It is always a great pleasure to write the
Vicar’s Two
Penn’orth, particularly after some
wonderful events in the parish recently.
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IRST, a few words
about our weekend at Rydal Hall which was enjoyed by us all. The hall is owned
and operated by the Diocese of Carlisle. Its main aim is to promote and
support the Christian faith through conferences, events and retreats in and
beyond the diocese. The organisers have a distinctly Christian ethos which
underpins the provision of excellent service and hospitality to all which
we really embraced and appreciated.
Our
four sessions were led by Father Lyndon Bannon, who is a Minister in Secular Employment
and works at Woodchurch High school as deputy head teacher.
The
aim of the weekend was to look at our Parish Vision in a broader way. We
explored various topics such as Church demographics, leadership factors which
lead to church growth, our roles personally, our ownership and
commitment and much more.
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this was supported by prayers and scripture. One of the scripture
readings from the weekend was from Acts
2.42 (The fellowship of believers):
They devoted
themselves to the Apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread
and to prayer.
It
truly was a wonderful weekend full of good teaching, fellowship and a lot
of fun, and my thanks go to all who helped make it possible. We are
looking to return to Rydal Hall in two years’ time to conclude our vision and
look forward to continuing the work which is in process.
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next big event was on June 7 with Bishop Keith Sinclair, Bishop of
Birkenhead, in attendance. It was, of course, the confirmation and baptism of
three adults and the confirmation of three other adults with the
confirmation of six younger people. In preparation, all had attended a comprehensive
teaching course over a number of weeks. The church was well attended with
over 161 people coming to support the candidates. This all looks good
for the future of the church as we continually look out into the
community and attract people into the church.
As
Matthew 28.19 exhorts:
Therefore go and
make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of
the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
I
think that all these things are helping us reach out into the public
domain and are encouraging people to make links with the church and
join in with the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.
Scripture
informs us in 1 John 1.7:
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship
with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.
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as we move into the summer months let us continue as a congregation and
look for ways of increasing our numbers in fellowship and in the love of Jesus
Christ to make St Hildeburgh’s a wonderful place to be involved
with.
Your friend, Rev’d Paul
June 2015
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