Lanzarote Relocation

A Message from our Reader, David Dowdell:

“When the saints go marching…….”

This time of year, here in the Canaries, we experience a succession of local fiestas with a figure of the patron saint being carried in procession through the streets, often accompanied by the town band.  Principal among the fiestas of July and August is the celebration of Our Lady of Carmen, marked in Corralejo, Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen and Valterra, Arrrecife not only by a procession on land, but also with the statue of the Virgin and Child being taken out to sea on a fishing boat.

In July and August occur also our patronal feasts: St James, of the Fuerteventura Congregation, on 25th July and our own St Laurence on 10th August.  Why are the saints so important for us?  In the Letter to the Hebrews it says: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” (Heb 12:1). The saints are that cloud of witnesses, encouraging us by their example, cheering us on as we today run the race that they ran before and above all upholding us in prayer, as our faulting prayer on earth joins with their prayer and worship in heaven.

The interregnum has now begun in our parish. We might think of this as a time when things stand still while we await the appointment of our new chaplain. Indeed during this time we are not allowed to make any changes to the pattern and order of services.  Yet no race can ever be won by simply standing still.  The interregnum is a time when we must work together to consolidate and strengthen our parish.

The story of St Laurence tells us that he was a deacon responsible for care of the treasure of the church.  When it was demanded that he handed over that treasure to the persecuting civil authorities, he gave away the money to the poor and needy and instead presented to the authorities the true treasure of the church – its people, not the wealthy and illustrious members, but those who were most conscious of their true poverty.

In these coming months, may we follow the example of Laurence, in our care for the treasure that has been entrusted to us here in Lanzarote, that we may present to our new chaplain, when he comes, a parish that is even richer than the one which Father Idris left: maybe not richer in financial terms, but rather in its people and our commitment to our mission here.

May the Holy Spirit guide, strengthen and uphold us all as we march forward with hope for the future of God’s kingdom here on earth.
Yours in Christ, David Dowdell.

You can find out information about church services and events connected to the Anglican Church by clicking here: Churches and Charities in Lanzarote

You may also enjoy reading the following:

1. Church newsletter – Feb 09 A Message from our Chaplain, the Revd Idris Vaughan: “For where you treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6.21) A vicar stood...
2. Church Newsletter – March 09 A Message from our Chaplain, the Revd Idris Vaughan: “Has the world gone crazy?” This was a question posed to me by a Christian friend...
3. Church Newsletter – January 2010 A Message from our Chaplain, the Revd Idris Vaughan: BE STILL On the 16th November the Mothers’ Union held their usual Quiet Day at Nazaret. ...
4. Church Newsletter – April 2010 A Message from Father Idris: “A New Day has Dawned” These words are part of a Collect for Easter Day, but I also remember reading...
5. Anglican Church Newsletter – May / June 2010 Father Idris’s Retirement.  As you may know, Fr Idris is retiring in June and we shall have the opportunity to say au revoir to him...