Dear Friends
As we begin the season of Advent this year, it’s good to be reminded that the word Advent is derived from the Latin word ‘Adventus’ meaning ‘to come’. It’s a season of preparation to get ourselves ready to remember Jesus who came into the world that first Christmas; to get ourselves ready for His coming amongst us now; and to remember that He will come again one day at the end of time.
I guess we are all getting ready making preparations for celebrating Christmas this year – thinking about gifts to buy, family and friends to see, ordering food, writing cards. But are we making time for the coming of Jesus into our lives once again? It’s so easy to get caught up with the busyness of this season that we forget the ‘reason for the season’, i.e Jesus. So how about making some time to pray, to read your bibles, or you might like to join in the Sabeel-Kairos Zoom series on ‘Challenging Apartheid in Advent’. This is a reference to the dire situation in Palestine, the land of Jesus’ birth, which Amnesty International and other human rights organisations have described as apartheid due to the inferior way in which Palestinians are treated. See Israel’s apartheid against Palestinians – Amnesty International to read their report.
Thinking about things that are coming (I hope!), I promised to give you an update in a previous letter about our plans for an extension. I’m pleased to say that we have now been granted a faculty by the Diocese for this. This is subject to three conditions however. Firstly, that we have all the funds in place for this and/or available for the entire cost before we commence any work. Secondly, that any headstones disturbed by the works are re-sited at a position to be agreed by the DAC (in consultation with Historic England if appropriate). Thirdly, that we obtain planning permission from Warrington Borough Council within six months of the grant of the faculty. So there is still plenty to be done before any work might start but this is an important step in the right direction and I will keep you updated on developments as and when these are available.
With my prayers and best wishes.
Jeremy Tear
Pioneer Team Rector
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