Congratulations!
I am delighted to report that Caroline Ralph has been appointed as Vicar of St Peter’s, Harborne, in Birmingham Diocese. St. Peter’s is a very attractive parish which has plenty going on. If you have access to the internet you can look up their website. We don’t know, at the time of writing, exactly when Caroline will be leaving us but it is most likely to be in sometime in March. Her licensing will be on Saturday 20th March and but transport will be arranged from Holy Cross.
Caroline has been greatly appreciated in Crediton benefice particularly for her thoughtful and entertaining sermons and writings (especially in this magazine) and for her care for individuals in need. We will certainly miss her and will keep her in our prayers as moves into a new sphere of ministry.
Matters Electrical
As you may know we have been considering how we can improve the lighting at Holy Cross which has been inadequate for some time. We came to the conclusion some time ago that a completely new lighting system was the only answer as it would improve lighting levels and reduce power usage (as new light fittings are so much more efficient). As our investigations progressed it became apparent that there were also deficiencies in the electrical system to the extent that we have little option but to rewire as well as re-light the church –a massive undertaking. I can now report that the Church Governors have agreed to launch an appeal in the coming year to raise the money for this major project and that a small committee has been formed to oversee the fundraising. It is hoped to launch an appeal before Easter. I am grateful to all those who are tackling this with so much energy.
Progress towards new facilities at Shobrooke
Inspite of the bad weather at the start of the year work has begun on the ‘Green Loo’ at Shobrooke. This includes the conversion of part of the small Sexton’s House inside the churchyard and the installation of a composting toilet. A great deal of hard work has been done, particularly by Shobrooke Churchwarden Rosemary Barber, to get to this stage, and the work should be completed by the spring. The project will mean that the rather attractive little Sexton’s House itself will end up in better condition as well as providing a most welcome facility, not least for those visiting the church for baptisms, weddings and funerals. This very practical project is a good example of how we can make our old and beautiful churches more accessible for those who come to use them.
Parish Lunch
I warmly invite you to join us for the Parish Lunch at the Boniface Centre on Sunday 14 February at 12.30 for 1pm. This has become an enjoyable annual event for Holy Cross and has given real impetus in helping to address the financial difficulties at Holy Cross. I will be writing to those on the Crediton Church Electoral Roll with an invitation, but the lunch is open to all worshippers and supporters of the church. I hope that the lunch will, once again, be a happy and worthwhile occasion and a celebration of the progress we have made in recent years.
I am delighted that all our benefice churches have been able to pay their Parish Share by the end of the year. It is no mean achievement when the vast majority of our income comes from personal giving and is a great tribute to all those who support the benefice churches. Thank you all for your great generosity during the past year in sustaining our church life.
All our churches, and many other voluntary organizations, face similar challenges is funding their work and I can only encourage you all to keep your giving under review as the costs of running our churches continues to increase.
Forthcoming Events
This year Ash Wednesday falls on the 17th February. Holy Communion will be said according to the Book of Common Prayer at Shobrooke at 10am. In Crediton there will be a said service at 12 noon at St. Lawrence Chapel and a choral service at 7.30pm at Holy Cross both of which will include the imposition of ashes. These special services which start Lent remind of us both of our own mortality and of God’s mercy and forgiveness. Do join us for worship if you possibly can on this important day in the Christian year as we begin the journey of Lent.
We are planning a different approach to the ecumenical Lent Groups this year in Crediton. Instead of a number of small groups we will be meeting in one large group at different churches in Crediton on the various weeks. I hope that you may be able to join us for all or some of the meetings. We will be following the York course entitled ‘When I survey…Christ’s cross and ours’ which includes talks from well known Christian speakers. Catherine Carlyon will also be offering a course in Sandford. Do please look out for details and join in if you can, as these groups provide a great opportunity to explore our faith and to get to know other local Christians.
Prayer opportunities
Prayer is one of the traditional themes in Lent and elsewhere in the Magazine Keith Barker has provided a summary of the opportunities for prayer at Holy Cross. Perhaps I could also take this opportunity to encourage you, if you don’t already, to use the Benefice Prayer Diary in this magazine which Anne Jerman draws up for us with great thought and care. We want our churches to grow and flourish and regular prayer for their life and work is an important contribution to that goal.
Perhaps I could also remind you of the times of daily prayer in the Lady Chapel which are published in the magazine. Everyone is welcome and the morning and evening prayers rarely last more than 15 minutes. The weekday Communion services last about half an hour. So if you are ever near the church, or could spare a few minutes, please come and join us. I always appreciate company in prayer and will do so especially after Caroline has left for pastures new.
I would also like to remind you about the monthly Prayer Breakfast which meets at the Boniface Centre at 8am on the first Saturday of each month for an hour (including breakfast). This is a good opportunity to pray together for matters which anyone can bring and offer.
With every good wish and blessing
Nigel Guthrie
Page last updated 11/02/10