“I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:10b (NRSVA)
I was asked by the Editor if I’d like to write a piece for the magazine on my ‘day job’ as it was termed. For those I’ve not met, I’m the Revd Dr Jenny Holden (Revd Jenny) who alongside the privilege of being one of the Priests leading Worship for St Mary’s during Terry’s time off and the interregnum is the Advisor for Christian Life for the Diocese of Aberdeen and Orkney.
What does an Advisor for Christian Life do? I’ve been in post since the start of February 2023, prior to this having been Curate at St John’s on Crown Terrace, a full-time student at New College Edinburgh and the Scottish Episcopal Institute following a career in academia, including teaching, developing researchers and communicating research with the public of all ages. The role is part of the Diocese’s approach to the Provincial Season of Christian Life (which I’m on the steering group for), is a brand new role and one of two in the Province (Edinburgh Diocese’s role has the same name but a different remit). The Season of Christian Life is celebrating people’s journeys of faith, considering intentionally how we follow Jesus, as disciples – mirroring the first disciples’ call from Jesus to follow him and as we seek to learn from Jesus, and abide, remain with God. Each of us – individuals and congregations – do this differently, whether through action, prayer, telling the good news of Jesus, all of us as we seek to live Jesus shaped lives.
Bible Reading and Study – Photo by Rachel Strong on Unsplash
The role is about coming alongside people, congregations and individuals, and there are many ways of doing this. It’s about listening and being around to answer questions, hearing your stories of growing Christian faith and for example walking alongside you to hear and see how St Mary’s is responding to God’s call in love on its corporate life. If you were in church on Sunday 25th June you will have heard me talk about some of the ways I have seen the congregation of St Mary’s intentionally seeking to love God and love your neighbours, walking your Christian life as a community seeking to live out your Baptismal vows. These include the quieter contemplative worship of mid-week Communions and regular prayer services; serving others through collecting and sharing Easter Eggs and Christmas Selection Boxes, volunteering by individuals around the city in organisations – bringing light and life and the love of God to what you offer – explicitly and implicitly. It’s seen in the inquisitive minds – wanting to know more of God, understand God more – in reading books, the Lent Course. And last but not least – the call to be hospitable to gather around tables sharing coffee, cake and chat. These are just examples of how St Mary’s as a congregation and individuals are seeking to know God more clearly, Love God more dearly, and follow God more nearly, day by day. The invitation is always to continue to journey with God, to delve deeper, rejoicing in our diversity and gifts but all seeking to go further and maybe try things on for size.
Pilgrimage – Photo by Eric Muhr on Unsplash
That’s what I’ve seen at St Mary’s but what am I actually doing in the role? Some of it is working with congregations to help them see the good things in Christ they are already doing (because it’s so easy to focus on what we’re not doing). It’s gathering resources (e.g. liturgies, songs, prayers) for particular points in the Christian Life such as Baptism. I’ve already run an online Lent and Eastertide course on the Diocesan Website (Words for the Way) and there will be an online Advent Course this year. I’m curating a series of information sheets on Christian Practices that help us journey deeper with God, for example retreats and pilgrimage (some of these inspired by conversations I’ve had at St Mary’s) and the opportunities available in the Diocese. I’m here to be a conversation partner for churches and individuals as they have ideas or are looking for resources – for example Forest Church at Banchory or Children’s Work in the West End City Charges. I’m working with churches on what the Christian Life means for them in their context and how that relates to five-year and mission planning. I’m working this Summer on profiles of heroes of the Christian faith with connections to the Diocese so we can see that good things come out of Aberdeen and Orkney, whether that be St Drostan, St Magnus, John Comper (Priest) or the Aberdeen Doctors (and more). The role is being developed as I go so if you have suggestions or would like a conversation, please do not hesitate to be in touch – christianlife@aberdeen.anglican.org.
Jenny Holden