During the past year we have been considering the theme of "Change" both in the life of the Church and in our individual Christian development. At the recent Annual Church Meeting I relinquished the office of Churchwarden having stood in for a year following Ian Aldridge's sterling five year stint. Having served previously for only two years before going to work for the Bishop, I felt I owed St. Mary's another year, at least! In the event it served as an opportunity to look back nearly 20 years since I was previously a Warden. Some things stand out, and of several I might mention, I name only two: the advent of women's priestly ministry and the arrival of girls in our choir. I welcome both.

Something, however, remains unchanged -the devotion and commitment of so many people who give of their time, freely and generously, both in support of the clergy in ensuring a high standard of worship, and also a caring and loving concern for the maintenance of our historic and beautiful church building. In case I had forgotten, during the last year I was almost daily reminded of the number of people who unobtrusively ensure that everything is presented in a seemly manner. At St. Mary's we are indeed well blessed by these voluntary workers whose ministry serves us all.

But I return to the theme of "Change"' and ponder what may well be different after another twenty years. I am sure that the measure of support I have referred to will be in no way diminished. But what of worship? The use of our building? What of our outreach beyond our congregation? During the past year, thanks to the initiative of the Vicar, the P.C.C. has begun to look seriously at these issues which were tackled first at an "away day" last year. Subsequently the Faith and Worship Committee have initiated several changes in worship and are considering the future shape and content of Sunday evening worship. The P.C.C. is also concerned about our outreach to the wider community. Some of us are exercised in thinking how our church building might become a greater resource for

the community. Some of us dare to think the unthinkable - the removal of the pews to make imaginative use of the glorious space we have inherited. Have we the vision to embrace this kind of change?

Naturally we must always act as responsible stewards and do nothing which is not aesthetically in keeping with the dignity of our inherited treasure. We must always be mindful that anything we do should be for the greater glory of God.