Richard Littledale

Richard Littledale's
Views on the News: July 2016

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Teddington in my rear-view mirror

When I wrote the first of these columns, it was a few days after the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales. Looking in my rear-view mirror now as I prepare to pull away from Teddington, I see so many things.

I see funny things, like the time we 'liberated' an old bath tub from a skip in Wales to bring back and dress the set at a holiday club. Then there was the time I had to confess at the clinic in Teddington Hospital that I had bruised my rib by colliding with a colleague on an inflatable assault course.

I see solemn things - like those sacred moments where I have pronounced people who love each other as married now - setting out on the pathway of God's choosing for the rest of their lives. There have been marriages which brought continents together, and one where a couple married again after 10 years apart. It has been my privilege to lead the church on so many occasions too where grief and gratitude blend into a single melody of praise at funeral and memorial services. There were times when it felt as if we might literally raise the roof.

Talking of the roof, it was of course an honour to be here all through the time of the church's redevelopment in 2003-4. To this day I am humbled by the courage of those who made enormous sacrifices to invest for the church's future. Their investment has been repaid many fold by our increased relationship with the community.

My own role within the community has developed over the years. What started with school assemblies and the fledgling business community has gone onto collaborative ventures at Christmas and other times too. I shall never forget my invitation to judge the town's best mince pie competition, although I declined the request to have my legs shaved for Children in Need! To be on first name terms with many of our local business owners has been a great joy - and I shall miss it.

The first names of more than 30 people whom I have baptised are emblazoned on mind and heart. They have come at all ages and stages of life - united by the common desire to declare their trust in Jesus. To play some small part in their stories is an honour I have never taken for granted.

Years ago, when we were clearing the building for the redevelopment, one of the things which went was the 'rogues gallery' of portraits of former ministers. I am not altogether sorry as it spares people the need to look at my face for years to come! Ministers are defined by the impression they make in people's lives rather than the image they leave in a photo.

Teddington Baptist Church has left an enduring impression in my life, and the verse with which I leave it is one which came to me within my first few weeks in the church. 'Of him to whom much is given - much will be demanded'. (Luke 12 v.48) God has gifted this church in so many ways - and there is lots more fruit to come.

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