September
2003
Dear Friends
Well the shock of my forthcoming move has now settled and we, like
you, are coming to terms with what must now be done. Here various
meetings are now taking place to ensure the interregnum (the time
between my leaving and the new vicar arriving) is properly covered,
to draw up a profile for the position, arrange interviews and so
on.
On Sunday I preached about the leadership of a Church referring
to Hebrews 13 and Luke 13, the set reading for the evening. In the
Hebrews passage the writer tells the church to pray for and obey
its leaders. I underlined how I felt supported in both these ways
during my time here, but also talked about the tensions of ministry.
As leader of a church there are times when it is impossible to develop
your vision for the church without upsetting someone. There are
often individual pastoral needs which are harmed in the desire to
develop the church for the greater good. I regret the times when
individuals have felt aggrieved by decisions made by the PCC, the
Wardens or myself as vicar. I also believe though that St Peter’s
has developed well during my time here and there are many moments
to celebrate, memories to recall and things to continue to build
on.
Having to deal with people who are understandably personally affected
by adjustments whilst sticking to what I have believed to be the
communal good has been painful at times. The Bishop of Warrington
during my interview suggested that these experiences are important
in developing as a Christian leader and will help me in future ministry.
The most important thing is to try to discern and follow God’s will
and prompting.
I am sure each of you has hopes and expectations of the next vicar
and I hope you ensure these are informed by prayer so the person
appointed is not simply someone you like but someone to accompany
the whole community into the future. If everyone had their wishes
met I doubt even the Archangel Gabriel would be good enough! But
I know you will support them and those responsible for their appointment
as you have supported me.
Yours in Christ,
Nicholas A. Wells STEM AGAPE
This months STEM, on the 11th, will be an Agapé Meal in the Parish
Hall commencing at 7.30pm. Everyone is welcome to attend although
there are limited places. Please add your name and telephone number
to the list, which is on the table at the back of church, by Sunday
7th September, if you intend to come. Debi Kennaugh is organising
the meal side and Debi or one of the team will contact you asking
you to bring a particular item of food or drink.
When we have shared Agapé Meals in the past there has been a three
course meal with worship, prayer, thanksgiving and a celebration
of the Lord’s Supper interspersed. The only addition on this occasion
is that there will be opportunity for people to give their testimonies.
If you would like to give God the glory and share what He has been
doing in your life recently please let Bev know.
STEM will be suspended during the interregnum hence it will be
the last for a while.
BACK FROM THE DEAD
Ian McCormack was diving off Mauritius when he was stung multiple
times by Box Jellyfish, which are among the most venomous creatures
in the world.
Ian now talks about his experience including how he was pronounced
clinically dead and his subsequent encounter with God. He is visiting
the Isle of Man in September and will be talking in the Parish Hall
on Friday 19th September at 7.30pm.
Why not come and hear the story first hand.
CANON THEO
On Sunday 14th September we have a guest preacher at Evening Prayer.
Canon Theo has been the main contact with our linked Diocese of
North Mbale for several years and is currently visiting the church
on the Island.
Please try to come along and hear how the church in Uganda is doing.
THE FRIEND
O grant me Lord, I may find a friend
To walk with me, to the journey's end
A friend who seeing the good and ill,
And knowing it all, yet loves me still
A friend who becomes a beloved guest
A friend to trust, with a heart at rest
O grant me Lord, when I find this friend
To walk with me to the journey's end.
A joy in giving, yet not for gain
A grace in living with joy or pain
A soul serene when the day is through
A faith to know I am safe with you
Be still and know, I am here my friend
To walk with you, to the journeys end
The friend who seeing the good and ill
And knowing it all, yet loves you still
A love so deep it will set you free
To walk with me through eternity.PCC REPORT – 12th August, 2003
After the usual welcome, apologies and prayers, the Vicar began
by explaining the many signs which had led to the family's decision
to move to Netherton. He will be preaching on these during September.
His last Sunday with us will be 19th October and will be celebrated
with Communion at 11am and a 'Praise' service at 6.30pm, including
the music group from Marown. His Induction at his new parish will
be on Saturday 15th November, and it is hoped that a party may travel
from the Island for the occasion. Nigel Cretney, on behalf of the
council, expressed our regret at their going, our appreciation for
all that Nick and Bev have done for St. Peters, and our best wishes
to them in their new home.
