Money & Property Matters – and Barry’s Babblings
As I write my articles, we have just celebrated our 118th Church Anniversary and we had a wonderful time. Our service was led beautifully by Pat Reigh followed by a bring and share lunch. Rather than having a sleep following the lovely meal we went down the road to the Irvine Unit to lead a 'Songs of Praise' session. This went very well and we also had some of the staff, as well as the patients, joining in with Neville Barnett on the piano.
Many thanks to all who worked so hard to ensure we had a great time. Thank you to those who contributed to the Gift Day appeal - it is still not too late to donate!
We have recently held our Church Council meeting making plans for our future at Christchurch. We want to thank our stewards, Anne and Alan, for all their hard work as they retire from the Stewarding role. We do still need a couple more stewards so please give thought to helping in this way.
We were delighted to hear that Dr Kerry Halliday has been appointed the 'Lay worker, Chaplain and Community Outreach Worker' at Christchurch for three days each week. This will give a great boost to our church and please do remember Kerry in your prayers. There are now six part-time Lay Workers in our circuit so great things should be happening!
On Tuesday 8th April at 7pm we will hold the Annual Church Meeting to which everyone is invited (whether members or not). This is an opportunity to discuss the work and witness of the church and Jill Read is busy compiling the Annual Report that forms a basis for the meeting. Do come!
April also sees the conclusion of Lent and the arrival of the three days of reflection for the Easter story. Hopefully, there will be the Walk of Witness around the town on Good Friday morning followed by a United Service - please check the diary and posters for details. This culminates with the Easter Day celebration of worship at Christchurch led by Rev Cynthia Park (a former minister at our church).
We have just received the Quinquennial Report on the condition of the buildings that form Christchurch and obviously there is plenty to do but also it is quite encouraging. The last Report was done in 2018 and the Property and Finance committee will shortly be meeting to plan the way ahead. We are also very grateful to the late Ron Skipworth who has made a bequest in his Will to our church - a lovely and much-appreciated gift.
Finally, I must mention the wedding of Hannah and Ben on Saturday 12th April in our church. It is really lovely that they are to be married at Christchurch and I am sure that it will be a day of great celebration. Many congratulations!
At the time of writing Joan is awaiting an operation but we hope that she will be home and well to join in the day. All your thoughts, love, and prayers for Joan (and the family) during this very worrying time are much appreciated.
Well, time to close and in case you were not at the Anniversary Day service it is well worth reading Philippians chapter 1 verses 1 - 11. Paul says it all!
Barry Turnwell, Church Treasurer and a Property Steward
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