Date: 30 November 2021
To her slight surprise, Val Beynon recently found herself at an unforgettable meeting. Here she explains how it arose…
Some time ago, on arrival at church for the Sunday service, I found a card had been placed on every seat. The title - 'Big Questions' – to be answered by none other than Archbishop Justin Welby, who was doing a short tour in our vicinity - answering questions!!
Having been rather critical in my mind of the Archbishop, whom I felt had been rather quiet during Covid - our real time of need - I immediately said to Sue Jackson - I'm going to that!! So we booked. He was going to be at St John's School, Leatherhead on Saturday 25 September.
The day arrived and I was eager to see him and listen to him. Questions were invited through an 'app' or some such 'techy' device which I had no idea how to operate - but it didn't matter - there were questions enough!!
He was introduced warmly by a Curate from the Diocese, and then he spoke! I don't know what I had imagined - a businessman? - a Lord? - a grand figure in robes?! - all of which dissolved into the man himself - a true Man of God.
He told us a little about himself, his up-bringing, the death of his son in a car accident, his beliefs. He answered questions - which I won't detail - succinctly, honestly, thoughtfully - showing a wonderful sense of humour, a deep compassion, humility and integrity. He referred to the Baby in the Manger with such love and devotion, his belief that 'Jesus is God' - a phrase he used on several occasions - rang through my mind then, and has done ever since. He left after 50 minutes of questions and when he had gone, the chapel seemed to lose a little light.
The session was taken up by two young members of the church - one Jo Trickey, Frances' daughter-in-law - who picked up the thread and took us onward; both were excellent speakers, and told us a little more of the Archbishop's activities. In the meantime, Justin Welby was already preparing for a similar talk in Epsom and a further event was held in Woking the following day.
It was a session I shall never forget.
The Chapel at St John's was full and there was a wonderful 'buzz' as people left. We had all been 'fed' and I felt humbled. I had truly been in the presence of a Man of God with an unshakeable belief that 'Jesus is God' leaving me in no doubt at all as to the truth of his statement.
["Big Questions??" by Val Beynon from Oxshott Magazine November 2021. Used with permission.]