Dear Friends,

September is a month in the church calendar when we see lots of organisations and activities get up and running again after a summer break.

We have been greatly encouraged this summer through reflecting together on some of the GROW seminars hosted by the Diocese earlier this year as we have looked together at some components of church life that are important for growth.

As a community we would love to see more people influenced by the person, the teaching and the love of Jesus Christ. As we see events
unfolding around the cities of the UK at present, there is a huge need there and so many people seem to be hurting and looking for something to fill the emptiness inside. We believe that Jesus holds out that opportunity to all
who are open to receive Him and what a privilege it is when we see people encountering Him or rediscovering Him.

We see September as being a month of invitation. There is nothing as
effective as encouraging people to attend church with a personal
invitation. Many people feel suspicious of, or even nervous about, coming to a church service. If they have never been before or they haven’t been for a long time, they can feel anxious about what to do. Where do you sit? What do you wear? What happens during a service? How will I know when to sit or to stand? They all seem like pretty basic questions if you are a seasoned churchgoer. If however you have never been before, it’s great if someone sits beside you, meets you beforehand or brings you, introduces you to people and makes it a much more relaxed experience.

We have some very special events to invite people to in September.

The Mothers’ Union is hosting the Big Sing on Sunday 8th September at our evening service at 7pm. We will be joining members of the Mothers’ Union
from all over the Diocese to sing some well-loved hymns and share supper afterwards following that special evening service.

On Sunday 15th September we are having a special soup lunch after the morning service at 11am. It’s a great way to meet new people over lunch. If you know someone who has recently moved into the area why not invite them along?

On Sunday 22nd September we are having an invitation Sunday. Each
household in the parish will receive an invitation and two others to
pass on to a friend or neighbour. We want people to know about our
organisations and activities and share why we believe having a Christian faith can bring hope and meaning and purpose to our lives as we worship together. It would be lovely to see the church filled and lots of new faces as they are invited by parishioners. There will be bacon butties from 10am before the service at 11am.

We are also longing to start a new group for the teens in our church on the
last Sunday in September. It will take place twice a month and allow them a space for reflection, worship and discussion. We are very keen to find some volunteers who might help us with this, so if you think you might be able to
help, please have a word with Jono or Andy.

There is a very warm and welcoming spirit within the DNA of St. Finnian’s. Many years ago as a curate in a neighbouring parish I came on a Sunday off. I had got up late, hadn’t shaved and really looked quite scruffy as I slipped into a back seat. The lady who welcomed me said she would help me with the books if I didn’t know how to follow what was going on. She pointed out the Rector at the front and told me I would really be encouraged by what he would have to say later in the service. She told me
she hoped I’d enjoy the service and to feel free to come back. It was a very lovely encounter and I wonder if we realise the difference small exchanges can make for visitors.

Sometimes September can be a time for re-establishing habits that possibly have slipped. I often try to eat a bit healthier or get back into exercise. Maybe if you haven’t been to church in a while, this could be a great moment to get back into it?

We want to wish those who are about to start school or head off to university or start a new school, the very best. These transitions are really important moments. I remember discovering a great church when I
headed off to university for the first time so, I hope if you are heading away, you might discover a good local church.

We extend our warmest congratulations to parishioner Jack McMillan on his incredible achievements at the Olympic Games in Paris winning a gold
medal in the men’s swimming 4 x 200m Freestyle Relay Team for Team GB.
Can we take inspiration from such discipline and selfless team work as we strive to serve our local community and make Jesus known far and wide in the year to come?

With very best wishes.

Jonathan Pierce (Rector)

Telephone 02890 793822