Canon Patrick writes…
In our Church of England calendar, we spend 50 days celebrating Easter and then return to so called “Ordinary Time” where the liturgical colour is green, unless the day is a festival like Trinity Sunday on 31st May. So Sunday 7th June will be the first green Sunday of a long stretch which is almost entirely green until things change for Advent Sunday on 29th November.
We are also entering the season for church weddings with marriages coming up on 30th May, 20th June and 27th June. I am excited about Corpus Christi on 4th June and the “Grave Talk” event coming up on 17th June.
Another matter that needs serious focus this month is the recruitment of a new editor for the Parish Magazine. Derek Bush must step back from the role this summer, so time is running short. The voluntary position of editor is perfect for someone who is recently retired, has some basic IT skills and wants to engage more with the local community. By becoming editor, they immediately become a key contact for all the local groups. I wrote about this in the April magazine (page 75) which was reprinted in the May magazine (page 23). Since then, I have spoken to one potential editor, but it became clear that it would not work. So do talk to your friends and encourage suitable people to come forward, to speak to me and explore this role, which is a great service to the community. If we can’t find anyone then we will pass through a period of crisis and it is very unclear what kind of Parish Magazine could come out the end of that.
With prayers and best wishes for June,
Canon Patrick
Prayer for the local community – Frank Colquhoun
Lord God, you have taught us
that we are members of one another
and that none of us lives to himself alone:
We thank you for the community of which we are part;
for those who share with us in its activities,
and for all who serve its varied interests.
Help us, as we have opportunity,
to make our own contribution to the community
and to learn to be good neighbours,
that by love we may serve one another;
for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.