Called, Equipped, and Sent
Tom Nolan is Churchwarden at The Anglican Church in Poland, Warsaw. He has sent us this wonderful reflection about a recent visit from Bishop Andrew;
'Bishop Andrew and his wife, Amanda, visited the Warsaw Chaplaincy over the weekend of 13th and 14th June as part of a pastoral visit prior to attending the Old Catholic Bishops’ Conference in Warsaw.
The visit followed a period of significant reflection and engagement within the chaplaincy. Earlier in the year, Bishop Robert and his wife, Helen, visited Warsaw and joined the congregation in marking Racial Justice Sunday. More recently, in May, former Archdeacon Paul Vrolijk spent a weekend with the chaplaincy, working with the church council on the development of a renewed mission and outreach strategy. During a vision day, members reflected on the mission and ministry of the Anglican Church in Poland and considered how, as disciples of Christ, they might faithfully pursue growth in both witness and service.
The themes of Bishop Andrew's visit coincided with the Scripture readings appointed for the Second Sunday after Trinity. Collectively, these readings proclaimed God's radical faithfulness in fulfilling promises that often seem impossible and in equipping unlikely people for His purposes. Woven throughout the readings were themes of divine surprise, deep gratitude, unmerited grace, and faithful calling. As the chaplaincy continues to discern its future mission and ministry, these themes provided a powerful framework through which to reflect on God's work among us and His continuing call upon the Church in Poland.
Against this backdrop, Bishop Andrew's visit provided an important opportunity not only for members of the chaplaincy to meet their bishop, but also to reflect on the themes that had emerged during the earlier strategic discussions. His presence encouraged the congregation to consider afresh its calling and vocation within the wider Diocese in Europe and within the context of Anglican ministry in Poland.
On Saturday evening, members of the chaplaincy gathered for a fellowship dinner at a local restaurant, offering an opportunity for conversation, encouragement, and the strengthening of relationships within the church community. On Sunday, Bishop Andrew presided at the Eucharist and preached, sharing words of challenge and encouragement as the chaplaincy continues to discern its future mission and ministry.
Throughout the weekend there was a strong sense of hope, purpose, and renewed commitment. Many spoke of the encouragement they received from the visit and of a growing confidence in the work to which God is calling the chaplaincy. There was a tangible sense that the Holy Spirit is at work among us, equipping and sending us to participate more fully in God's mission in Warsaw and beyond.
As we look ahead, we do so encouraged by the assurance that God's mission is sustained not by our own strength or resources, but by His grace and faithfulness. The witness of Scripture, together with the fellowship and encouragement shared during Bishop Andrew's visit, reminds us that God continues to call, equip, and send His people for the work of the Kingdom, often in ways that exceed our expectations and imagination.'
Tom Nolan, Churchwarden
Bishop Andrew reflects that;

Please pray for the important work of the Anglican and Old Catholic Bishops in Europe, and especially remember Bishop Andrew as he continues in his vital ministry with those across our Diocese.