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At
the Advent Sunday 2006 morning service, Tom announced in his sermon that he
would be retiring on his 65th birthday which happens to be Sunday
17th June 2007. Last month, as part of the Vision Sunday
presentations, Grenville our vice chairman of the PCC, informed the
congregation about the formation by the PCC of 3 groups to manage the day to
day issues of the interregnum, develop our vision for St Mary’s whilst
preparing for our new vicar, and organising Tom and Jan’s retirement
celebrations. As a member of the celebrations group I would like to bring
you up to date with the events planned to mark Tom’s 40 years of ministry
including 14 years as our priest and friend.
On
Mothering Sunday 18th March at the 10.00am Eucharist we will
welcome all those families who have had children Baptised at St Mary’s
during Tom’s ministry at Merton. On Easter Day Sunday 8th April
at the 10.00am service we look forward to sharing the Eucharist with all
those who have been confirmed at St Mary’s over the past 14 years. Then on
Rogation Sunday 6th May at the
10.00am
all age service we will be able to meet all those who have been married at
St Mary’s during Tom’s time with us. On Sunday 13th May at
9.30am
there will be a Confirmation service with Bishop Richard, followed by a
Reception in the church hall. All of us can look forward to coming to these
services.
Tom
and Jan’s last Sunday with us will be on the 17th June. The
service at
10.00am
will be an All Age Eucharist and we will be welcoming people from Tom’s
previous parishes as well as those who Tom has worked with on the various
groups and committees in Merton. After the service there will be a party in
the Glebe with a shared lunch including a barbecue, live dance band,
licensed bar and marquees. Sung Evensong with a guest preacher will be at
6.30pm
followed by a reception in the church hall.
Everyone is invited to all the events on Tom and Jan’s final Sunday with us,
so please remember to collect a ticket from the churchwardens, Sara Mason or
myself, it will assist us for catering purposes. The celebrations group
would appreciate your support by providing food or a cash/cheque donation
towards the lunch in the Glebe or reception after Evensong. Details of the
17th June catering co-ordinators will be given in April,
meanwhile please contact the churchwardens or myself. If you would like to
make a donation towards the cost of the marquee that would also be
appreciated, please contact Mark Hackforth-Jones.
So,
please note these events, but most importantly do come and share the
celebrations with Tom and Jan.
Ian
Aldridge
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