Just get me to the church on time
Some 2006 years ago, Mary made her way to Bethlehem on the back of a donkey to give birth to Jesus. Today, the Rev Nigel Parker chooses something a little more luxurious to make it to the church for the Christmas service.
"I'm not really interested in cars as a status symbol, I just want them to do the jobs I need them to do", said Nigel.
I'm sure that's exactly what Mary was thinking when she clambered on to the back of a donkey.
Nigel's car may not be a status symbol, but it certainly does the job - it's a tremendous aid in his job with the church.
"Because the work of the church is the work of the people - being with people, meeting people, going with people - the car has become a useful tool to get to everyone".
This is especially apparent at this time of year. Whether he's carting about nativity costumes or donations, Nigel admits he would be lost without the car in winter. "In summer, I sometimes use a bike, but the car allows me to have so much more flexibility. Some days, I need to get to local hospitals and do visits and this just wouldn't be possible without the Scenic".
In his work, the car has become a utility vehicle of sorts. Though it may not leave the city centre, the car allows Nigel to carry out a number of transport jobs, whether it be dropping off a sack of food tins for the Instant Neighbor Trust, giving church members lifts to hospital appointments or just generally helping his parish.
"One or two of the senior folks that I gave rides to appreciate the high seats as it gives them much easier access than a normal car, which they find difficult to get in and out of", said Nigel.
"I'm here as and when I'm needed - people know they can give me a shout and I'm usually willing to help them out in any way I can, whether it's running an errand or taking people to the hospital". Now that is above and beyond the call of duty.
This time of year is, understandably, one of Nigel's busiest - Christmas services, fairs and meetings, as well as the children's nativity play. The car is especially useful for visiting those in need, and it is during the festive period that people need Nigel more than at any other time of year.
"For many people, Christmas is a time which exaggerates the feeing which they already have, so people who are feeling sad or down can feel even more depressed at this time of year", he said.
"Ministers work at all times in all circumstances, so having the car at the door means I have immediate freedom to go and be with someone at their particular time of need".
"The EPS understeer drive control system means I managed fine in the bad weather of last winter, and that I could control the skids - not that I have any, of course!"
As well as his parishioners, Nigel has a responsibility to another group who are even more demanding - his family. Having previously driven a Renault Scenic, the Parkers decided to upgrade to the Renault Grand Scenic, with its two extra seats in the boot, after the birth of their second child.
"It's a great family car", said Nigel. "We had an accident three years ago and, even though we were all OK, safety has been at the top of our list of priorities since then". Safety really isn't a concern with the Scenic. With a five-star NCAP safety rating, numerous airbags and an extra child-minder mirror system which means Nigel can keep an eye on his children at all times, the car should really have a red cross printed on it. the hand-free card system means that when Nigel is carrying his children, he doesn't need to fuss over finding his keys in his robes, and with countless nooks and crannies for storage, the car is great for carting children about to Rainbows meetings or the school run.
Nigel's wife also benefits from the car's clever tricks. An automatic parking brake means that his wife, who suffers from a weak shoulder, can park the car, switch the engine off and the handbrake will automatically come on, saving her straining her arm.
It all sounds perfect. I wonder, however, if our minister has a secret ambition to pull into the churchyard in a posh machine?
"We are very content with the Scenic, it absolutely suits us to a tee and I don't think my congregation would like to see the minister running around in a Rolls-Royce", he said. "I would be a bit inconsistent with the kind of values we like to hold in the life of the church. It would raise a few eyebrows, but I've no grand ambitions for a flashy car. But, I did enjoy a ride in a Toyota Lexus once, and that one lift was enough to keep me happy".
Well, that's it sorted. The Scenic will be the perfect mode of transport this Christmas for Nigel, his family and his parishioners. Let's just keep the donkey in the shed for now.
Some 2006 years ago, Mary made her way to Bethlehem on the back of a donkey to give birth to Jesus. Today, the Rev Nigel Parker chooses something a little more luxurious to make it to the church for the Christmas service.
"I'm not really interested in cars as a status symbol, I just want them to do the jobs I need them to do", said Nigel.
I'm sure that's exactly what Mary was thinking when she clambered on to the back of a donkey.
Nigel's car may not be a status symbol, but it certainly does the job - it's a tremendous aid in his job with the church.
"Because the work of the church is the work of the people - being with people, meeting people, going with people - the car has become a useful tool to get to everyone".
This is especially apparent at this time of year. Whether he's carting about nativity costumes or donations, Nigel admits he would be lost without the car in winter. "In summer, I sometimes use a bike, but the car allows me to have so much more flexibility. Some days, I need to get to local hospitals and do visits and this just wouldn't be possible without the Scenic".
In his work, the car has become a utility vehicle of sorts. Though it may not leave the city centre, the car allows Nigel to carry out a number of transport jobs, whether it be dropping off a sack of food tins for the Instant Neighbor Trust, giving church members lifts to hospital appointments or just generally helping his parish.
"One or two of the senior folks that I gave rides to appreciate the high seats as it gives them much easier access than a normal car, which they find difficult to get in and out of", said Nigel.
"I'm here as and when I'm needed - people know they can give me a shout and I'm usually willing to help them out in any way I can, whether it's running an errand or taking people to the hospital". Now that is above and beyond the call of duty.
This time of year is, understandably, one of Nigel's busiest - Christmas services, fairs and meetings, as well as the children's nativity play. The car is especially useful for visiting those in need, and it is during the festive period that people need Nigel more than at any other time of year.
