POPULAR vicar Rev Ray Khan is celebrating the tenth anniversary since his arrival in Bromsgrove.
After arriving in the town with his wife Caroline and family, Rev Khan has become a prominent figure in the community during the last decade, whether it be giving services, leading the Remembrance Day parade or getting involved in major events in the town.
Here, for Standard readers, Rev Khan reflects on his last ten years.
A vicar is more than just a church minister, they are a minister to a community. I have been privileged and honoured to serve the lovely town of Bromsgrove as your vicar. I have been with you in your times of joy and sadness – when we gathered to remember some of the tragic and sad events that happened in our world or at remembrance.
I have been profoundly moved by your stories of love, duty and courage when I have conducted weddings and funerals and I have joined you, danced and blessed you at town events, whether at the Beer and Cider Festival, street parties or Market Day. This is what lies at the heart of being a vicar.
When I was being interviewed for the job, I had to share some thoughts on the words of Jesus: ‘I now call you friends’. I shared that being a friend was at the heart of all that I did, because I knew just how much the friendship of God changed me. I know I may have failed in this, I am not perfect. I hope that people will know that God stretches out his hand of friendship to all, that they are valued and deeply loved by a God who gave his all for you. If I have failed then please forgive me.
I will always remember how the town came together during Covid to help and support each other. How we gathered to mourn and pray for the victims of Paris, Gaza, Ukraine and how we gave thanks for the life and ministry of our much-loved Queen Elizabeth II. It has been lovely journeying with you in all this.
I would like to thank you all for your friendship and kindness in opening up your hearts and homes to me. I am not planning to move, so sorry you are stuck with me.
When I first arrived in Bromsgrove, someone came up to me and said ‘I hear we have a Muslim vicar!’ I did assure them that the Church of England wasn’t that liberal. You may not have a Muslim vicar, but you have got a bit of a nutter, so thank you for your patience.
We may not be perfect, but love perfects the imperfect. So love!
God bless you.
Rev Ray Khan
