Letter from the VicarDear FriendsDuring the past month I have been greatly privileged to work alongside individuals, and as a part of various small groups exercising a variety of different ministries within the context of Saint Augustine's Church. One person described their ministry around the outside of the church building as a work of prayer, whilst somebody else commented on the many conversations they share with people, while carrying out their particular piece of work. These quiet, but nevertheless very important acts of ministry are all examples of a profound witness towards a love for God and his church. If there is something you feel called to do, then please let me know and let us discern together the God a way forward.It has become clear to me that there is a very important place for Saint Augustine's Church within the Slade Green community. The most significant uses have been for Eucharistic worship and for Holy Baptism, although both Evensong and All Age Worship have been well supported. Clearly the Churchyard is of profound significance to many people, and although the Church is rarely used for Funeral Services, it is of course always a great honour to join with the bereaved families of our parish as they mourn the loss of a loved one in a service at either the Crematorium or at a local Cemetery. The number of weddings in Saint Augustine's Church are very few and this is not surprising as there are now many other places where people can get married. However it is always a great joy to share in the celebration of a Marriage Anniversary, and I particularly congratulate some of our parishioners who have celebrated 50 years of marriage and more, during these past few months. While I feel very confident that everyone would support the view that there needs to be a Anglican Church in Slade Green, I am conscious that it can place an enormous financial burden on a Parish to have its own full time Vicar. I would ask you to all pray about this matter very carefully, and as I exercise the ministry that God has entrusted to me during my time with you, so I too will pray diligently, that what is right with God, for Saint Augustine's and for the good of the whole Church both locally and beyond, may take its natural course in God's own way and in God's time.
With every sincere Blessing.
|
The above is the lead article from the parish magazine for August 2004.
Index of the previous magazine articles
If you wish to receive the full magazine it is available for a subscription of £3 per year from Mrs Mavis Bradley on 01322 338654 or email parishmag at sladegreen dot org