Dear Friends,

It’s hard to convey the sense of sadness and sorrow the Nation and the Commonwealth are feeling as we prepare for the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as this month’s magazine goes to print.

As we have communicated in some special services recently to give thanks for her remarkable life of service to her people, the Queen placed faith at the very centre of who she was as a person and in how she conducted her reign with such grace and distinction over the past 70 years. There is definitely a sense of living through a momentous change and our prayers are with King Charles III as he begins his reign and with all the Royal family in their very personal time of sorrow and loss.

As a mark of respect to her late Majesty, our Community Fun Day to mark the Church’s 90th anniversary has been rescheduled to Saturday 22nd October from 2-4pm. This will be our Harvest weekend in church and we think it is a special weekend to showcase some of the activities and organisations we have to serve and encourage the local community. We are hopeful the weather will be kind and that it will be a special afternoon to invite the community into our church and grounds.

On Harvest Sunday we look forward to welcoming two visiting preachers to our Harvest Services. At 11am we look forward to welcoming Reverend Julie Bell who was once a student reader with us and at 7pm we look forward to welcoming Reverend Simon Genoe one of the Diocesan Directors of Ordinands who helps people to reflect on their vocation or areas in which they might serve the church.

After the evening service, the Mothers’ Union has kindly agreed to host a Harvest supper with fruit loaf and apple tart and we hope many will be able to enjoy the opportunity for some time together. It’s a privilege we no longer take for granted after the events of the past few years. While the church will be decorated for Harvest, we will be focussing our attention in the preceding weeks on collecting some much needed items for The Larder Foodbank. Items such as biscuits, rice and tinned meat are greatly needed at the present time as people struggle with the rising cost of living affecting every household. If those donations can be left at the back of the church we will be able to organise their delivery to The Larder Foodbank.

Earlier in the month on Saturday 1st October at 11am, the Mothers’ Union will be planting a tree in the church grounds which was given to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee this year. Given the new monarch’s pioneering work in environmental issues it seems like a very appropriate gift at this time. The Mothers’ Union would be delighted if any members of the congregation or friends want to come along and a cup of tea will be served afterwards in the church hall.

Many reading the magazine will be aware of the church’s policy for all those involved in working with our young people and children and vulnerable adults called Safeguarding Trust. We try to follow best practice to ensure all our activities and organisations take place in a safe and supportive environment. If any of our leaders from youth organisations or Sunday School teachers or helpers would like to receive this training or indeed refresh their knowledge if they haven’t done it in a little while, the parish panel will be offering that opportunity at 7.30pm on Tuesday 4th October in the parish hall.

We also look forward as part of our 90th anniversary celebrations, to welcoming the Archbishop of Armagh to preach at our morning service on Sunday 30th October at 11am. It’s a great honour to be welcoming Archbishop John in this special year in our church’s history. He grew up in the neighbouring parish of Mount Merrion.

As organisations and activities start up again we hope that you will be able to join with us in some of these very special events taking place in the month of October.

With very best wishes to everyone.

Yours sincerely,

Jonathan Pierce (Rector)

Telephone 02890 793822