Dear Friends
I hope this letter finds you well. Much has happened in the life of our team since my last letter two months ago.
The Living in Love and Faith courses concerning questions of human identity, relationships, marriage and sexuality were attended by 26 people in September and October. Many thanks to all who took part and to members of the core team who facilitated these. I do hope that these will have given us all a greater understanding of some of the issues surrounding these subjects and an awareness of the different points of view which Christians can hold. If you took part in a course and have not yet returned your feedback form, please do so as soon as possible as these will help to shape the General Synod’s thinking on these matters. Speaking of which, congratulations are due to Martin Thorpe who has been elected as one of the new diocesan representatives on that Synod.
At the end of October, we held the Team Memorial Service at St.Mary’s for those who have been bereaved in the past year. About 40 people came in person and a good number online as well. I hope this proved helpful for all who attended.
There have also been a number of mission activities going on across our team as things have begun to open up more after the summer. The Ark Experience at St.Paul’s was a fantastic event, very well attended, and I hope helped connect with many in our community. St.Philip’s has begun a ‘Muddy Church’ for youngsters, about 40 people attending the inaugural session. St.Mary’s has begun another Alpha course which 10 people have signed up for. St.James has restarted its ACE service for young families. For all of these things we can be thankful to God.
In terms of things opening up, I’m conscious that our churches are currently at different places with regards to Covid restrictions. Wherever our respective PCC’s have got to in their thinking, please do continue to be mindful of others who may be taking a more cautious approach than yourself in this matter. I think one of the signs of a Christian community is how we deal with difference and disagreeing well (as Justin Welby has reminded us) is vital, as is taking care of those whose health may not be as good as ours.
Later this month marks a significant moment in the life of St.Philip’s as its partnership with the Methodist Church comes to an end. There is much we can be thankful for in the way that our two denominations have worked together to serve and witness to the community in Westbrook over the past 30 years. I’m pleased to say that Bishop Paul will be coming for the final service of thanksgiving at St.Philip’s on Sunday 21 November at 3.00 p.m. Please let Sarah Peppiatt know if you would like to attend.
Take care and stay safe.
Jeremy Tear
Pioneer Team Rector
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