August
2004
Dear Friends,
On July 19th Valerie & I, and Les and Sylvia,
attended a wonderful service in Liverpool Cathedral to celebrate
the Centenary of the laying of the foundation stone. Those who are
familiar with the Cathedral know that it is an impressive building,
but fill it with 2000-3000 people, add a choir and Ian Tracey at
the organ, arrange several processions of various dignitaries etc,
many in colourful robes, invite their Royal Highnesses the Earl
and Countess of Wessex and lay on a service of celebration and you
have a truly memorable occasion that makes the hairs on the back
of your neck stand on end.
Having been ordained in the Cathedral 22 years ago made it a very
special occasion for Valerie and I. But it was the theme of the
service that, quite rightly stood out: Living Stones. The beautifully
presented service sheet did not so much contain photographs of the
building but of people,
'Other foundation can no one lay than that
which is laid, which is Jesus Christ' (1 Cor 3 v 11)
and also we heard the invitation:
'Come to him, a living stone,
though rejected by mortals yet chosen and precious in God's sight,
and like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual
house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable
to God through Jesus Christ'. (1 Peter 2 v 4,5).
We have inherited a fine Church building, that is older than Liverpool
Cathedral, and it is a familiar landmark in Onchan.
We have a duty to preserve and maintain the building but our primary
task is to be living stones whose lives are built upon the foundation
of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
We are to be built up into a body of believers whose lives reflect
the Body of Christ, which is what we are, and so bring glory to
God's Holy Name, and we become living stones through the work of
the Holy Spirit.
Living stones impart life to others and so the spiritual house grows
as God's Kingdom is spread abroad. Sadly we often love our buildings
more than the Lord and we devote more energy to them than we do
to him. The building we are involved in is for eternity and its
beauty far exceeds that of the finest building on earth. By all
means celebrate our past, but enjoy the present, and anticipate
a glorious future as we love and serve the Lord in this place.
There is no foundation as secure as Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Yours sincerely
in Jesus' Name
Malcolm Convery
AN ALPHA INVITATION
Inviting friends, family, neighbours, and colleagues to hear the
good news of Jesus Christ.
This Autumn St. Peter's is holding an Alpha Course starting in
September through to December. We are not alone, there is a nationwide
campaign in England and there will be many other churches on the
Island running the same course at the same time. Churches on the
Island are getting together to launch the course, to begin with
there is a supper which is being held at the Hilton Hotel, Douglas
on Wednesday 22nd September at 7pm. The guest speaker will be Jonathan
Aitkin. Places for the supper are limited so, if you have not been
on the course before and have a friend, member of your family, neighbour
or colleague who would like to embark on this marvellous experience
with you, please let the Parish Clerk know, so we can put your name
forward for the initial supper evening.
This is a wonderful opportunity for you to develop your knowledge
of Jesus Christ and become a more fulfilled Christian or take your
first step to becoming one.
Marcia Clague
PCC Report June 2004
The first meeting of the PCC since the AGM in April was held in
Church on Monday 28 June and commenced with a service of Holy Communion.
Following this the Vicar welcomed the PCC and, in particular, the
newly elected members, Malcolm Turner and Maff Long. He also thanked
everyone for the preparation and warm welcome he and Mrs Convery
have received on his induction and said that they were both feeling
very much “at home” in the Vicarage. On behalf of the PCC, Nigel
Cretney welcomed the new Vicar to his first PCC meeting and also
thanked Les Lawrinson for his support and commitment during the
Interregnum.
The first item on the agenda was to elect the officers. Jane Cretney
agreed to continue as Secretary; Peter and Elaine Cory were re-elected
as Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer, respectively, and Trevor Singleton
was re-elected as Lay Chairman.
Elaine Cory reported on Stewardship and that 177 families had now
pledged over £58,000.
Sylvia Lawrinson reported that organisation of the forthcoming Flower
Festival was going well, with a number of groups within St Peter’s
producing arrangements and displays.
Nigel Cretney reported that work on the Parish Hall should be completed
by the end of October. He also said that a number of fund raising
events were scheduled for the coming months and that limited edition
prints by Norman Sayle would be offered shortly, all proceeds to
the Parish Hall Appeal.
The Christian Aid campaign has raised £2400 and thanks were extended
to Eric Foster for organising the campaign and to all the collectors.
Peter Cory gave the Financial report and Elaine Cory reported back
on the recent Synod meeting.
The Vicar outlined his plans for the coming months, with particular
emphasis on visiting people of the Parish. He said that he had already
visited a number of people and had attended some of the meetings
of the various groups at St Peter’s.
The meeting closed with the Grace and the date of the next meeting
will be Tuesday 14 September.
Elaine Litherland
OTHERS UNION
Thank you very much to Mrs Valerie Convery for her very warm welcome
to the members of the Mothers' Union when she invited us for afternoon
tea on Wednesday 28th July – over 30 members enjoyed a wonderful
array of sandwiches, scones, cakes and trifle.
Thank you also to everyone who helped during the flower festival
– by flower arranging, stewarding and providing cakes, scones, etc.
The Mothers' Union decorated the porch with beautiful yellow and
blue arrangements. The Evening Group also worked hard and decorated
the St Thomas window. Well done everyone.
Can I take this opportunity to remind you of the Chernobyl Children's
Lunch at 12 noon on 3rd August in the Parish Hall.
Remembering our 'Year of the Family' theme our prayer this month
is for 'Families at times of adversity'
We pray for all families who are suffering
through poverty, sickness, war or broken relationships.
We pray that God's presence may comfort and strengthen them,
and that we may work in Christ to ease their burdens
and minister to their needs. Amen.
