Since the last Reverend’s Ramble, there have been several updates. The benefice have supported my appointment to be 5/6 time, and the remaining hours have been used to create a support role within the benefice, which has been filled by Joanna Burgess. This position is currently going through the ratification process with the PCCs, and once that's complete, it is hoped that my role will be made permanent, with the support contract being offered to Joanna.This is excellent news for all of us, and the hope is that it will serve as a platform for further growth, allowing us to potentially increase both the ministry offer and the number of people working for the benefice, whether part-time or full-time. There is so much we can achieve here, and the Archdeacon has promised to join us for a vision missionary day so we can plan, from the benefice perspective, what our next steps should be.The charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) is on the way to being formed and we are on the last steps. Once done it will assist with the fundraising and coordination of work. The benefice itself will be classed as a charity and therefore be able to receive Gift Aid etc. and hopefully be able to apply for grants that can support the overall work of the ministry of the benefice.Easter was a wonderful time for us. We celebrated across the benefice with a variety of different services. We have some great ideas for next year that will build on our current initiatives while also making some radical [significant?] changes.There have been some real advances concerning youth work in the area, Eve Brett has been doing some fantastic work. We now have a journaling club at Appleby Grammar School and, by the time this is published, we will have held our youth club retreat at Lindisfarne. This retreat is excellent as it is driven by ecumenical efforts; showcasing how churches work together in the best interests of young people in our area.Additionally, there are endeavours to establish new youth clubs and groups in several villages, and I am very optimistic about the youth work we are doing in the area. This complements all the wonderful efforts people are making in areas such as Renew Well-being, Welcome Inn, and Memory Club. These and so many other initiatives we undertake as Christians alongside our brothers and sisters in Christ from the Methodist and Roman Catholic communities.For instance, we come together for events like Christian Aid Week and services for occasions such as VE Day, which was a wonderful chance for communities to come together. There is an abundance of activities happening, and it has been a privilege to be part of it all, as it always is. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who works so hard to bring God’s love into our local area.I hope we bring a little bit of hope, light, and joy to the Heart of Eden. May you all be blessed this summer! For those who are going on holiday or have recently returned, I hope you feel refreshed. I also hope that by this time, we will have received a bit of rain, just enough for the farmers and our gardens!
