Don’t miss the latest issue, available in St Mary’s
from Sunday 29th. As always, rich and varied coverage, from Bishop
Alan (now Chair of the Oxford Diocesan Board of Education) on Church Schools,
to the Sub-Dean of Christ Church on Skellig Michael and Celtic Christianity.
There’s an edited extract from Bishop John’s new book (Living Jesus), an ‘A to Z’ of
New Wine, and a great prayer walk in the Chilterns taking in red kites and the fascinating
wall paintings in All Saints, Little Kimble.
Elizabeth Knowles
We’ll be serving our usual first-Sunday-of-the-month
breakfast in the Church Centre after Early Service, Sunday 1 August. No charge, but any contributions
will go to the Reordering Fund. Do join us: we greatly enjoy welcoming new (and
old!) faces at the service, and over coffee and croissants afterwards.
Elizabeth Knowles
What a fantastic day!
Thanks to everyone in the Church for the wonderful cream tea, (especially Ruth for all your hard work and organisation), and thanks to all those who came to the ordination, who sent cards and everyone who wished
Fenella and me well (before, during and after the day).
The retreat before the Sunday service was very useful in helping me to focus on all that was about to take place in Dorchester Abbey and all that Fenella and I will be involved in during the years to come.
One of the main themes on the retreat had to do with "being in the presence of God". Our retreat director encouraged us to consider that one of the greatest gifts anyone could give to others was, “To be still in the presence of God”. He said that if we were able to do that then we would be able to bring a non-anxious presence to everyone in our churches and to the wider community. The way we live will consequently bring peace and God’s blessing to those around us, and we will be better equipped to serve one another.
I really liked that and have set being still in God’s presence as a goal for the years ahead. I hope in that way I will be better equipped to serve all of you. I also am encouraged that being still with God is an invitation that God extends to all of us whoever we are.
Here’s to a future where we all know more of God’s love as the days and years go by.
Andrew Pritchard. (The Madley Parkite)
We’ll be serving our usual first-Sunday-of-the-month
breakfast in the Church Centre after Early Service, Sunday 4 July. This is a very special service: the first time that Andrew
Pritchard will have celebrated Communion. He and Fenella will join us for our
coffee, croissants, and fruit after the service, and we would love to welcome
as many people as possible from both congregations. Extra supplies will be laid
in, and we look forward to sharing a very happy time with regulars and new
friends. Do join us! No charge, but as always, any contributions will go to the
Reordering Fund.
Elizabeth Knowles
