WARDEN’S BRIEF Each Gospel writer starts with different parts of the Jesus’ story. Matthew tells us about the visit of the Magi or Wise Men, verses 7 & 8 tell us of their encounter with Herod. Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact times the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” We know that these Magi had spent 2 years travelling in search of Jesus. Quite possibly Zoroastrians from the Uzbekistan or Iran. How far would you go to find Jesus? Have you searched carefully for him? We have been discussing running a few meetings to help anyone who is searching themselves. If you are interested, please let us know. The Standing Committee (SC) met early December and our full agenda included: training courses that members are joining – Leading Worship, Hearing God’s Word, Speaking God’s Word and God’s Vision for Youth and Families. Repairs to – the leaking roof, Church turret, Genner room gutter, porch woodwork, the AV system. The APCM preparations (see below). Finances – what we will need to include in 2026. Planning for Services, Forest Church and other activities through to Easter. Easter comes early next year as April 5th is Easter Monday and the APCM follows the week after. There are some key roles to fill so please pray “is it I Lord” as you read this list, perhaps one of these is your new year’s challenge. • Churchwarden • Deputy Churchwarden(s) – to assist with running services • Treasurer – to manage our finances • Churchyard Working Party Leader – to arrange monthly working parties April to October • Technical Crew – to run the sound, live stream and overheads • Cleaner (paid) for Genner Rooms • Or perhaps you want to join Forest Church where families meet fo crafts and church on 1st & 3rd Sundays every month. • Or join our congregation, even if you can only come occasionally, perhaps pick your favourite service each month. You can see from the SC agenda that your Churchwardens and PCC remain very busy and we are hugely grateful to the many people who help keep our church running in so many diverse ways. We don’t see this to change any time soon. Also the SC learned this week that the Vicarage is likely to have new occupants arriving in the next few weeks. We look forward to welcoming them very soon. Wishing you all the very best for the new year! Richard and Linda