"For many people, Christmas is a time which exaggerates the feeing which they already have, so people who are feeling sad or down can feel even more depressed at this time of year", he said.
"Ministers work at all times in all circumstances, so having the car at the door means I have immediate freedom to go and be with someone at their particular time of need".
"The EPS understeer drive control system means I managed fine in the bad weather of last winter, and that I could control the skids - not that I have any, of course!"
As well as his parishioners, Nigel has a responsibility to another group who are even more demanding - his family. Having previously driven a Renault Scenic, the Parkers decided to upgrade to the Renault Grand Scenic, with its two extra seats in the boot, after the birth of their second child.
"It's a great family car", said Nigel. "We had an accident three years ago and, even though we were all OK, safety has been at the top of our list of priorities since then". Safety really isn't a concern with the Scenic. With a five-star NCAP safety rating, numerous airbags and an extra child-minder mirror system which means Nigel can keep an eye on his children at all times, the car should really have a red cross printed on it. the hand-free card system means that when Nigel is carrying his children, he doesn't need to fuss over finding his keys in his robes, and with countless nooks and crannies for storage, the car is great for carting children about to Rainbows meetings or the school run.
Nigel's wife also benefits from the car's clever tricks. An automatic parking brake means that his wife, who suffers from a weak shoulder, can park the car, switch the engine off and the handbrake will automatically come on, saving her straining her arm.
It all sounds perfect. I wonder, however, if our minister has a secret ambition to pull into the churchyard in a posh machine?
"We are very content with the Scenic, it absolutely suits us to a tee and I don't think my congregation would like to see the minister running around in a Rolls-Royce", he said. "I would be a bit inconsistent with the kind of values we like to hold in the life of the church. It would raise a few eyebrows, but I've no grand ambitions for a flashy car. But, I did enjoy a ride in a Toyota Lexus once, and that one lift was enough to keep me happy".
Well, that's it sorted. The Scenic will be the perfect mode of transport this Christmas for Nigel, his family and his parishioners. Let's just keep the donkey in the shed for now.
"I'm not really interested in cars as a status symbol, I just want them to do the jobs I need them to do", said Nigel.
I'm sure that's exactly what Mary was thinking when she clambered on to the back of a donkey.
Nigel's car may not be a status symbol, but it certainly does the job - it's a tremendous aid in his job with the church.
"Because the work of the church is the work of the people - being with people, meeting people, going with people - the car has become a useful tool to get to everyone".
This is especially apparent at this time of year. Whether he's carting about nativity costumes or donations, Nigel admits he would be lost without the car in winter. "In summer, I sometimes use a bike, but the car allows me to have so much more flexibility. Some days, I need to get to local hospitals and do visits and this just wouldn't be possible without the Scenic".
In his work, the car has become a utility vehicle of sorts. Though it may not leave the city centre, the car allows Nigel to carry out a number of transport jobs, whether it be dropping off a sack of food tins for the Instant Neighbor Trust, giving church members lifts to hospital appointments or just generally helping his parish.
"One or two of the senior folks that I gave rides to appreciate the high seats as it gives them much easier access than a normal car, which they find difficult to get in and out of", said Nigel.
"I'm here as and when I'm needed - people know they can give me a shout and I'm usually willing to help them out in any way I can, whether it's running an errand or taking people to the hospital". Now that is above and beyond the call of duty.
This time of year is, understandably, one of Nigel's busiest - Christmas services, fairs and meetings, as well as the children's nativity play. The car is especially useful for visiting those in need, and it is during the festive period that people need Nigel more than at any other time of year.
"For many people, Christmas is a time which exaggerates the feeing which they already have, so people who are feeling sad or down can feel even more depressed at this time of year", he said.
"Ministers work at all times in all circumstances, so having the car at the door means I have immediate freedom to go and be with someone at their particular time of need".
"The EPS understeer drive control system means I managed fine in the bad weather of last winter, and that I could control the skids - not that I have any, of course!"
As well as his parishioners, Nigel has a responsibility to another group who are even more demanding - his family. Having previously driven a Renault Scenic, the Parkers decided to upgrade to the Renault Grand Scenic, with its two extra seats in the boot, after the birth of their second child.
"It's a great family car", said Nigel. "We had an accident three years ago and, even though we were all OK, safety has been at the top of our list of priorities since then". Safety really isn't a concern with the Scenic. With a five-star NCAP safety rating, numerous airbags and an extra child-minder mirror system which means Nigel can keep an eye on his children at all times, the car should really have a red cross printed on it. the hand-free card system means that when Nigel is carrying his children, he doesn't need to fuss over finding his keys in his robes, and with countless nooks and crannies for storage, the car is great for carting children about to Rainbows meetings or the school run.
Nigel's wife also benefits from the car's clever tricks. An automatic parking brake means that his wife, who suffers from a weak shoulder, can park the car, switch the engine off and the handbrake will automatically come on, saving her straining her arm.
It all sounds perfect. I wonder, however, if our minister has a secret ambition to pull into the churchyard in a posh machine?
"We are very content with the Scenic, it absolutely suits us to a tee and I don't think my congregation would like to see the minister running around in a Rolls-Royce", he said. "I would be a bit inconsistent with the kind of values we like to hold in the life of the church. It would raise a few eyebrows, but I've no grand ambitions for a flashy car. But, I did enjoy a ride in a Toyota Lexus once, and that one lift was enough to keep me happy".
Well, that's it sorted. The Scenic will be the perfect mode of transport this Christmas for Nigel, his family and his parishioners. Let's just keep the donkey in the shed for now.
