‘Churchwardens’ Chat’
We are now in an interregnum following the retirement of the Vicar and so the monthly letter for the Parish News is written by the Churchwardens
October 2024
So let us learn how to serve … This is our God, The Servant King, He calls us now to follow him …
Graham Kendrick, 1984
A few weeks ago, Ken Scott preached to us at a 6:30pm Evensong service. He based his address on Hebrews 13, vs 16-21 and narrowed it down for us to focus on three things: sharing, obeying and praying.
As Christians, we have plenty of opportunities to share and one of the most important things we can share is our time.
A wonderful example is the very small team organised by Debbie Sims who deliver Who’s for Lunch each month. Keith and Alix also share their time and we share our church building every Wednesday to welcome the Shower Singers. In turn, we ask each person attending to bring an item of food or toiletries, for us to share with the people who use The Well foodbank.
We share our church building with visitors, some of whom leave a message in our visitors book. Many enjoy the architecture, with comments made about the beautiful windows and the experience of a “peaceful” and “welcoming” church. Other comments are about services; one message read: “Thank you for a lovely service and refreshing my soul.”
Obeying is something we can at times struggle to do; we are asked to “obey”, to try to read about and follow the teachings of Christ. It can be difficult, finding time to ‘obey’, for example.to “love thy neighbour as thyself, to “love others as God loves us” and thereby support our community as part of our Christian lives.
Finally, we pray; we pray alone and we pray together in services and in small groups. Our Prayers for Peace group is an opportunity to spend just 15 minutes with other Christians to pray for Ukraine and for other areas of war and conflict around the world. Why not join us at 6pm each Tuesday for 15 minutes. We are frequently surprised by the power of prayer which should never be underestimated!
We have been seeking a Youth and Family Worker: does this role appeal to you? If so, please do get in touch. The post is flexible and could fit in with your other work/commitments. If you feel moved to support the young people in our community and would like to explore this opportunity let’s have a chat about it.
Are you going to join us at our community dementia information event on Saturday October 12 in the Village Hall? It is a free event for the whole community, where you can learn more about dementia, have a cup of tea, meet people and find information about where to get support.
Please book a place and contact Tracey Williams, (our parish safeguarding officer and our dementia-friendly church co-ordinator) if you need any further information or help to attend.
One person said “I won’t come because I don’t have dementia” . This is exactly why you should come, because we shall share information relevant to people who do have a form of dementia, and also relevant to those who do not have dementia. Clive and I shall be there and look forward to sharing the updates on dementia and to having a drink and some wonderful cake!
God Bless,
Clive Pendrell and Dorothy Steel,
Churchwardens