Dearest friends,
What a terrific Sunday we shared last week. A beautiful mass at St. Luke’s with +Paul, celebrating our Patronal feast. And what a feast it was! A brilliant array of food and conversation after mass that lifted the heart and reminded us of the lovely community of Christ we are.
Then, in the evening, a gentle celebration of Evensong – although gentle is the last word I’d use for the singing! We lifted the roof off with our wonderful voices – what a way to warm our hearts – united in song and prayer.
Finally we worked through our planning meeting. Identifying our strengths, our weaknesses, and opportunities that are ahead.
I was so impressed with the calibre of conversation and the ‘yes, and’ language. Rather than criticise and snipe, there was a great deal of conversations along the lines of, ‘that’s a good idea, and we could also….’ it’s a real indication of the health of a community when that kind of language is used.
Both the Archdeacon and the Bishop were impressed with the way the parishes engaged with the questions and the ideas that have come out of it.
You may think, ‘that was nice, but nothing much will come of it’. Well, you’d be wrong.
The list of weaknesses will now be addressed by the PCCs as matters of urgency, our strengths will form part of our new advertising push (a weakness both parishes noted) and the opportunities will now form the agenda of the planning meetings for the coming year. We’ll be focusing on making as many of those opportunities come to life as possible. Those that work will flourish, and those that don’t will be cut from the vine.
We’ve already had our first outcome… there’ll be a new A4 periodical magazine for the parish of St. John’s coming out in Lent, advertising and encouraging those who live in the parish with stories of life in church and of Jesus and letting them know what services that can join over Easter.
The ‘we need a curate’ was heard loud and clear by the Archdeacon and Bishop, so we’ll also be chasing that idea down. I’ll be working towards finding a way to bring in a house for duty priest to support me across the two parishes – meaning we may be able to return to 10am masses.
There is much to be thankful for, and much to look forward to. Thank you for engaging with such love, generosity, and gentleness. I know it wasn’t always easy to hear what was going on, but the vast majority of you engaged in a spirit of love and care for one another. Carry that attitude forward into the rest of what we do in the parish. If you do, we can’t go far wrong.
Fr. Matthew
Notices
24th October
Last Night of the Proms Concert at St. Luke’s, 7pm
Harvest Festival at St. John’s This Sunday (26th) followed by bring and share brunch.
Sunday 26th October
30th Sunday in Ordinary Time 🟢
9am – Sung Parish Mass [SJ]
11:15am – Sung Parish Mass (Harvest Festival)
Followed by bring and share brunch [SL]
Divine Office Psalter Week 2, C(I),
Last After Trinity, Proper 25
Upcoming Dates
October
24th – Last Night of the Proms Concert, St. Luke’s, 7pm
26th – Harvest Festival, St. John’s, Bring and Share Brunch
November
9th – Explorers [SC]
15th – Table Top Sale, 10am [WH]
Quiz Night with Fish & Chips, St. Luke’s, 7pm
22nd – Christmas Lights Turn On, stalls at both events
27th – Advent Course, 1st lecture, 7pm, [WH]
30th – Advent Carols by Candlelight, 6pm [SL]
December
7th – Explorers & Christingle, 3-5pm [SC]
13th – Bay Brass Band Concert, 7pm [SL]
20th – 9 Lessons & Carols, 6pm, both churches
21st – Christingle & Crib Service, 3-5pm [SL]
24th – Live Nativity, 4pm [SJ]
Midnight Mass, 8pm [SJ]
Midnight Mass, 11:30pm [SL]
25th – Christmas Day Mass, 10am [SL & SJ]
St. Luke’s Men’s Group meets every Friday for mass at 10am and discussion afterwards. [SL]
Table Top Sale at Wickham Hall every 3rd Saturday at 10am.
St. Luke’s Women’s Group meets first Wednesday of every month.