Sylvia Lawrinson
MUMS & TOTS
Mums and Tots ended their year with the much looked forward to
coach trip to the Mooragh Park, which was blessed with glorious
weather. It was a really happy occasion and our thanks go to all
who supported our strawberry tea which raised £147.20 towards the
cost of the coach. Well done.
During the year we took part in the biggest coffee morning ever!
And raised £67 for McMillan Nurses. A book sale raised £20 for the
CLINCH charity for the mentally handicapped. Donations were also
given to the Parish Hall in thanks for the use of the hall.
We had a special Christmas Celebration which began in Church with
Rev Les Lawrinson reading us the story of Little Owl and the Star.
This included the first verse of all the well known carols and ended
with "Come and Join the Celebration" when we danced around
the church and then down to the hall for a party. Even Father Christmas
joined us to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
The group meets every Friday during term time (1.30 to 3.15 pm).
Is there anyone with an hour to spare, man or woman, who could lend
a hand making the tea and washing up, or playing and talking to
the children? If so we would make you most welcome and I am sure
that you would enjoy it. I went two years ago for a Manx Skeet and
have only missed once during that time. Please think about it. We
meet again in September.
Jill Dugdale
LADIES FELLOWSHIP
We had a very busy July – first the flower festival – a big thank
you goes to all the Ladies who came to decorate the font which received
some very kind remarks.
Next came the event at Onchan Stadium which was re-named the Nivison
Stadium. £25.85 profit was made on our stall – mainly selling tea
and coffee – much needed on the cold day.
Our last event was our Annual Garden Party this year held at the
home of Roy and Linda Howland, whom we thank very much for the use
of their home.
Thanks must go to all who helped on the day when a profit of £336.57
was made.
These monies will be shared by various charities during the 2004/5
session which will commence on the 4th October.
Hazel Johnson
THANK YOU
Robert and Rita Bridson wish to thank all their friends in St.
Peter's congregation and in the village of Onchan for their cards,
messages of congratulation and good wishes.
Rob and Rita were married at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Northcote,
Auckland, New Zealand on 8th May, 2004 and now live on the island
of Waiheke, 35 minutes by ferry from downtown Auckland.
Your kind messages and good wishes have been greatly appreciated.
FLOWER FESTIVAL
1416 people visited St. Peter's during the Flower Festival and
many were very complementary on both the flower displays and on
the Church. Many thanks to the various groups who decorated a window
– it was amazing to see the different interpretations on the theme
– On the 7th Day. Thank you to all those people who acted as stewards
for the festival. Well done everyone.
VISITING PREACHER
On the 29th August we welcome Mr Leonard Bennett to our 6.30 pm
service.
He is a representative of SAMS (The South American Missionary Society).
We as a Church support CMS (The Church Mission Society) – I am the
Chairman of this Society on the island and Les is the Treasurer
– but it is good to hear of the work going on through the different
missionary societies.
PARISH HALL
A very big thank you to Wendy McDowell for organising the Summer
Serenade Concert in Church during the Flower Festival – a great
night was had by all! Thanks must, of course, also go to all the
'entertainers', what talent we have in St. Peter's!
Thanks also to all the ladies who again provided a wonderful selection
of food.
The concert raised an amazing £670.00 for the Appeal.
Norman Sayle Limited Edition Print
This is your chance to own a Norman Sayle print depicting the Parish
Hall.
Prints are available from the Parish Office in aid of the Appeal
– now on sale - priced £35. – Please make cheques payable to the
'Onchan Parish Hall Fund'.
PARISH HALL APPEAL – dates for your diary!
PIMMS AND PLOUGHMANS LUNCH: Sunday 8th August in the Vicarage grounds
after Church by kind permission of the Vicar and Mrs Convery.
SILENT AUCTION: Thursday 7th October in the Parish Hall
FRIDAY NIGHT IS MUSIC NIGHT: Friday 22nd October in the Parish Hall,
with Debbie McDowell and friends from London – this promises to
be concert with a difference!
REGAL SINGERS CONCERT: Thursday 4th November in the Methodist Hall.
An example of how wide the support for the Appeal is. Please support
our Methodist friends.
VICTORIAN EVENING: Friday 12th November in the Parish Hall. When
the tickets go on sale get yours early for what will probably be
another sell out just like last year. And this year we have a special
guest appearance by the Lord Bishop's none the less!!
MANX CHRISTMAS AT WOODLANDS: Saturday 27th November at Woodlands
courtesy once again of Mildred Cooper. A sell-out last year and
a great start to Christmas. Please help us to make it yet another
success.
WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT
Remember, there's always a rainbow, wherever a cloud
appears, remember there's always tomorrow, although
you have doubts and fears. Someone is there to listen,
if only you'll stop and pray, someone is close beside you
to help you on your way.
So if you are one of those people who find life is
hard to bear, just stretch out your hand in
the darkness – you'll find God waiting there.
FROM THE REGISTERS
BAPTISMS
Benjamin Thomas Cowin, Kacey Elizabeth Dunn,
William John Kennedy
WEDDINGS
William Anthony Smith & Kerry Anne Thomson
Peter and Diane Johnstone (Wedding Blessing)
Peter Michael Callin & Sarah Marie Tatchell
Mark Russell Kelly & Rebecca Charlotte Moore
Richard Adrian Howarth & Charlotte Ann Frankel
FUNERALS
Clifford Pitts, James Curry, Margaret Mary Cowin,
Evelyn Quine, John Melvin Birchall,
Arthur Reginald Thomas
OFFERTORY
The offertory for June totalled £5,422.62 and was made up of £4,538.38
pledged giving and £884.24 of loose plate giving.
Flower Festival donations amounted to £1,084.63 (1416 visitors)
Thank you. |