Nigel also confirmed that the appeal for funds for the Parish Hall
was well and truly under way and all legalities completed for the
registration of the hall as a Manx Registered Charity. Response
to the appeal has reached just over £4,000 so far and lots of events
are planned for the future – watch this space! He also thanked those
who have volunteered their help in organising these events.
The PCC will be proceeding, as planned, with the Stewardship Campaign,
due to begin immediately after Christmas. Part of the steering committee
was elected, and it is hoped, will be completed at the next meeting.
Les Lawrinson reported that the church Web Site is up to date and
that Maff Long proposes to make it's development into a project
for one or two of his I.T. pupils in September. Elaine Litherland
also volunteered to liase with Les and Maff over the development.
Marcia Clague reported that this years Christmas cards were about
to go to print and will be available in church from the last Sunday
in September.
The accounts were received and accepted and the Vicar thanked Peter
and Elaine for their continued support.
The Vicar informed us that he had sent a letter to our new Bishop,
the Very Reverend Graeme Knowles, expressing our pleasure at his
appointment. He also informed us that there is to be a "Songs
of Praise" in the Gaiety Theatre at 6.30pm on Sunday 7th September,
to celebrate the tercentenary of the birth of John Wesley. It was
proposed and carried that we cancel our own service at that time
to enable members of our congregation to attend.
The Vicar also expressed his hope that the church would continue
to support Kenyons, after his departure, and it was unanimously
agreed that we would.
Amanda Kimberley queried the future of the Key Groups and was assured
that they will continue, starting again in September.
The Vicar then left the meeting and Trevor Singleton, as Lay Chairman,
took over the chair in order to discuss arrangements for the Interregnum.
The main points decided on were our unanimous support for Les Lawrinson,
and the sharing of responsibilities through various committees,
some in existence and some to be formed. The methods and work to
be undertaken in advertising for and appointing a new incumbent,
and the organising of gifts and events to thank Nick and Bev and
wish them well.KEY GROUPS
At the time of writing final details are being put in place for
the recommencement of the Key Groups this autumn. Once again finding
suitable material is proving difficult, but we will be ready. The
morning service on the 14th September will concentrate on our home
study groups and there will be opportunity to sign up for the evening
you wish to attend. As current members know there will be more groups
forming as the numbers attending last year have meant a need to
multiply the groups to make sure there is room for new people.
Please consider joining a Key Group and sign up on the lists shortly
to appear in church.
MOTHERS UNION
The evening group meet on the 18th September at 7.45 pm in Church
with a "service" of shared meditation on families.
The following week on Tuesday 23rd the afternoon group recommence
their meetings with a Service in Church at 2 pm.
The new programme for both afternoon and evening members will be
available shortly. However, please note your diary that the Douglas
Deanery are holding a Silent Auction in Kirk Braddan Hall at 2.30
pm on Saturday 11th October – admission £1 – please try to support
this event.FROM THE REGISTERS
BAPTISMS
Mia Imogen Oakes, Joshua Paul Nuttall, Kevin Alexander Starkey,
Erin Rose Quilliam, Rebecca Ann Hull, Matthew Jake McCausland, Erin
Ann Loach, India Sky Trimble, Tracy Walker,
Luke Matthew Walker, Charlotte Elisabeth Lilian Ennett.
WEDDINGS
Louise Jayne Gimson and Richard James Smith
Tracey Jane Cubbon and Phillip Daniel Houghton
Whitehead and Ilott
Stephanie Clucas and Matthew Webb
Katie and James McPhee (Blessing)
Diane and Stephen Allwight (Blessing)
Funerals
Bernard Winston Gelling, Marjorie Griffin, Nora Robinson,
David Christian, Thomas S. Velalli, Doris Pickard
OFFERTORY
The offertory for July totalled £5,457.73 and was made up of £3,695.13
pledged giving and £1,762.60 of loose plate giving
(inc £362.91 Civic Service).
Thank you.
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