Celebrating Christian Learning

At the Cathedral tonight we celebrated gifts of learning. Certificates were presented to those who have completed the Course of Christian Studies. From St Paul's and St Mary's Harlow we we celebrated with Kingsley Yeboah.
And we celebrated with those who have completed the Evangelist Course and the Pastoral Assistant Course. Bishop Stephen spoke of the importance of the ministries of evangelists, pastoral care and preachers.
Roger Matthews in his sermon spoke of how though we may finish studies but God has never finished with us!
He spoke of how a key part of 'CCS' is how we learn from one another. In Romans 12, Paul writes in the plural. What might it mean for us to be 'a living sacrifice'?
Paul puts his teaching in the context of he has said in his earlier chapters, a response to the mercies of God. In the Greek, Paul begins with the offering of ourselves (sacrifices). He then goes on to speak of our minds, so that we might respond to him and say a bigger and a bigger yes. He offers this as a circle. It is a now and forever thing. God has not finished with us yet.
God's call may come thorough someone else. There is a part for everyone to play and we need each other's support, as we each play our part. This is what a healthy church needs. We all have a vocation.
God can use 'even me'. Will we support one another together so that together we might serve our Lord more faithfully.
'You did not choose me but I chose you'. And he continues to choose. Tonight is but a beginning. Will you say, 'Here I am, send me'.
We also celebrated those who have completed the Evangelist Course and the Pastoral Assistant Course. Bishop Stephen spoke of the importance of the ministries of evangelists and pastoral care.