Dear Friends

This week in both St Mary’s, Gilston and St James, High Wych we are running something called Safeguarding Sunday. Safeguarding will be the focus of our service and Cath Sharples our Safeguarding Officer will be running us through some of the things we may not know, as legislation in this area is changing rapidly.

I know many of you are currently DBS checked for our different church activities and will be on a regular programme of safeguarding training, but for many of you this maybe the first time you have considered safeguarding in a church setting.

We will not be showing any videos for this service, but their maybe elements of what we are talking about that maybe ‘triggering’ from your past experience. If this is you, you may not want to attend this service or may want to make a time to meet with myself or Cath to discuss things through with a safeguarded adult.

Both services will still be Holy Communion services and follow the usual service sheet. St Mary’s service is an extra service to the normal timetable as we swopped last week to St Botolph’s, Eastwick, because of the Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial. If you normally come to St Mary’s this will help you understand the change of date for this month.

On Sunday afternoon we will have our Messy Church session in High Wych Hall 3.00 pm – 5.00 pm. (see attached flyer for more details). Please invite a family member or neighbour if you think this is something they would enjoy. The theme for this Sunday is ‘Jesus the Good Shepherd’. We will also be welcoming Freya (who was baptised a couple of weeks ago) into our Messy Church family.

Next weekend we have our churchyard clear up at St Botolph’s, Eastwick, please come if you are able, refreshments will be provided and it has turned into a fun, community event each time we have done this.

I look forward to meeting you at one or more of these events as we strive to; Grow in Faith, Grow in Hope, and Grow in Love.

Every blessing

Alison