Life in the parish, like life itself, is constantly evolving, there are changes afoot at almost every level of the complex web of relationships, committees, house groups and Alpha Courses that we run in order to ensure that we continue to grow, attract new members and flourish as an open inclusive and wealthy society.
After all God is generous and those who serve him well will be rewarded.
So I wish you and yours every blessing, much prosperity, and the rich enjoyment of God's precious gifts to his faithful people of good health and great wealth.
And we have some exciting news of some recent changes in the life of the parish.
For instance, I am pleased to announce that the new head of the Sunday School is to be the Vicar's daughter.
And we are promised changes.
To ensure that we are all safe and enjoying learning about the Good News of God's gracious dealings with his people from now on only children who have been baptised and confirmed in the parish can attend our Sunday School.
It will keep us safe and fresh and focused on our learning together, it's not possible to a be a member of two churches or parishes or fellowships, you are either a disciple with us or you are a disciple of nowhere.
Of course we are, as part of the wider grouping of churches in our area which we call the Deanery, in a wider relationship with the other 27 parishes, but the clear instruction from the new Sunday School teacher is that, in order to keep our teaching true and focused, we will leave the wider grouping where there is often confusion over the meaning and purpose of some of the central teaching.
These ideas will give us renewed purpose as we move forward.
We may over time build new links with other parishes in other parts of the world and we can export our new syllabus and build new relationships with churches who share our view of the world and our theology.
Also this week it has been announced that the Parish Treasurer who had to step down recently has been appointed Editor of the Parish Magazine.
This is of course great news as we worried that we might lose his experience and insights but not so, he will continue to keep us informed about what is happening in the parish, what changes we should welcome and where our concerned prayer should be directed if we want to make a real difference.
Editing the parish magazine is not a full time job so he will stay on as a member of the parish council and continue to represent himself as an adviser to those who will pay handsomely for the privilege of receiving his advice.
I know some people have expressed concerns that he cannot manage to balance the demands of his various jobs but I for one am clear that such an able person as he showed himself to be when managing the parish finances will be able to focus on his new challenges brilliantly.
Running a parish is like running a country or even a newspaper or a Sunday School and if your skills are suchlike then each challenge will be tackled with determination and resilience and it will all be fun, certainly for you if not for the people your policies affect.
We are an open, welcoming parish and as long as you have been baptised and confirmed then you are welcome to join us at our many services and socials.
We know it is always difficult on a Sunday Morning when you are heading to church, having washed and dressed your children to get them ready to take part in Sunday School whilst you sing some rousing hymns, to have to walk past houses where the curtains are drawn and no-one is up and about.
Our church is for you the family striving for a better life, seeking to enjoy the prosperity God's blessing promises, so whilst those who shirk the challenges of discipleship and ignore the churches message may seem to be getting by, what your children hear in Sunday School, and what you will read in the Parish Magazine under its new Editor, will enable you to remain strong and focused in your faith.
After all God is generous and those who serve him well will be rewarded.
So I wish you and yours every blessing, much prosperity, and the rich enjoyment of God's precious gifts to his faithful people of good health and great wealth.
And we have some exciting news of some recent changes in the life of the parish.
For instance, I am pleased to announce that the new head of the Sunday School is to be the Vicar's daughter.
And we are promised changes.
To ensure that we are all safe and enjoying learning about the Good News of God's gracious dealings with his people from now on only children who have been baptised and confirmed in the parish can attend our Sunday School.
It will keep us safe and fresh and focused on our learning together, it's not possible to a be a member of two churches or parishes or fellowships, you are either a disciple with us or you are a disciple of nowhere.
Of course we are, as part of the wider grouping of churches in our area which we call the Deanery, in a wider relationship with the other 27 parishes, but the clear instruction from the new Sunday School teacher is that, in order to keep our teaching true and focused, we will leave the wider grouping where there is often confusion over the meaning and purpose of some of the central teaching.
These ideas will give us renewed purpose as we move forward.
We may over time build new links with other parishes in other parts of the world and we can export our new syllabus and build new relationships with churches who share our view of the world and our theology.
Also this week it has been announced that the Parish Treasurer who had to step down recently has been appointed Editor of the Parish Magazine.
This is of course great news as we worried that we might lose his experience and insights but not so, he will continue to keep us informed about what is happening in the parish, what changes we should welcome and where our concerned prayer should be directed if we want to make a real difference.
Editing the parish magazine is not a full time job so he will stay on as a member of the parish council and continue to represent himself as an adviser to those who will pay handsomely for the privilege of receiving his advice.
I know some people have expressed concerns that he cannot manage to balance the demands of his various jobs but I for one am clear that such an able person as he showed himself to be when managing the parish finances will be able to focus on his new challenges brilliantly.
Running a parish is like running a country or even a newspaper or a Sunday School and if your skills are suchlike then each challenge will be tackled with determination and resilience and it will all be fun, certainly for you if not for the people your policies affect.
We are an open, welcoming parish and as long as you have been baptised and confirmed then you are welcome to join us at our many services and socials.
We know it is always difficult on a Sunday Morning when you are heading to church, having washed and dressed your children to get them ready to take part in Sunday School whilst you sing some rousing hymns, to have to walk past houses where the curtains are drawn and no-one is up and about.
Our church is for you the family striving for a better life, seeking to enjoy the prosperity God's blessing promises, so whilst those who shirk the challenges of discipleship and ignore the churches message may seem to be getting by, what your children hear in Sunday School, and what you will read in the Parish Magazine under its new Editor, will enable you to remain strong and focused in your faith.
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