I hope you have enjoyed reading the story.  The third part of the story will be up to all of us.  I am grateful to Stephen Crofts for his book ‘Transforming Communities’. The story first appeared in that book.  For me the issue is not much about transforming communities as to a dialogue within the community on whether or not we need transforming.

 On the world stage President Bush has called for a transformation of the regime in Iraq.  The firemen are calling for a transformation of their wages structure.  If congestion charges begin I guess we will see some transformation of travelling patterns.  By the way, I like the suggestion to charge for congestion charges on the M25.  This motorway is continually getting grid locked and something has to be done.

 But do we want to be transformed?  ‘Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Rom 12:2’ This is the challenge that Paul puts before all us and in particular to the church in Rome.

 John Hillier

Talking about transformation John will be ordained priest on Saturday October 5^th at Holy Trinity Clapham.  He will celebrate his first Eucharist at 10-00am on Sunday 6^th October.  We shall welcome as our preacher on that occasion Revd Judith Roberts who was one of John’s tutors on his training.  There will be a shared lunch in the hall afterwards.  As John takes this huge step he will receive God’s grace to help him in his new ministry.  Will you please do two things; pray for John, Audrey his wife and the parish as we begin this new ministry together, and secondly, be there as a high priority on October 6^th at 10-00am?

 PCC Away day

This will take place on Saturday October 19^th.   Amongst other things we will be discussing new models of the church, missionary giving (please read John Fosters article), our outreach programme and working together with fewer ministry resources.  Will you please include us in your prayers?

Christmas Fair

This will be on November 9^th.  Jean Neighbour, Lorna Cowell and Angela Hawkins have come forward to help organise this event.  I notice they are all female.  Please give them every support.

 Your priest and friend
Tom Leary

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