StOM StOM 1512 | Page 15

As most of you know, meetings are held at Robert and Paula Fleetwood’s house, 32 Crompton Ave. We usually begin by considering the lives of saints whose feast days fall nearest to the date of the meeting, followed by some thoughts on the psalms for the day. The last part of the session consists of intercessions for the church and the wider world including anyone known to us who is ill or otherwise in need of prayer. We all pray in whichever way we are most comfortable with; some of us use the more traditional language of the Prayer Book, others are happy to address God as “you” rather than “thou”. One thing is certain: God doesn’t mind! The afternoon concludes with tea and biscuits and a chat. New members always welcome. Paula R Fleetwood LAY REPRESENTATIVE’S REPORT Since this year started without a priest at St Oswald’s, I represented the church at various meetings of the South Regional Council and at the Ascension Day service at St Aidan’s. I also attended the Diocesan Synod which was held at Paisley. Before all, I must thank the clergy and lay readers who looked after us so well during the interregnum of 14 months, especially Canon Scott Robertson who was in charge. During the Spring, the Patronage Committee was busy to meet with the Bishop and the Canons, and the Vestry undertook to buy a house for our incoming priest. We inspected many properties to see if they were suitable for a Rectory and finally settled on 12 Mary Slessor Wynd, Cathkin, Glasgow G73 5RJ. Since then, a number of us had a chance to see the house on the invitation of Lesley –ann and Ashley for tea. This is now a standing invitation for the 4 th Wednesday afternoon in the month. Our last five priests had been employed on a part time basis. We decided that the way forward for St Oswald’s would be a full time priest, and the Diocese suggested a Pioneer Minister to serve not only at our church but in the wider community. We were pleased that the Bishop could recommend to us Lesley-ann Craddock, which shortened the process of appointment. The highlight of the year was the licensing service for our new Priest on 29th August. We celebrated this event together with our neighbouring Church of Scotland and many friends past and present. Since then Lesley-ann has been very active in making St Oswald’s more visible. We have had the cross painted white and the pub sign set up, we have got a new logo and letterhead and will soon have a welcoming banner StOM Page 15