As, seems to be the Pattern of these blogs at the moment.
It’s either, me writing to you about something that I’ve done. Something I’m about to do, or, about someone very special, who has done something, or is about to…
And with the title of this little bit, I’m quite sure that most of you have already guessed who!!
It’s about The Revd Rachel Cooley. “AKA - Revd Rambling Rachel”
Rachel is absolutely amazing, and will always be a special friend and will be a fantastic Vicar!
She came to St Peter’s on a Three Year placement as an Ordinand, basically, the first part of her training to being a Vicar.
And she has done many amazing things!! Her biggest achievement, and something that will always have her name on, is WILD WORSHIP! Founded by Rachel Cooley.
Rachel is no stranger to the outdoors. She loves a good hike, camp and is just a great big outdoor’s fan!!
Check out her YouTube Channel:
But, there’s an even more personal reason for Why Rachel is so special to me:
At a time when my Transition to becoming Ellie, was a HUGE secret, I wanted to approach someone at my church, and share my news and basically find out what to do next. Especially at a time when my faith had gone. I’d been shown the door, and had no trust in anyone anymore!
I was seriously considering never walking into a church again. Despite how much my love for church music runs my life!
With hand on heart honesty, and a motive that I still feel guilty for to this day.
I chose Rachel as the person to confide in for Two reasons, One, She out of everyone at St Peter’s knows me the absolute least. So whatever the outcome, it doesn’t matter.
And secondly, Because Rachel’s partner is a wonderful lady called Sanna!
The delightful outcome of our conversation was 100% support, and that All will be fine!! Trust!!
And I have to sincerely Thank Rachel with my whole heart, for bringing me back home to St Peter’s, where I belong!
Since I came home, and settled back in, I found a post on social media, about walking, and I remember tagging Rachel in this post as it was hugely relatable, and reminded me of my lockdown walks, using the book “Pub Walks for Motorists”
Rachel’s comment: “You’ll have to come for a walk with me and some of the friends, We often have a cheeky pint afterwards”
Here is the photo of me and Rachel, on the walk in Ashover, with Lou and Lol’s walking group.
Unfortunately now is the time I must admit, that I haven’t done a walk since!! But it was delightful to see some familiar faces with some of Rachel’s friends that I’ve met along the way. And delightful that we all came together again to cheer our special friend as she’s ordained deacon.
Rachel,
At a time when I needed a mate, a true supportive friend… I chose you, hoping you’d be the one to understand…
You did!!
I chose you hoping that you’d support me and give me the encouragement that I needed…
You did!!
I needed someone to put my Trust, and my faith back together…
You did!!
I needed someone to be by my side and help me come home to my church…
You did!!!
What a special special person, friend and Revd!!
Of course it is in true typical-small-world coincidences, we had a guest Preacher at the Cathedral, it was The Revd Canon Dr Sandra Millar.
One or two of you who follow me and my music and my journey from afar will know Sandra very well! She is the Director of Mission and Ministry in Gloucester Diocese.
Back in July/August 2022, I moved to the Gloucestershire town of Tetbury, with the view to Publicly “Come-Out” and see what life then brings.
I remember my first weekend, I was looking for a church, and a choir to hopefully join.
I turned up at St Mary’s Wootton-under-edge with lots of nerves, but the knowledge that no-one knows me from Adam or Eve.
I remember with fondness, that as the bells rung, the choir unofficially processed to the back of church ready to actually process in, and the Rector, Revd Lesley Hewish went out of her way, Moments before the Crucifer led off the procession, to make a point of making me feel welcome!
The theme of the day was “What Brings you to church this morning”
And during “the sermon” folk were invited to the lectern to share their answer to that question. Several folk shared their thoughts and their stories, including a Church warden, a retired priest, who, I blew my cover as “someone who knows” when mentioning the term PTO. (Permission To Officiate) and lastly a soprano from the church choir!
I felt the Holy Spirit calling me to go and stand at the front, introduce myself, and share why I was at church this morning!
What a special place St Mary’s Wootton-Under-Edge is, it will always be a part of my journey, even having only attended a few services. The welcome I received was warm and with love, the atmosphere and vibe was positive and supportive. And but for the insecurity of what turned out to be a very very terrible place of work that housed my brief residence in Gloucestershire. Maybe their search for a Director of Music, and my search for my local church, may have become something!
Instead, I was called home, to St Peter’s Weston Favell, where I have spent most of my life!!
And this is down to Rachel, that I found my way back!!
The encouragement from my church family was and still is, humongous!! And I’m delighted by that!!
I’m proud, that we now Proudly welcome Everyone to church. And promote “God Loves Everyone.”
As it should be!!
But at this moment in time. My pride is with my very special friend, and her family and friends as she becomes…
The Revd Rachel Cooley.
“When we walk with the Lord”
In the light of His word
What a glory he shares on our way
While we do his goodwill
He abides with us still
And with All who will Trust and Obey
As a church musician, I couldn’t resist tying into your “Farewell from St Peter’s, and Congratulations on Ordination” post, a cheeky cover. Of a hymn, that has words and meanings relevant to you!!
When we walk with the Lord - With Revd Rambling Rachel.
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