I am writing this letter just after Epiphany and before
the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. It was certainly a busy Christmas with good
numbers of people attending all the services. I have received appreciative comments about
the quality and reverence of the worship and I just want to add my thanks. First of all,
to the wonderful spirit of cooperation and teamwork that went into all the worship.
Whether it was the decorating of the church, the Sunday Club Nativity Play, the choir from
Priory School or our own choir and readers for Lessons and Carols it was all done in this
same spirit of cooperation. Secondly, I am grateful to John Eagles and the choir for all
the music over the Advent and Christmas period and hope that the choir open day is well
supported. Thirdly I am grateful to those who provided the choir tea, the stewards and
those who prepared the Christingles as well as all my liturgical and sacristy colleagues,
wardens, sides people, flower arrangers and all who contributed so greatly to this
Christmas.
Parish Office
We welcome as our new Parish Secretary Mrs Phillipa Peuble. Philippa comes to us well
equipped to manage the Parish Office and we extend to her a warm welcome. Our previous
secretary Patricia Taylor left us to be more available to care for her elderly mother. We
thank her for she has done and in the short term Patricia will still be helping the
Treasurer with the church accounts. Please note that the Office will be open from 9-30am -
12-00pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings.
The Church and Change
Most people also welcomed the series of sermons on the subject of change and the
discussions that followed these sermons. It is my hope that these sermons will be printed
in the magazine. Meanwhile the P.C.C. will be considering some of the implications of
these sermons. I hope you noticed the change in format for the APCM that was mentioned in
last month’s magazine. This will take place on Sunday 21st April in the
morning after worship
Lent and Ash Wednesday
This year no sooner than Christmas is over than we look towards Lent. Ash Wednesday falls
on February 13th and there will be a Sung Eucharist with Ashing at 8-00pm.
Elsewhere in the magazine are details of the Merton Park Churches together Lent Course of
the Gifts of the Spirit.
Your priest and friend
Tom Leary
