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The third part of the Vicar’s Report given at the Annual Meeting on April 10th in the Parish Hall.
Events and Activities of the Past Year (continued)
We are still struggling to find organists for the Parish, in spite of advertising, and word of mouth, but I am going to have yet another go after Easter.
We have managed, with only a few unaccompanied services during the year, due to the kindness of Kate Harley, Diana Burns, two young students who are, as it were, learning the trade - Emily Mayo and James Harvey; Anthony Burns-Cox is a very experienced organist who loves practising on our organs, and plays for Evensong once or twice a month by way of payment; John Davies, and myself. John and I have several times played for services which we are leading, which is not really very satisfactory, but is just about manageable.
Again, I hope there will be better news to report by next year.
Once again the generosity and committed giving of our congregations has enabled us to pay the Parish Share requested of us by the Diocese, via the Deanery - although we are still supported by the wider Diocese - I’ve already expressed my thanks to Jean, and all those involved in running our finances, for all the great work they do - but I’ll say it again!
We have continued to work at our relations with other Churches, and a significant development this year has been the growth of the Covenant of Churches, embracing other of the newer Churches working in this area, and now probably going to be known as ‘Church Together in Swaythling and Bassett’.
Our next activity together is leaflet delivery in Mansbridge on the Tuesday of Holy Week, the Walk of Witness on Good Friday, starting at St Alban’s again this year, also with leaflet delivery; the Southampton Passion on Good Friday evening in the Guildhall Square, and the Mark Drama at the Methodist Church on Easter Eve at 5.30 - all events aiming at outreach to those who will not otherwise hear the message of Easter.
I mentioned last year that our work at Cantell was developing, and that has continued apace.
In November we began a Chaplaincy at the School, and now either Sheena, Lawrence Fellick (Baptist), Stephen Holmes (North Stoneham and Bassett) or I go into the School each Wednesday lunchtime to be around, as a listening ear.
For me, this is one of the most rewarding ¾ hours of the week, and I really enjoy the conversations I have with the young people there.
I expect most of you have heard me say something about that in a sermon or at a PCC Meeting recently.
So, you can see that there is a lot going on, as we try to reach out to our local community, and to serve God here.
As always, of course, it is the daily round of worship, baptisms, weddings, funerals, school visits, pastoral care, and so on, which is what parish life is all about. We try to make sure that every encounter people have with us is significant, and special to them, and that they might somehow meet God, or rather, be met by him, through their contact with us, in whatever way that is.
In particular, we have begun reflecting on our ministry to those who come to us for Baptisms, and we’ll see where that leads us in the coming year.
Members of the Ministry Team continue to attend ‘Continuing Ministerial Development courses, to take retreats and quiet days, to meet together to reflect and make plans.
Me
I have continued as Chair of Governors at Swaythling Primary School, a fairly time-consuming but rewarding post, and have continued to be involved with the other primary schools in the area.
And I’ve continued as Treasurer of the 26th Scouts here at South Stoneham, with Jenny Hales as the Chair.