From the Vicarage...
Dear All,
We have an exciting
time ahead of us – and some challenges!! Starting positively, we have our 150th
anniversary coming up (May 27th is the anniversary of laying the
foundation stone and January 2016 is the anniversary of the consecration). We have
lots to celebrate! Please add any ideas on the new display boards in The Old
School for our PCC meeting on 8th May.
It is also really
encouraging to hear that the Diocese is lifting the suspension on the parish.
This means they are confident that we can continue to thrive moving forward and
gives us greater stability. I will be relicensed as Vicar (I am currently
Priest in Charge) sometime soon. It is a wonderful reminder of the amazing
things God has done over many years here in Tongham. This is also such an
affirmation of the St Paul’s church family and the wonderful growth that has
taken place.
And the challenges!
Maintenance featured heavily over the winter months as the particularly wet and
stormy weather exposed many areas that had been neglected for too long. We have
been sorting guttering and damp. The roof in The Old School has been sorted and
the tiles fixed around the edge of the church roof. Sadly this has highlighted
that the batons, probably originals, are rotten, which is why we are beginning
to see so many tiles coming off in the stormy weather. So moving forward the
PCC will have many decisions to make on further maintenance and also improving
access to the church via the porch.
So please be praying
for our new PCC. You can see agendas and notes of our discussions in the
newsletter each month or the full minutes are at the back of church in a
folder. Keep informed and feed back thoughts and comments so that the PCC can
truly listen to God, listen to the views of all and prayerfully come to wise
decisions. (Our new PCC is listed inside
under PCC News)
And a huge thank you to
Betty, Paul, Karen, Mike and Alan who all finished their time on PCC at the
APCM. We have had a fantastic PCC; with open discussions, lots of helpful
comments and prayerful consideration, improving decisions in a positive
atmosphere – with lots of laughter and cake along the way!
Claire
NEW Messy Church - Wednesday 21st May 4pm to 6pm
'Please come along with your children to
Messy Church on 21st May from 4-6pm at the Old School. Invite friends, neighbours and school friends
for lots of fun activities and even tea is included (so no cooking that
night!). Any questions please speak to Susi Shears.
Dates for your diary
Dates for your diary:
10th
May 3pm – a special service at the Cathedral to celebrate 20 years of
women’s ordination.
27th
May – 150th anniversary of laying the foundation stone –
watch out for event details!
7th
June – new date for the Spring Fair.
Zzub@ The Hive – Old School For 10-14yr olds
This month meets at Old School on Friday 21st March, 7.30 – 9.30pm.
We have a drumming workshop - should be great fun! Bring along other instruments too.
St Paul’s Youth Group - Sundays 7- 8.30 pm
St Paul’s Youth group meets every Sunday evening in term time from 7pm to 8.30pm, for pizza, games and discussion. The Youth Group is for school years10-13 (year 9s chat to us if you want to be included). Meetings are at 44 Poyle Road, at the home of Dave and Pam Welch.
Fellaship Curry Night
Fellaship Curry Night – Wednesday 12th March 7:30pm
Venue; The Bengal Lancer, 354 High Street, Aldershot, (opposite Manor Park)
Indian Banquet night - cost £10.95 for your choice of any starter, main course, side dish & rice/nan, (prawn dishes & drinks cost extra.)
Venue; The Bengal Lancer, 354 High Street, Aldershot, (opposite Manor Park)
Indian Banquet night - cost £10.95 for your choice of any starter, main course, side dish & rice/nan, (prawn dishes & drinks cost extra.)
Coffee Plus
Coffee Plus – Wednesdays
10.30am – 12pm in Old School
Coffee Plus will continue to meet
throughout the Summer Holidays – older children are welcome too!
