Today is Beth’s last Sunday with us at All Saints Ecclesall before she leaves to take on her new role at St Mark’s Broomhill. We thank God especially today for Beth’s ministry in our midst and for the role that she, Laurence, Joshua and Ana have played in the ministry of our church. As our preacher this morning and sharing testimony this evening in the context of Holy Communion we have plenty of opportunity to share in worship and thanksgiving together. We will be praying for a blessed time of thanksgiving and for Beth’s licensing service on 27 Sept at St Mark’s for the start of her new ministry.
We are firming up our faith by offering two opportunities to young people and adults to be confirmed. One at All Saints Totley with Bishop Sophie as we join together with other churches in the Deanery on Monday 11 October at 7:30pm. The other is at our own Parish Church with Bishop Pete on Sunday 7 November at 6pm. This of course follows on from our Young People’s house party, which I am leading.
If you are interested in finding out more about what it means to be confirmed (if you have not done so already!) then please have a word with me. I have set aside noon in church on each of the next couple of Sundays (19/26 Sept) to be free to have a conversation with me if you are interested. Do let the office know if you think this might apply to you or simply come along and we can have a chat!
We are in a new season. Now if I had a pound for each person that said that!! I plan to add some salt to this seasoning soon with news of some enhanced video work to enable us to be agile in this hybrid world of living with COVID, spell out exactly how our public acts of worship will be enhanced and enable through a church meeting a conversation on plans for the future. As I mentioned to our recent PCC meeting I am always happy to receive short and crisp reflections on future staffing or strategy. An essay might not pass the filter but first off the block and indeed the only response was most heartening in a few lines. Thank you. May your kingdom come and your will be done.
This of course should not just be the Lord’s Prayer but all of ours.
With thanksgiving for your partnership in the Gospel,
Mark