I have been here for three and a half years. We have had our ups and downs, our joys and sorrows and we have journeyed together, trying to understand where we fit in the big picture of God's kingdom. <span style="font-size: 1rem;">This church was built in 1839 at a time when every seat would have been taken, when church was the heart of the community. It is now showing its age and in need of repair.</span> A few weeks ago I asked people (myself included) to reassess our giving financially. I am grateful to those who responded. Thank you.I came here because I really believe that God called me to be here. I love being your vicar, but some of the initial enthusiasm has worn off because it is frustrating not being able to move forward with our Mission Action Plan. I am tired - as many of us are - and we need help; I am pleading with you to consider helping in some way so that the work is not left to the faithful few. We cannot even attract new volunteers to take on the fundamental offices required in a parish. For weeks we have been advertising for a person or persons to assist our Treasurer. At the APCM, our Parish Secretary informed us that, after 3 years’ faithful service she wants to step down. Do you have the skill set for this role ...or could you step up and assist or shadow the Safeguarding Officer ...or the Church warden. Have you ever considered joining the PCC?We need to step up our game if we want our church to survive. We need to respond. We need to pray. Please pray for our churches: both buildings and people. The harvest is indeed ripe, but the workers are few. Every Blessing ~ Carol revcarol@walmsleyparish.org
A message from Reverend Carol Hayden:Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion for God loves a cheerful giver. Corinthians 9:7Generosity is at the heart of our faith; we believe in a generous God and our own generosity is a testament and hallmark of our faith in action. For the first time in my 3 years here I am asking you all to re-evaluate your giving to the church, myself included. I have a vision of Church Council meetings where the question “can we afford…?” and phrases like “budget deficit” and “balance the books” are never heard again. A vision of a parish with a passion for mission, debating how best we can use the finances God has placed amongst his people.See the attached letter to read the whole message from Reverend Carol ...
