Dear Friends,
This month sees the conclusion of Allie and I being welcomed and settled in the Vicarage for just over two years! Thank you for all your love, support and prayers! A full two years with the negotiating of covid rules (remember them), the changes to the ministry and administration teams (some 20 comings and goings of staff), the gradual, paced re-entry and re-gathering of life after covid (if life can ever be normal in a church!). I am delighted to see small steps for increasing lay ministry and gifts being used. So now, as Lent begins, so too does our Friendly Stop and very important Connections evenings (full details of both can be found on the Notices Page). Numbers are never the main thing, yet a small but significant increase in our electoral roll and gathering confidence in our four Sunday services, thanks to the new emerging leadership teams, is encouraging. We thank God for these and other blessings, for being part of a welcoming and caring Christian Church family.
Alongside these blessings, I am conscious that this month has seen a significant shift and change in the church’s official teaching and prayers for homosexual partnerships. The possible direction of travel is a cause of serious concern for wider issues of Church unity. There is still much to be clarified and indeed fully authorised (nothing has yet been changed or agreed). I have briefed the PCC as fully as possible and with their encouragement, once more details from the National church have been revealed this summer / autumn, we will have further discussions. I simply wanted you to know I am fully aware of all the details and complexities of the debate and if you would value a conversation, I would be most happy to oblige.
I sense and feel sure that All Saints would wish to continue to be a welcoming and friendly community to everyone in Christ's name. Do please pray for the wider church and its guidance given to Parish Churches like ours. We will update you as and when we can.
With my prayers for your own Lenten journey.
Revd Canon Mark Brown