Do you remember the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30)?
The master entrusted his servants, to look after his money while he was away from home – different amounts were given to each according to their ability. Two worked hard to increase their share while the third hid his share away until the master returned. Two were rewarded while the other was shunned. The parable was of course not just about money, it also drew attention to the need to make good use of all our God given gifts and talents.
Towards the end of 2025, we discovered that our spire and pinnacles, a landmark for all to see around, were in a dangerous state. In order to carry out the necessary repairs, we need to show enthusiasm to raise funds for this and show any grant making bodies how Important the church is to the whole community. During Lent, we invite you to reflect on this parable and consider how you might make use of your talents to help, both with raising funds towards the Work needed to our spire, and to making the church welcoming to all who come in.
We can all ASPIRE to use the talents which God has trusted us with in a variety of ways.
The church has many “things” which need doing, either occasionally or on a regular basis. It is lovely to come to a warm, welcoming, clean and tidy church. We have music to listen to and to join in with, we have flowers to enjoy, we are read to and we are provided with coffee. Who makes it like this—or does it happen all by itself? People like you and me make it happen. People with talents who use them for God. You may have talents which you might never have thought God could use. For example:-
Can you arrange flowers … Join the flower rota. ~~~~ Do you like to sing ……… Why not join the choir? ~~~~ How about mopping, sweeping or dusting ………. Become a church cleaner.
Are you good with children ……….. Help with our children’s work. ~~~~ Do you like meeting visitors ……… Join our church welcome team. ~~~~ Ever fancied serving in a coffee shop …………. Join the Sunday coffee rota. ~~~~ Are you happy to speak in public ………. Try reading lessons or intercessions.
Do you like “tech” and have a good eye ……….. Help stream our services. ~~~~ Maybe you are a good listener ………… Find out about our Pastoral Care. ~~~~ Are you good at baking ………… Help us with refreshments and hospitality.
And last but not least, do you have ideas for fundraising …….. If so, we really, really want to hear from you.
Whatever you may choose, there is plenty of help and support for new volunteers to a specific role. Come and have a try and see if it is for you.
Just like the master in the parable, we would ask you to consider how your God given talents can benefit God’s work at St Mary’s this Lent. We would like to invite you to see how you can grow a small amount of money just as the first two servants did. Here are suggestions on ways of doing this, though we are sure you will come up with your own innovative ideas.
We invite you to INSPIRE others
Buy materials such as flowers, paints or wool and get creative and then sell the results ~~~~ Give a presentation on something which you are passionate about ~~~~ Buy the ingredients to bake cakes to sell on a Sunday morning (you can advertise them on the newsletter the week before)
We invite you to CONSPIRE with others
Join a friend to hold a coffee morning, a tea party or even dinner ~~~~ Get together with a friend and hold a quiz evening
We invite you to PERSPIRE for others
Help out with gardening and general tidying up for a neighbour ~~~~ Organise a games evening and persuade your friends to buy tickets ~~~~ Get yourself sponsored to carry out a sporting activity
Once you have completed your challenge,
The Ross Parishes: Ross-on-Wye, Walford & Brampton Abbotts 