I hope you’ve had a good week and have been able to manage the heat as well as can be expected.
It is with mixed emotions that I write this last email to you. With this being my last Sunday before retiring I wanted to express, on behalf of Sally, my family and myself, our thanks and gratitude for putting up with us for the last 22 years. We have appreciated your friendship and support and have learnt so much, which we shall never forget. There will be more to say tomorrow. I am looking forward to seeing as many of you as is possible in Church, but I am very conscious that there will be many watching the service via Facebook, either live or later. So, thank you for joining us through whatever way you choose.
There’s lots of uncertainty about especially because of COVID. I can’t pretend that the last 16 months or so have been easy, but by God’s grace we have found different ways of worshiping God and witnessing to our faith. Whatever happens in the future will be influenced by the experiences we have had. But what is certain the life and worship of this Christian community will continue.
Until a new Vicar is appointed, Steve, Mark and Gill will have the responsibility of running the parish. They, in turn, will be answerable to the Bishop. If you have any questions, concerns or comments please approach them directly. There’s no need to use 3rd parties.
It’s very difficult to say how long the appointment process will take. Unlike many parishes in similar situations, you have the benefit of some very experienced people in the leading of worship and pastoral care as well as in the more practical side of parish life. Steve, Mark and Gill will need your support and prayers over the next few months, as well as your forbearance should things become complicated at times, as they surely will.
The pattern of Sunday services will remain the same, subject to any changes from Government and the Church authorities because of COVID. There will continue to be a Sunday 10.30am Parish Communion, now with the Choir and live music from the organ and keyboard. You will be asked to wear masks and reserve your seat through Eventbrite (https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/all-saints-church-daresbury-15013411336) as at present and for the reasons I have given in previous emails. The service will continue to be live streamed through Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/daresburychurch/) and a recorded version later on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfda6IN8rV3qSHiTKvTTvug) and the telephone (01925 980054).
The 4.00pm Sunday Evensong on Facebook will also continue, as will the weekday 10.00am services of Morning Prayer.
However don’t forget the special evening service of readings, hymns and music that Claire and the Choir have put together on 1st August at 6.30pm. You can reserve your seats here :- https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/evening-praise-with-hymns-readings-and-anthems-tickets-164308323619
Please keep your eye on our websites www.achurchnearyou.com/church/12623/ or www.daresburycofe.org.uk and Facebook for further announcements.
Tomorrow’s service sheet is attached.
With God’s blessing,
David