O Thou who changest not, abide with me

What a week of changes and memories!

In the course of the last few days, we have witnessed the election of a new pope – an amazingly quick process it seemed to those of us who have read the novel or seen the film ‘Conclave’. So now we wait to find out how Leo XIV will act in world-wide affairs: the search for peace; care of the environment; the eradication of poverty; the position of women in the Roman Catholic Church – and in matters which involve us more directly, in particular relations between the different denominations.

This week, too, the Dean announced that the Vacancy in See Committee has announced the six members of the diocese who will serve on the Crown Nominations Committee. Even so, it looks as though we shall not have a new diocesan bishop until autumn 2026! And, of course, we are still without an Archbishop of Canterbury.

Then, last Thursday, saw the 80th anniversary of VE Day, the end of the second world war in Europe, with services and celebrations held for that, culminating in national bell-ringing. That, of course, resulted in changes for so many.

All of this just proves that change – and memories – are a part of life – the life of our churches, everyday life. Yet, one fact that we, as Christians, can hold fast, is that God is always with us, throughout all changes, international, local or personal, and does not change in His care for us:

For I am the Lord. I change not.

We must not change in our worship of Him but trust that His will be done.

As Christina Rossetti wrote:

Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.

Grant us ears to hear,

Eyes to obey, Hearts to love:

Then declare what you will, Reveal what you will,

Command what you will,

Demand what you will. Amen