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‘Maureen’s Musings’
The Vicar’s monthly letter for the Parish News
October 2018
You are about to get a bionic Vicar!
At the beginning of October, if all goes according to plan, I will be back in the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford having my other knee replaced!
Since having the left one done last year, it has become even more apparent that the right needed attention too, particularly as for some strange reason my kneecaps were not in the same place as most people’s – leading to even more wear and tear on the joint.
Inevitably therefore I need to spend a few weeks away from the Parish convalescing and attending to the physio-therapists (or should that be physio-terrorists?!) Seriously, I am very grateful for their work. It may be a bit uncomfortable in the short term, but I know that if I listen to their wise words and do the necessary exercises, my knees will feel much better and my walking will get stronger. The plan is that I hope to be back in time for the Christmas Tree Festival in December – not to mention all the other events that happen around then!
But while I am away I have tried to ensure that you have a good variety of other clergy coming to look after you in my absence. Thanks to all the friends and colleagues who have stepped into the breach and are providing cover. And of course I am so grateful to our Reader, Dr Ken Scott, and also Gena and Iain our Churchwardens who will be shouldering much of the burden of ministry for these weeks. Please do all that you can to support them.
This year also sees the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War. Iain is working on an event for the evening of Remembrance Sunday, which should be a bit different, but also very moving as we celebrate the outbreak of Peace. And look out for our “Gone but not forgotten” silhouettes!
Before then, however, there is October to experience. That means the Bells Run on 14 October… I know that more stewards are required – it takes a lot of people to make sure that the courses are properly covered. So if you can help out on the day (and you are not actually running yourself!) please get in touch with Martin Parker or Tony Ainsworth.
We should also be welcoming a new neighbour as the Team Vicar for Trysull and Bobbington; the Revd Richard Fisher is being installed and licensed in October. I am sorry to be missing this – as Rural Dean I should have a part to play in the formal acknowledgement of a new ministry in the deanery. I hope that Richard soon settles in and I look forward to December when I may have the opportunity to welcome him properly.
I am sure these weeks will soon pass, and before you know it, I will be back in Pattingham – hopefully ready and able to put my “best foot forward”! In the meantime, please pray for me and for those who are helping out while I will be away.
Every blessing!
Maureen.