Priest in Charge: AGCM Report
The church family has been depleted on Sundays due mainly to illness and infirmity. I continue to visit and take communion to those who cannot attend the service, it is also nice for me just to visit and have a chat regardless of any health issues.
There are many more people coming into the church building each week as a result of projects and groups using the premises. It is good to be present with them, especially if they do not attend a church or faith place at all. This work of reaching out and being hospitable is so important, and gradually St Oswald’ s profile in the community surrounding the building and beyond is growing. There will always be the propensity for folk to go to the CofS for the pastoral services of Baptisms weddings and funerals, however if we stay open hearted, with open doors and if I can be available for people, this may, with the will of God, bring some people into the services. A question that I cannot be left alone in asking is
What have the Piskies got to offer, what is different about us that others may want to explore?
For God to lead the way on this question is my perpetual prayer. I hope that you are praying too.
The bible studies on Monday evenings continue to be successful, even though the numbers vary. I hope that we continue to grow in fellowship with the St Aiden’ s church family.
Prayer for the community is a light in the darkness for St Oswald’ s. Never forget that without intentional prayer for growth, this church is just a‘ club’ for the regular attenders. If that ever begins to be the case, we may as well close.
The yoga for‘ community in unity’ is going very well. Thanks to John( Ethan’ s dad) who gives his time and teaching for the class freely. The money raised is going into our bank and at some point, in the new year we shall all( yes you too) think about how to spend it on mission.
The magazine is a great mission tool that is under used. Please, Please, think about writing an article for it, tell us about your faith, your holidays, your hopes for the future. Maybe we could have a regular faith question that I could do my best to answer? Take an extra copy each month and give it to a friend. I think our magazine is the best of the lot!!! Oh yes I do. My Thanks go to Brigitte and Morag( and Gordon, Hi Gordon) for the work put in to producing it. Also to Brigitte for the notice sheets each week.
The grounds around the church are looking splendid, and many people comment upon how different the grounds are, and how nice it is to look at them from the flats across the road. Have you noticed how tidy the road is
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