Dear Friends

It seems a long time ago since the heat of mid-August when I last wrote! Autumn is most definitely with us, and we have now received some decent rain which we most certainly need. Whilst we might be tempted to complain about the weather (and I can certainly do that) let us not forget that for some in the world, it is a matter of life and death. For without the rain that is needed, crops fail to grow, people go hungry and for many in Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda at present, life is very fragile indeed. So, as we celebrate our harvest services this year, let us remember to pray for those whose harvests have failed due to drought. You might also like to consider donating to Tearfund’s East Africa Crisis Appeal.

With the onset of autumn, we were no doubt affected in one way or another by the death of The Queen earlier this month. I think she was a tremendous example of someone who was willing to serve both God and her country. The outpouring of affection by the British public, as well as by many others across the globe, shows just how highly respected a person she was. May she rest in peace and rise in glory… And do pray for our new King, Charles, as he undertakes his duties as the monarch including of course being the Supreme Governor of the Church of England.

Team-wise, I am pleased to report that Marise Seville and June Dunning, our Local Missional Leaders (LML’s) at St. Paul’s and St. Philip’s, will be having their roles extended by the diocese for a further two years. They will be being re-commissioned in November and January respectively. Our third LML, Paul Smalley at St. James, was re-commissioned for his role this past year as well. If you have never thought about whether God might be calling you to exercise a ministry in this way, do speak to Sarah, Martin, or myself as clergy, or indeed to Marise, June or Paul. For more details, visit Being a Local Missional Leader is a real privilege.

The Team Growing Leaders course resumed after a break in August, and we have now completed the first part of it, focusing on firm foundations for leadership. We kick off part two, key skills for Christian leadership, with a day session on Saturday October 8. Do pray for those taking part and for Sarah and myself as we lead the course.

Finally, at the end of October, we have our annual Memorial Service once again, as we invite the next of kin of those we have taken funerals for across the team. The service takes place at St. Mary’s on Sunday 30 October at 3 pm and if you wish to attend to remember a loved one, you are very welcome to do so.

With my prayers and best wishes.

Jeremy Tear, Pioneer Team Rector