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The fourth and final part of the Vicar’s Report given at the Annual Meeting on April 10th in the Parish Hall.
It’s been another challenging year as Area Dean.
In particular, Thornhill and Peartree Parishes became vacant, as did the Assistant Vicar post at Maybush.
All of those are, I hope, on the way to being filled - although we heard recently that the Vicar of Shirley is retiring in the summer.
The University Chaplaincy has taken up a huge amount of time one way or another, but, as I have already mentioned, that seems to be largely on an even keel now.
The Deanery Mission and Pastoral Plan has been published, and will be discussed at Deanery Synod next month.
This sets out a vision of how we might work together as Parishes and Sectors in Southampton, and also allots the 19 stipendiary posts we have at our disposal around the Parishes.
This has been a very arduous ask, including seven meetings in December and January with Standing Committees of the Parishes in the Deanery most affected by our plans - not at all easy to fit in.
And one of the most difficult aspects to deal with is clergy going through difficult times, or parishes having difficulties with their relationships with their clergy or readers - these are problems which usually have no easy answer, and take up quite a lot of time.
I have continued to be involved with the RSCM, mainly looking after Dean’s and Bishop’s Awards Exams, and also occasionally deputise for Evensong at the Cathedral, as well as being a member of the very succinctly named ‘Advisory and Action Group: Mother Church and Regional Beacon’ - a sort of think tank for our relationship with the Diocese and the County.
I also look after the Keble Choir a couple of times a year.
I also try to get to the gym and to swim two or three times a week, which is where I do most of my reading, thinking, sermon writing, as well as some physical exercise.
So, looking ahead!
We have plans for Parish Visiting, for continuing to develop the use of our Lay Worship Leaders, and continuing under Sheena’s leadership to develop the small group work.
From May 8th, we shall continue our celebration of the Year of the Bible with a major challenge to our congregations to read 100 key passages of the Bible - more about that later on.
We shall continue to develop our ministry to those who come to us for baptisms, weddings and funerals, as well as reflecting on our children’s work - beginning with two ‘Easter Fun’ Sessions a week tomorrow - one at each Church - more help needed!
We have more plans to keep on top of our buildings - drainage and re-wiring at St Mary’s, more work in the Parish Hall, a new statue of St Alban at St Alban’s, and so on - never ending, those who are particularly involved in this work would say!
So, we have another exciting year ahead - who knows what it will bring?
But we will walk in faith, and trust in God.
May God bless us all in our vocation and ministry in the year ahead.