Last month I was invited to a ceremony for Student Volunteer Army awards that recognised disabled people overseen by Idea Services (associated with IHC) for the voluntary work they do in the community.

Currently Idea Services have a group of young adults that meets at LOOP and the Kapa Haka group is practicing in our hall. One of the young adults occasionally helps with cleaning St Paul’s and counted the hours worked towards the volunteering award. He invited me to come to the ceremony in Rangiora. So, I went. He had wanted me to come dressed in a cassock, but I compromised by appearing in a black suit.

Of course, there is far greater enthusiasm at an awards ceremony for disabled people than there would be at any such event at a school. Everyone celebrated the achievements with great applause and cheering. There was joy that others had achieved such milestones and a clear sense of pride.

I was called up to say a few words at one point. After I congratulated the volunteers and particularly the one who was volunteering at our church, I took out a Book of Common Prayer (1662) and read one of the Collects.
Most people prayed with me. Again, the prayers seemed more intense than at many other gatherings.

At a time when vicars no longer regularly are part of gatherings, it was good to be part of such an event.
O almighty and most merciful God, of thy bountiful goodness keep us, we beseech thee, from all things that may hurt us; that we, being ready both in body and soul, may cheerfully accomplish those things that thou wouldest have done: through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.