way out west: LIturgy for St Chads Day

St Chad (March 2nd)

St Chad was born in cAD635, his calling was first as a student of St Aidan on Holy Island, before succeeding his brother as Abbot of Lastingham. After the Council of Whitby Wilfrid was selected as Bishop of York, he travelled to France to be consecrated by Roman Bishops, this took so long that Chad was named Bishop of York in his absence. Wilfrid eventually returned and Chad stepped down saying “I willingly resign the office, for I never thought myself worthy of it; but, though unworthy, in obedience submitted to undertake it.” Later Chad became Bishop of Mercia at Lichfield… Bede described his ministry as following in the pattern of Aidan, travelling from town to town, preaching and praying zealously among the people he served. He died in cAD672. This Friday is St Chads Day.

We take a moment to embrace the lives of men and women who lived their lives as an act of worship and mission, who lived for God, who lived with God, who gave their lives for God and for Gods world.

“Take your everyday, ordinary life-your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life-and place it before God as an offering.” From Romans 12 – The Message

Walking, Running, Eating, Drinking, Sharing, Giving, Listening, Talking, Learning, Teaching, Encouraging, Challenging, Shouting, Crying, Holding on, Letting go, Fighting, Healing, Laughing, Grieving, Waiting, Acting, Being, Doing, Breaking, Mending, Living, Dying…
All of Me.

“Offer your lives as a living sacrifice to him. Your offering must be only for God and pleasing to God, which is the spiritual way for you to worship.” From Romans 12 – New Century

Reflection Chad spent time in learning, What have you learned in the last year that has surprised you?

Chad was willing to take up the challenge.
What challenges have you had to grasp, though you did not feel ready?

Chad was willing to step down and allow another to lead.
What have you had to let go of which hurt but which has led you on to new ground?

May St Chad be an inspiration, a role model and a guide for us… in the way we learn, on our willingness to go beyond our expectations and in having the humility to let go of our own pride for your sake. May we be ready for the challenges set before us, knowing that it is you at work and we serve your purpose.

When you call
I am willing
When you push the boundaries
I am willing
When you set the pace
I am willing
When you encourage
I am willing
When you set the challenge
I am willing
When you blow my mind
I am willing
When you reach out your hand
I am willing
When you apply the brakes
I am willing
When you change the course
I am willing
When you turn the tide
I am willing
When you pull the plug
I am willing
When you call another
I am willing
When you call
I am willing

1 Thessalonians 2:1-13

Great God, from the very first fruits of the English nation who turned to follow Christ, you called Chad to mission amongst and the nurture of his own people: give us grace to mirror his peaceful nature, his humble spirit and prayerful life, that our lives may sing songs of your love, that our words and deeds might truly reflect your passion and compassion; In the name of Jesus, the God-Man who died, rose and lives on for us, the Spirit who moves across the surface the waters and in the beating of the human heart, and of the Creator and re-Creator, God of grace.

Also posted on the Open Office

Technorati Tags: Prayer: Rhythm: Spirituality: Worship