On behalf of the Heating Committee I am pleased to tell you that the heating fund has reached the landmark amount of £30,000. Whilst we still have a long way to go towards the estimated £50,000 needed, we felt it was important to mark this occasion with thanks to the many people who have contributed time and money to the fund-raising effort.

Important progress has also been made on two other fronts:

• First, a Faculty now in place for the heating scheme, so this autumn will see the commencement of our seeking funds from the wider community and elsewhere.
• Second, an electrician has been appointed to draw up a new lighting scheme for the church, and we are expecting to receive his recommendations in September.
  He has already given us the good news that the wiring used for the current heating system is of sufficiently high quality that it will be able to be used for the new lighting system once the new heating is in place, which represents a considerable cost saving, and will require less disruption to the fabric of the church.

Give thanks to God for the blessing of a new vicar, The Reverend Ann Tarper, and pray that she and we will work together to bring His Word to the people of Slade Green.

With regard to our Heating Fund, please give thanks to God for His enabling us to come so far, and pray for His guidance on the journey ahead.

September 11th is being celebrated by churches of many traditions, including our own, as Racial Justice Sunday. Give thanks to God for human diversity and pray for an end to misunderstanding, racism and injustice.

Roy Hillman
1st September 2005