February found all twelve members of the Ministry Leadership Team (see our pictures if you can't remember what we look like) tackling our first residential training weekend at Glenfall. As well as unleashing our creativity to make a poster celebrating the achievements of our parish in the past year, we took a welcome break out of doors to scour the garden for material to make a seasonal decoration to enhance the Sunday worship. These tasks were part of a very full programme designed to give us practical experience of working together effectively as a team. And we also spent time on our knees - in an impromptu version of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, to illustrate to the other teams what we had learned about good teamwork. After an inspiring final act of worship, we returned from Glenfall full of enthusiasm and better equipped for the tasks ahead.
We recognise the importance of regular communication - in both directions - between the Team and our church family, and we'll be looking for some effective and creative ways of making sure this happens. Meanwhile if there's anything you'd like to tell us or ask us, please get in touch with any of us. As a reminder, we are (in alphabetical order):
Linda Biggs, Peter Brown, Margaret Compton, Fr Michael Cozens, Beryl Elliott, John Elliott, Fr Stephen Gregory, Margaret Holman, Fr Paul Kish, Sylvia McKenzie, Jerry Porter, Sue Read.
For many years Peter Brown, with his team of helpers, has looked after St. Mary's churchyard. It is 'many years' since I believe he took over from Cyril Smith; fifteen years is possibly a conservative estimate! It has not been easy for Peter since, unlike some of us, he still has a very demanding full-time job, yet he is often there in the churchyard throughout the summer months. Now, however, as many will know, Peter is taking on a more central role in the mission of our church, firstly as a lay member of the new Local Ministry Team and before too long we hope as an ordained member. It is quite understandable therefore that Peter has asked to be relieved of his churchyard duties and it only remains to thank him and to hope that there will be someone else willing to take his place!
Ken Bradbury
