James's funeral will be held at 2.30 on Friday 24 October at St Richard’s Church, Aldwick. James had thought about his funeral and no doubt the service will reflect his wide range of interests and friends. Mary Hagell has been asked to read a piece by Malcolm Guite - a Christian poet that often featured in his services at St George's and from whom she and James drew inspiration. There will be tears and laughter and our collective love will put a huge hug around Liz. Full text of our newsletter
We heard this morning that our friend Rev'd James Cooper died last night. He had been through a mammoth heart operation last week, but it wasn't to be.James had been a fighter all his life and few people have faced as many health issues as James and each he met with courage, good humour and faith. He was an amazing minister bringing ordinariness to the divine with wisdom, knowledge, intelligence and humility. And there was always something from his sermons that stayed with you. A particular favourite of mine was of his school friend who said he did not believe in God; "don't worry" said the teacher, "God believes in you"James's God was a loving one and full of humour. Why else did he plant a seed in the young James that his career may be in ballet? Although he did eventually don a tutu it was for a life affirming Donnington pantomime not Sadlers Wells.No, God had other plans for James and the priesthood was his vocation and chaplaincy in particular. Through the years there will have been thousands in hospitals, hospices or care homes in the UK and Australia who have had their hands held by James, heard the Word and felt James's kindness lift some of their fear. His own health issues and how he faced them elevated his words beyond piety to profound empathy. That was what God had in mind for James, and James did not let him down.Today's priest (Father Peter Bustin) who knew of James by reputation spoke movingly on this morning's Gospel reading (Luke 17:5-10) on the mustard seed and faith. James was that God given seed will today he will bloom in heaven. Rejoice in his life.Our thoughts and prayer are with Liz. We will let you know of funeral plans in due course. Many readers of this newsletter will want to pass on their condolences directly to Liz but if you would like us to pass on a message or memory please email donningtonparish@gmail.com and we will make sure these get to her.
This is what will be happening:-1. Church Services. Our weekly Sunday services and Friday morning prayer groups remain2. Pastoral issues. If you want advice (for instance on baptisms, weddings, funerals or pastoral issues) then email donningtonparish@gmail.com 3. Community Activity. The Hub on a Saturday morning at ten Parish hall continues - and our encouragement of its use by local interest groups 4. Managing the gap. As there are currently no churchwardens at St Georges the Rev’d Canon Paul Doick (the Rector at St Paul’s and the quaintly titled 'Rural Dean') will automatically become a 'sequestrator' - essentially to help us manage our affairs in the absence of a resident priest. 5. Future direction. Tom Deacon (Assistant Archdeacon for Chichester Diocese) is convening meetings with St George's church officers. Newly arrived Archdeacon Tom Carpenter will be involvedWe will continue to use this newsletter to keep you informed. You can sign up here And if you would like to offer help then we would just love to hear from you - there are plenty of small jobs that need a hand and your elected officers could do with some help
An update on our news including:-Mary and Martha - keeping action and contemplation in balancefor a Family Fun Day on 13th August and how to apply to attendwe move 'odd Sunday' services to the West WingSea Sunday - still time to sponsor the Mission for Seafarerssponsoring Jane Ambrose for Ride and Stride why George's and The hub matters
