With the publication of this Newsletter our celebration of Tullow’s 150th Anniversary enters its second half of the year. So far we have seen celebrations in the form or a “Songs of Praise” in January and a Thanksgiving Eucharist with the Archbishop and former Rectors in early May. These afforded the opportunity of looking back through the years with gratitude for God’s “Grace Through Generations” as we remembered former generations who helped make Tullow Church what it is today. However, in today’s world nothing stands still or stays the same – and to attempt to do so would guarantee death and certainly not growth. And so it is that plans are now at an advanced stage for our next major Parish event – our Autumn Fair to be held on Saturday 20th September from 11:00am to 3:00pm. This promises to be a great community event – not just parish community, but for the entire wider community. There will be attractions for all ages and interests and a national celebrity has agreed to perform the official opening on the day. Those interested in history will also be catered for as there will be an exhibition of local area history as well as Tullow Church history with items of memorabilia of yester-year on display. In addition to providing items of community interest it is hoped that the event will raise much needed funds for the present upkeep and development of our parish.
Looking further ahead, our Parish Forum will be held on Saturday 18th October. This will be possibly the most important event of the entire year’s celebration as it will give us the space to take stock of where our Parish is now and to formulate plans to lay the foundations of where God wants us to be moving into the future. The input of parishioners of all ages at this event is essential to ensure that our future plans will be inclusive and able to cater for the needs of as many as possible. Finally, the year will be rounded off with our annual Carol Service which will be held on Sunday 21st December. This Service will include an act of Re-dedication which should enable us to move forward in faith and confidence into the future. Again, I would appeal for the support of all for the above events as it will only be in proportion to the amount that we put in that we can expect to reap the rewards. Jesus said, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.’ Luke 6:38
As I have mentioned on previous years, although July and August are traditional holiday months and many of us may be looking forward to taking a break at this time, we are very fortunate that we have a God that never does. If possible we should try to make every effort to attend Church Services Sunday by Sunday – wherever we may find ourselves. I know that we can be assured of the warmest of welcomes if we join a local worshipping community for their Services. And as each place is unique and tend to worship God in their own way, we will find ourselves enriched by the experience. In return, we here in Tullow look forward to welcoming any visitors who may be passing or visiting friends or relatives in our area. May I take this opportunity to wish you all a pleasant and restful summer, and let us hope we get plenty of seasonal weather.
Every blessing, John
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