From October, we are going to be using a revised pattern of services. This is going to be trialled for six months and there will be a mid-point review in January.

The reasons for these changes are two-fold, firstly sustainability and secondly, in order to further develop our unity as a Benefice, as a group of churches.

Ministry is something that takes place across the whole of the week, not just on Sunday. For the ministry team to be able to fully express their breadth of their vocation and take into account their availability and the many ways in which they minister to others, we need to build in capacity for ministry outside of Sunday services. This necessitates a reduction in Sunday services.

Alongside this, there is a need for us to work more closely together as a Benefice, in order to strengthen our unity as a group of eight parishes, whilst still retaining the unique identity of each of our churches.

The Benefice Council, made up of the ministry team and churchwardens have worked very hard to take into account the needs of each of the communities and how we serve them, the existing traditions of each of the churches, our obligation to have a Holy Communion in our Benefice, in addition to being sustainable.

Change can be difficult but it brings with it an opportunity to try new things, to release gifts and work more closely with one another, for our mutual flourishing.

The main change is the new 'Pilgrim service' on the second Sunday of each month. This will move around each of the churches, on rotation. It will be a wonderful opportunity for us to get to know each other better, to share our gifts and talents, as well as to support one another in practical ways, for example giving lifts, so people can access the services.

We are thankful and appreciative of the flexibility and grace with which these changes have been made and invite you to join us in this journey.

With every blessing

Sharon

Reverend Sharon Gleed

Curate in Charge