THE BENEFICE OF ST. GEORGE OAKENROD AND ST. CLEMENT, SPOTLAND - October 2021
Sorry, this is 3 weeks late but I have been waiting in order to give you any news about our vacancy, but at this moment all I am permitted to say is that Manchester Diocese's decision should be with us very soon. Sorry about that.
News from Sylvia at St. Clements
The alarm system inside church has been upgraded using the existing wiring. The old one was approx. 20 years old and some of the Church rooms did not have sensors.
We are happy to welcome back the Friday night Bridge Club. Also, welcome back to the Monday Nightery each month. It feels so nice to meet again and catch up with people. Our PCC meeting on Wednesday 22nd September was to update on different subjects of church life. Hopefully we can arrange forthcoming Morning coffees etc. Obviously, in a safe environment so people will remain confident.
From St. George’s
Thanks to everyone who came along to our bacon butties and prosecco after church on 3rd. October. Every comment I got was positive and I was asked if we could do it again. I talked it over with Sue and then I put it to the PCC. We decided to do bacon butties (sorry no prosecco!!! as the first was a special occasion to welcome everyone back) after church every alternate month. So, the next will be on Sunday 5th December. We will do as before and put the jar out for donations. After the first £45 was added to church funds so thank you everyone for your support.
It was decided at the PCC meeting on 19th to return to our full service on 24th. Responses will be said, not sung, for the time being. Communion will still be taken at the bottom of the steps; this is to prevent congestion at the altar rail and avoiding close passing to and from the altar. The PCC thinks this is the safest option at the present time. Service and hymn books will be on the cupboard, please pick up one of each and return at the end of the service. As there are 7 days between each service it is quite safe.
Unfortunately, our treasurer has given notice that he is finishing at the end of the year so we are desperately wanting his replacement. Please, please can anyone help????? It is a key position in our church as our bills (really do) have to be paid. Please see myself or Jennifer if you are able to help, we really are desperate. Thank you in anticipation. We also need a banker who is able to bank any money in the safe. For security reasons this cannot be the treasurer.
The Christmas Fair will be here before we know it. Please will everyone consider donating gifts for the tombola and the Christmas Hamper Raffle. Please ensure that donations for the tombola are unused and that the sell by date is current. If everyone brings one item a week it would be great, they can be left in the baptistery or given to myself or Jennifer. We will also want home-baked cakes but of course not before the day. Any problems please speak to your wardens. If anyone would like to help on a stall (who has not yet been asked) please contact Beryl or myself. The Christmas Fair is a major fundraising event on the calendar and funds are severely depleted after covid so please do all you can to help our church.
The fellowship will be starting again in the new year but before that Joan has arranged a Christmas Lunch at the Elephant and Castle on Thursday 9th December so, please contact her if you wish to attend.
Diary dates
October 31st All Souls 4.30pm
November 27th Christmas Fair
December 5th Bacon Butties after church
December 9th Fellowship lunch
December 11th Retirement Choir concert
December 19th Carol Service 4.30pm there will be a collection for the Children’s Society at the service.
Well, I think that is all. When we get any news about the vacancy I will publish another newsletter, if non arrives there will be one before Christmas. Many thanks to everyone from myself and Jennifer.
Sheila.
