WARDEN’S BRIEF
Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
Sometimes God leads me in unexpected ways. Through the end of June and beginning of July He led me to visit several of our neighbouring parishes followed by Bishop Jonathan and Archdeacon Nick, all within two weeks. While not having a Vicar has not been easy, as a Church community we have learned a lot and we have enthusiastically embraced the gifts God has given us. Other churches around have seen this and much of the discussions was to share this good news and encourage others facing change to see the positive possibilities. Developing the ministry of the lay members of congregations, as we have through the Leading God’s people, Hearing God’s Word and Speaking God’s Word courses, enables the whole church to do so much more. A while ago we were being told that two services a month in Leigh should be the limit of our ambition, now we have two every Sunday and it does not seem outrageous that members of the congregation have been suggesting adding an evensong. Out of these discussions also came several ideas for sharing God’s work together, however, a little more planning is needed to work out the details.
Partnering with Scripture Union has enabled us to provide a workshop and books to help the Leigh Primary Y6 prepare for their move to 8 different Secondary Schools. We have plans to arrange a class reunion in the Autumn so the students can catch up with old friends and compare their experiences.
During August we have decided that we will not run Children’s Church on 2nd & 4th Sundays and instead will design our worship services to encourage children to remain in with the rest of the congregation.
Our Hymns & Pimms evening was a great success with over 40 people enjoying singing familiar tunes and having some fun, as well as raising over £400 towards church repairs. On the back of this the upbeat PCC yesterday (as I write this) agreed to arrange some similar events in future.
We are looking forward to the Pet Service on September 6th, hopefully in a marquee on the Green - look out for posters with details. All creatures great and small are welcome.
It is sad that there will not be Superstars this year nor a tennis club dance, as no one volunteered to organise them. For me this was once the highlight of Leigh’s year, marking the strong community spirit. In recent times we have also lost the Church / Village Fete and looking back a little further the Village Fireworks on November 5th. None of these events happen by themselves and too often the same small, in many cases aging, band of people are expected by everyone else to make things happen. If you enjoy our community activities, please help make them happen!
Finally, returning from the tour God arranged for me, I can say I returned to Leigh much encouraged and with the knowledge that God has plans for Leigh & St Mary’s.
PS I know that the firewall on my official email is sometimes overzealous. If you have difficulty contacting me my alternative email is sometimes better... [email protected]
With God’s blessings
Richard