At time of writing I have been with you for just six weeks and have to say I already feel very at home!  Several people have asked me if I have settled into the house, and I reply that I have not only “settled” but feel very at home and as if I have been here for ages!  It is a very nice house and I have great plans for the garden come the autumn and the cooler weather!

Firstly I want to say a really big thank you to you all for making me feel so welcome.  My first Eucharist at St. Mary’s followed by the wonderful lunch was magic and made even more special by the presence of some close friends and family.  They really enjoyed the day too. The food was superb, the venue delightful and the weather perfect!

I also want to thank you all for bearing with me as I find my way around the different services in the two churches.  It is comforting to know that even clergy who have been in the church for decades make mistakes from time to time, so I know you will forgive me for mine as I get the feel of everything.  It has been and is a wonderful experience to lead the services and to celebrate communion with you and I feel truly fulfilled in my vocation to the priesthood.

When I left the Diocese of Kinkiizi in Uganda in August 2003, a special communion service was held for me in the cathedral.  My dear friends Scott and Carol from the USA who continue to serve there read from Proverbs 3: 

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make straight your paths”.  

These words have meant so much to me and when times are hard, as they have been for me in the past, I read them again and they are of tremendous comfort.  They are just as important when things are going well, in fact even more so probably, because it is so easy to take back control and think that what I do is most important. It isn’t of course – it is what God does through me which is most important. 

I feel very much that God has placed me here in Swaythling for a purpose and I need your prayers to seek His will and to obey. In this connection I have included a few ideas in the magazine and would really appreciate it if you would respond to this by snipping out the “coupon” and returning it to me.

I look forward to getting to know more of you and to know you better over the coming weeks and months,

Yours in the service of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Kate

Ideas Corner

Here are a few ideas which I would like to explore further.  Please tick anything which appeals to you and which you might like to experience, join in or know more about.

Emmaus Course  (A Christian Nurture Course which looks at our understanding of God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and the Church and our own lives as disciples)

Alpha (Similar to Emmaus but includes a time of fellowship and a meal)

House Groups  (Regular meetings in peoples’ homes for prayer, discussion. Bible study and refreshment)

Meditation (A half hour of quiet, spiritual reflection in the Church, usually in candlelight with a short passage of scripture and closing with the service of Compline)

Taize Service (A musically inspired service from the French Taize Community comprising simple chant-like music, bible readings and prayer. Usually with candlelight.

I normally attend:   St. Mary’s Church/St. Alban’s Church.

Please put a tick by any which interest you. Please say which church you normally attend and return the page to me.

Thank You,