summer.

But I do with caution. And I begin with my own experience. (more…)

ministry, priesthood, Scottish Episcopal Church, Sermon, TISEC, vocations

28 responses to “Tilly – RIP”

Russell Goulbourne

30/01/2011

I’m really sorry to hear this very sad news, Kelvin. What a lovely tribute to her. The purring will never cease…

Reply
Sophie

30/01/2011

I am so sorry, Kelvin. It is dreadful when beloved creatures die. I hope your flat is not unbearably empty without your Tilly.

Reply
Ritualist Robert

02/02/2011

A cat who can vault over a dressed chalice really does deserve some kind of veneration.

Such a moving tribute.

Reply
Scottish Roundup

06/02/2011

[…] Meanwhile, sympathy to Kevin Holdsworth who is mourning the loss of Tilly. […]

Reply
Christine

08/02/2011

What a wonderful obit for Tilly. I have never met Kevin or Tilly, but I applaud your strength in writing this lovely piece for all to share. I am a pet bereavement counsellor, and really believe that much good comes from us feeling able to express our grief for our lost animals, in whichever way we feel we can manage. It is also very heartening to read such a piece on a Church-related site. Bless you both.

Reply
Patricia

09/02/2011

If Tilly’s obituary is anything to go by her memory will, in the days, weeks and months to come provide you with in exhaustable supply of stories to share with others ~ both those who knew her and those who meet her through the retelling of your stories. My sympathy to you in your loss ~ one that is shared by many others who have lost beloved pets and companions.

Reply
Andrew Barr

09/02/2011

Dear Kelvin,
Deeply moved by your piece. Miss Tilly has left light for all of us who care about the SEC. Our dear friends , Emmy, Joshua, Mc Bean, Batty and most of all Caspar live on in us, and Mrs Tilly will be purring not far away always I am sure.
Mrs Tilly, risen in glory.

Reply
Ruth

12/02/2011

Beautifully written – sad and uplifting. What a lovely picture of her. Cute nose too.
I was idly checking out your blog to see if you had a perspective on MOOT, but was immediately sidetracked by, firstly Miss Tilly, then clerical footwear ( I’d go for the purple Prada, if the soles were also painted purple – or the shiny black sequins).
I’m almost tempted to swap cathedrals……. should enjoyment of the Provost’s blog be a consideration when choosing one’s place of worship?

Reply