Do you know what the traditional gift for a Tenth Anniversary is? No, I didn’t either… if pressed I’d have guessed wood or cotton or something. Apparently it’s tin. Yes, tin. I find this a slightly underwhelming image if I a perfectly honest. I associate tins with baked beans, tomato soup, condensed milk (what is that exactly?), dog food, spam, and horrendous forms of processed meat which in the Seventies was declared a luxury but which you secretly knew was a recipe unchanged since the late Victorian era.
Having investigated the symbol, it appears as if it’s been used for the Tenth Anniversaries because traditionally it symbolizes the strength and flexibility of a long-lasting relationship. Ah, this is starting to sound like more sense to me.
I’ve just reached a milestone of ten years in ministry, ten years in Eastbourne. I’m very thankful for this for all sorts of reasons, not least because of the Methodist Church’s proclivity for moving ministers around usually a lot more frequently than that! Tin is actually quite a good image– we have had to be very strong as a church over that time. Think about how patient we’ve needed to be, how resilient we’ve had to be when things haven’t gone our way. Strength during the pandemic was key – to be strong in hope, strong in connections with one another, strong in our prayers underpinning our life both together and in separation.
Flexiblity has been key too. We had to adjust plans for the new premises…for a start moving half a mile up Upperton Road, adjusting the building and budget. Flexiblity too in church life. Our four congregations have had to move around – none more so than those from St. Andrew’s – and we’ve had to adjust to all sorts of changes, some of them easier to get used to than others.
Yes, on reflection tin is in fact a great symbol for these ten years of ministry and church life. As we embark on the 11th together (note to self for next September’s magazine – anniversary symbol for eleven is ‘steel’), I hope we continue to be strong, continue to be flexible, in our worship and work as one people with one ministry – to love and serve God our Creator and Sustainer.
Rev Paul Tabraham
Excerpt taken from Emmanuel Magazine September 2024. The magazine, published ten times annually, features articles contributed or authored by our members. It includes a delightful blend of testimonials, devotions, book reviews, prayers, jokes, upcoming events, and more. Grab your copy of the latest magazine at the church foyer. If you prefer to receive a copy by mail or email, feel free to reach out to us.