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I
have been reflecting on how fortunate we are at St Mary’s to have such a
willing band of volunteers without whom the regular running of our church
would falter. One only has to look at the directory at the end of this
publication to appreciate the extent of the volunteer force and how
important this enthusiastic group of helpers is to the life of our church.
The
Bible of course has many examples of those who have given their time in the
service of the church……..or more correctly in the service of our
Lord…..since the church is the body of Christ here on earth. Paul’s analogy
of the importance of each member of the body to the proper functioning of
the whole is pertinent.
One
of the particularly important roles is one of teaching, whether paid or
voluntary, either in the role of Tom as our vicar, our Readers, or the
Sunday Club teachers. The example of course is in our Lord and the
apostles, and we are frequently reminded in scripture of the role of the
Holy Spirit prompting and guiding each of us in our daily lives. But to
return to the Sunday Club we have just said goodbye to Nicolette Foster who
retired in July from her role of teacher and leader; a vital member of that
organisation. We thank Nicolette and her daughter Rachel for all they have
done over the years. We are grateful also for the other Sunday Club
teachers, Graham and Sara Mason, Richard and Sarah Wright and Anne Carroll
and helpers Anna and Rita.
Discussions will be taking place in the summer recess with the Sunday Club
teachers to develop ideas that can meet the changes in the pattern of family
life and we shall be reviewing our approach to Sunday Club to see how we can
best meet those challenges. If parents are interested in being involved in
the discussions about the future of Sunday Club or would like to help please
contact Sarah Wright (sarah.wright2012@btopenworld.com).
An article will appear in a later edition of the Magazine. Another
dimension in the teaching of young people is the monthly Children’s Praise
Service, which is designed for parents with toddlers and children up to the
age of six. The late afternoon on Sunday appears to be a good time for some
of this age group rather than in the morning. However this service is just
part of an overall strategy of teaching and we need to look also at how we
might as a church address the needs of older children particularly teenagers
in a youth group. There have been in the past very successful Youth Groups
or Clubs at St Mary’s, but in recent years we have been without one. The
Parish Players and the Choir of course meet their needs in many ways and any
new initiative must be designed to recognise their special contribution.
As I
mentioned in my June letter we are grateful for all who take part in the
life of St Mary’s, and even if you do not have a particular job in the
church, you are valued as being a member of the body of Christ, and as one
who worships in this Holy place.
With
every blessing,
John
Hillier
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