St Mary the Virgin Merton

Diocese of Southwark, Church of England

Tom's January letter

Hopefully by the time you read this you will have received our literature advertising a new initiative for 2006.  ‘Faith: Perspectives’ has been a long time in its development.  The PCC has been considering for a long time the follow up to the successful ‘Talking Points’ that was held in the Autumn of 2004. 

With the bi-centenary of Lord Nelson’s death and the battle of Trafalgar in 2005 it was thought best to leave this new initiative until 2006.  It also coincides with a Confirmation service being held at St Mary’s on Sunday March 12^th.  I remember seeing an adult Sunday School being run in one of the city churches and always thought that this was a good idea.  This was the germ of the idea behind ‘Faith: Perspectives’

This new series of teaching events ‘Faith Perspectives’ is a follow up to ‘Talking Points’ and has two main objectives.  Firstly, in a multicultural society, it is designed to enable existing members of the church to deepen their understanding of their faith, and secondly to provide new members of the church with a foundation for their faith as they prepare for Confirmation.

The haunting picture on the cover of this leaflet depicts the causeway from the mainland to Lindisfarne, the early centre of Christianity in the north, and the home of that great saint Cuthbert.  It tells of time and eternity, of the ebb and flow of life and how our faith reaches back to the past but also points to the future.

‘Faith: Perspectives’ will only work well if individuals commit themselves to attending the meetings.  Each session will follow a shortened 9-30 service and will commence in the hall at 11-00am and finish promptly at 1200pm.  It will be divided into 3 equal parts, (1) a presentation (2) groups discussion and refreshments, (3) plenary session with the presenter.  The title and dates of the sessions are given below.  Conversations are taking place with those who lead Sunday Club and the Crèche in order that the needs of the younger members of the church are being taken into consideration.

Unless you are a prospective confirmation candidate the charge for each session is £2 to help towards the costs.  Please complete the booking slips and put them in the box provided in the church.  Further details from Tom Leary or from members of the New Initiatives Group:

Grenville Williams - 8542  8687, John Hillier - 8540 4160, Alan Morris – 8542 5086, Hilary  Yates – 8542 5082, Anne Carroll – 8544 1725,Richard Price – 8542 2440, Neville Squires – 8542 5381, Cheryl Lawrence - 8543 1900,
Lorna Cowell – 8540 2989.

‘Faith: Perspectives’

On Sunday 8^th January we celebrate the great feast of the Epiphany.  This is a very appropriate season in which to conduct ‘Faith : Perspectives’.  The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity also takes place this month and there will be an Ecumenical Service for all the local churches at St John  Fisher’s Church at 3-00p.m. on Sunday 22^nd January.  St Mary’s will be closed on that evening. 

Your priest and friend

Tom Leary

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