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March
brings with it the season of springtime and the hopes of new life. With
climate warming the seasons are getting earlier. There were daffodils out
with camellias during January. Another difference is that the birds are
claiming their breeding territories earlier than ever so the mornings are
already full of birdsong.
Whatever the weather does the church still sticks to its seasons and the
whole of March is taken up with the season of Lent. I repeat what I wrote
in last month’s magazine in order to inform you of the Lent programme.
I am
suggesting that we use 4 Sunday evenings in Lent where we will have Evensong
followed by a presentation by myself and others on various aspects of
ministry in order that we shall be better equipped to face the future.
There will be dialogue and opportunities for questions and answers and for
people to offer themselves to help with ministry matters during the
interregnum. I set out below the pattern and subjects for these Sunday
evenings. Please put them in your diary so that we can share Lent
together.
4th
March Lent 2 Presentation on Worship
11th
March Lent 3 Presentation on Teaching
18th
March Lent 4 Presentation on Mission and Outreach
It
is obvious that without a full time priest a lot of work will fall on other
people. There are many existing and forthcoming job vacancies at St
Mary’s. My hope is that you will come to these Sunday evenings and both
interact with the presentation and even better offer some time and energy to
fill some of the vacancies.
Intermediate
I am
now in such a place between working and retiring, between London and our
future home in
Shropshire.
Even though my head tells me it can be a very creative state, my emotions
are complex as I have to face both worlds and the worlds of retirement and
the world of ministry.
For
you too there is this period of waiting and not knowing until the whole
process of finding my successor gets underway. This period of waiting
points to the importance of us keeping Lent together so that when Holy Week
and Easter come we shall know that the risen Lord is amongst us no matter
what the future holds.
Mothering Sunday
As
part of the farewell celebrations we have invited all those families who
have had children baptised during my time as Vicar, to come and share in the
Mothering Sunday at 10am on18th March. We are also arranging similar
celebrations for all those who have been confirmed, and all those couples
who have been married during my time as Vicar. All the past confirmees are
being invited to come on Easter Day 8th April and all the couples
to come to Rogation Sunday 6th May. Invitations will be sent to
these groups in the near future. If any reader has knowledge of any changes
of address for these individuals or couples please could they inform Carline
in the Parish Office.
Confirmation
We
have a good number of people coming forward for Confirmation. Classes begin
this month. Details will be on the pew sheet. The Bishop of Kingston is
coming to administer Confirmation here at St Mary’s on Sunday 13th
May in the morning the time has yet to be decided.
All
Age Baptism
General feedback after the first of these services was positive. However I
will pay attention to the choice of music and perhaps a rehearsal of some of
the accompanists could be arranged! The next one is on Sunday 4th
March at
10.00am
when Chris Abbott will be assisting with the sermon slot.
Your
priest and friend
Tom
Leary
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