One of Cerezo Barredo’s powerful images, this one illustrating the Trinity
During the early weeks following Trinity Sunday, the church remembers several important participants in the Gospel story. On 24 June, we celebrate the birth of John the Baptist, Jesus’ cousin and the ‘forerunner’ in preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ. And no fewer than three of Jesus’ twelve disciples (learners or followers), whom Jesus sent out to be ‘witnesses’ and so named ‘apostles’, are celebrated at this time: Simon Peter (29 June), Thomas (3 July), and James the Great, son of Zebedee (25 July).
Christ having said to Peter “on this rock I will build my Church” (Matthew 16.18), it’s perhaps not surprising that Petertide is a favourite time for ordinations, and this year we celebrate the ordination of Valerie Walker, who will be our new curate, which takes place on 27 June.