Throughout this issue of our Parish Newsletter, there are references to acvies what will be recommencing after the summer break. But then, in most spheres of life it is traditional for the month of September to be a busy one.…
The Rector Writes – Brexit thoughts; holidays and going to other churches….
I am sure I am not the only one who had hoped that the media hype surrounding ‘Brexit’ would by now have been consigned to history. That a ‘remain’ vote would have carried the day and we could all get…
The Rector Writes – concern on gangland warfare
Since its inception, the ongoing feud between the Kinahan and Hutch criminal gangs has claimed seven lives. Meanwhile the forces of law and order seem virtually powerless to either predict or prevent the next move in what amounts to a…
The Rector Writes – Census question; church attendance and response; parish ‘Great Commission’ survey
Census Day 2016 was Sunday 24th April. Information such as accommodation, age, employment status, religious affiliation and education achievements is being sought. All households are obliged by law to complete their forms and have them available for collection by the…
The Rector Writes – changes to Dioceses boundaries will result in increased Parish costs
Last weekend, Archbishop Michael Jackson took the unusual step of issuing a Pastoral Letter to be read at all Services on Sunday 3rd April. What prompted this letter was the issuing of a report by the ‘Commission on Episcopal Ministry…
The Rector Writes – elections, servants, faith and hope
As I write our country finds itself in a post General Election 2016 confusion with no clear path to finding a stable government. There were no clear winners, but there were a considerable number of high profile losers from the…
The Rector Writes – Primates Meeting in Canterbury, canon law and WWJD??
Within the wider family of the Anglican Communion, so far 2016 has been a busy year! A Primates Meeting called by the Most Rev. Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, commenced on 11th and concluded on 15th January. This gathering was…
The Rector Writes – Church New Year; Advent Hope; ongoing global terrorism; “Come & C”; Christmas & New Year wishes
The Seasons of Advent and Christmas bring with them new beginnings. Advent marks the beginning of a new Church year. It is a season of preparation and hope powerfully symbolised by the candles on our Advent wreath. That hope increases…
The Rector Writes – war, remembrance, refugee crisis and “Come&C”……..
November 1st, All Saints day, traditionally marks the beginning of a month of remembrance. This remembrance may be for loved ones who passed away during the previous twelve months and/or those who were killed in a time of war. And…
The Rector Writes – refugee crisis and our Christian response – or lack of it……..
Over the past few months our news headlines have been dominated by the refugee crisis in south eastern Europe. Individual tragic stories of migrants trying to flee the ongoing conflict in Syria and the squalor and sufferings of refugee camps…