<br> In a new and exciting collaboration with both Smithdown in Bloom and Wavertree LitFest, we hosted a talk followed by question and answer session with the author Anthony Quinn, which celebrated the publication of his book 'Keegan', a 'warts and all' memoir of the famous Scunthorpe, Liverpool, Newcastle and Hamburg player-manager. The event exceeded expectations in this relatively new venture, aimed at bringing writers into the Wavertree area. Other talks included a packed audience with Sir Michael Palin, a talk on the locations which shaped the writing of the Bronte sisters and a photo-laden talk on Liverpool (these three evets at other locations, helping to spread the impact of the festival). We look forward to continuing our collaboration with LitFest next year, when the organisers intend to spread the event throughout the year. Our involvement with these groups also led to a magnificent input of plants for our growing (no pun intended!) garden plans. We were given the opportunity to share in a donation of an entire garden from the Southport Flower Show thanks to our connection with Smithdown in Bloom. We returned from the main benefactor, a Birkdale Primary School, with a car laden with plants, all of which are now gracing our gardens. Some may call all this 'serendipity' but we know that God has been, as always, providing for our needs.
A truly splendid licensing service on Thursday September 18th marked the beginning of the ministry of Reverend Philip Nott to our church. The service was presided over by Bishop Ruth, who spoke warmly of previous working relationships with Phil and his wife, also called Ruth, and welcomed Phil into the newly-formed Hope Parish Liverpool. Phil will serve both with our church and with St. Bede and St. Clement in Toxteth. Canon Robert Clack said that Phil would end a long waiting period for St. Bede and St. Clement, and that he knew they and we would enjoy Phil's ministry. Phil wrote of himself and Ruth: "We are looking forward to joining both parishes in their calling to see a bigger Church making a bigger difference in Toxteth and Wavertree. I (Phil) have been ordained for 27 years, and we have worked in Bristol for 16 years, including 10 years in a multi-cultural urban parish in Easton. Ruth currently works for InHope, a charity that supports some of Bristol's most marginalised people, as Finance and Operations Manager. We have two adult children and hope to add a rescue dog to our family once we're settled. Please pray for us as we do for you in our leaving and moving up from our City of Hope to join Hope Parish Liverpool at this exciting time of new beginnings and fresh vision." We are thrilled to have Phil and Ruth with his, and look forward to meeting their canine companion in due course. May God bless them all as they enter his service in this place.The photo shows Bishop Ruth, Phil Nott and his wife Ruth
The nation and the world have been deeply moved by yesterday's atrocity in Southport. We hold every child, every family and friend, all the emergency responders and the Southport community in our thoughts and prayers.It can be difficult to know what to pray in these times of deep sorrow. Perhaps the following words might be of some help. Heavenly Father, be our light in the deepest darkness of this tragedy. We bring to you all those who have been affected. We ask you to be with the parents of six-year old Bebe, seven year old Elsie Dot and nine year old Alice; ease their suffering, hold them close in their grief and disbelief. We pray for recovery for the other children who were injured, asking for wisdom and skill for their surgeons and medical staff as they treat these precious children.We lift to you the adults who were hurt defending these little ones. Lord, grant to the suffering relief; heal their wounds and restore them to strength and wellness by your mighty power, mercy and grace. We thank you for the work of the first responders; help them to recover from the shock of all that they saw and had to deal with. May they find peace in the midst of their turmoil, solace when their thoughts overwhelm them.And we hold before you all who have been affected by these catastrophic events, whether directly or indirectly, whether closely involved or distant. Reassure all parents and children of their safety. Finally, Lord, we ask that you bring your peace and calm into the centre of the rising anger; build peace in the face of calls for retribution, calm into every furious heart. May Monday's horror build community and harmony, not destroy it. Lord, hear our heartfelt prayers and let our cries rise up to you. Amen.
