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A
glance backThe
Annual Parish Meeting was held on Palm Sunday 1st April. This year Sue
Warner finished her term of office as churchwarden. We are grateful for the
hard work that Sue brought to the role of churchwarden. We are also
grateful that Neville Squires has come forward to take her place. Thanks as
well to Anne Caroll who was re-elected as churchwarden and has also served
us very conscientiously during the past year. The annual accounts and
elections took place and we are especially thankful to Mark, Andrew Mills
and those who assist him in keeping the finances of the church in such good
order. The new PCC and the new churchwardens were commissioned Sunday 29th
April.
Holy Week and Easter were also very encouraging with a very full church on
Easter Sunday and faithful people who had observed much of the Holy Week
ceremonies. There more worshippers on Easter Day than I can ever remember
at this great festival and although the numbers were swelled by a baptism
they were also big because they included many of those recently confirmed.
A
glance Forward Rogation Sunday
This year it falls on Sunday May 6th and as usual, weather
permitting, Evensong will be held outside in the Glebe fields. Sadly this
will be the last time that I will be able to identify the birdsong with
you. I hope many will come to compete with the birds.
Confirmation
Talking of the recently confirmed the Bishop of Kingston is coming to St
Mary’s on Sunday 13th May to administer the rite of
Confirmation. We have 14 young people and adults being confirmed on that
Sunday. I hope many of you will be able to come and support them. There
will be a reception in the Hall afterwards.
Ascension Day
Sadly I am not here on Ascension Day so there will be no services at St
Mary’s. I know Fr. Geoffrey and the people of St James Merton will welcome
all worshippers from St Mary’s. Details of their services will appear on
the pew sheet. Ascension Day is Thursday 17th May
Farewells
Please, please give a high priority to being present on the last Sunday of
my ministry at St Mary’s. namely 17th June. The morning service
will be the last time I celebrate and preach at St Mary’s as your Vicar and
at the evening service Revd Wilma Roest will be the preacher. Between these
services I hope we can enjoy food, conversation, fellowship, music and
dancing in the Glebe fields.
Your
priest and friend
Tom Leary
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