The Parish of St Mellons, linked with St Francis Alberton Annual Vestry Mission Report Passion Sunday 2017 Passion Sunday 2017

Transcription

1 The Parish of St Mellons, linked with St Francis Alberton Annual Vestry Mission Report Passion Sunday 2017 Passion Sunday Introduction This year I celebrate my 29 th anniversary and my 39 th as a married man. Sometimes I have wondered how we have stayed together. However in 1978 we made promises and we promises in There is a great deal of Christian virtue in living by your word and I think God has richly blessed us all. 2 The Governing Body of the Church in Wales In his April 2016 address to the GB the Archbishop bewailed the fact that in British elections usually 1/3 or less will not bother to vote. He expressed his sadness at this and listed the events that had brought universal suffrage to the UK. It was only in 1928 that men and women could vote on an equal basis He ventured further into the field of politics by considering the vagaries of the economic situation vis a vis Tata steel and Port Talbot. Archbishop Barry is great believer that religion and politics do mix because of the effect on the human situation. The Archbishop then bravely reflected on the recent death of his wife Hilary. He ended with a positive appreciation of the Christian message of resurrection. A timely reminder that tragedy comes to haunt us all. In September 2016 Archbishop Barry centred his address to the GB on the church s attitude to same sex relationships. No criticism but a somewhat recurring issue these days. The Archbishop maintained that biblical teaching on this issue is not as clear cut as one might imagine. We now know that sexual orientation is not a matter of personal choice but of how people are and that ought to make a huge difference to the way we view things. 3 The Diocese I shall concentrate here not so much on the machinations of the Diocesan Conference but on Diocesan Plans for Ministry Areas. A Ministry Area for us will encompass the parishes of St Brides/Marshfield-Peterstone/St Mellons/Rumney-Trowbridge/Llanrumney. A group of lay people have been planning this and David Mundy has represented us and regularly reported to the PCC. I append a short report and David has said that he is willing to answer notified questions. Please send questions by 1

2 MINISTRY AREAS The diocese of Monmouth is in the process of establishing Ministry Areas to serve the needs of the Church in the Future. Our Church is now going through this process together with our sister Churches St Augustine s Rumney, St Dyfrig s Llanrumney, St Bridgets of St.Brides village and St Mary the Virgin Marshfield. Each ministry Area will have an ordained leader, who will have oversight of a number of Churches. The Ministry areas will be larger pastoral units and the leaders will be involved in training to take the area forward. Each local Church will have a named minister who may be ordained or a licenced lay minister. The reason why these areas are being set up is because of declining congregations, which means that we can no longer afford to pay for the number of clergy we have been used to. We want a new way of doing things that will stop the decline but provide a new base from which we can grow. The advantages of ministry areas are they provide teams of lay and ordained ministers with different and complementary gifts. A larger scale enables more efficient administration and sharing resources. Ministry areas should be to serve local communities and be mission-focused and encourage pioneer ministry. We have held monthly meetings with each Church sending along a representative, Father John Connell of St. Augustine s is the Priest who has been appointed to lead the Ministry area he is currently undergoing training to lead us and guide us through the process. At all these meetings, best practice was shared and advice given. As we go along with the process the idea is to try and help each other, rather than stand in splendid isolation. We have other meetings planned as well as an Away Day as we have to prepare a report of the Ministry Area conversation working group to submit to the Diocese. In the Spring issue of Grapevine there are two very interesting articles on Ministry areas and further articles will be published in future issues. David Mundy Ministry Area Rep for St. Mellon s Church. For a little more info go to: 4 Parish Finances I believe we owe Val a deal of gratitude for her stewardship of parish finances. She treats in every way as God s money to be used for God s purposes. I should also like to thank the PCC Finance Committee for their invaluable help and decision making between meetings and the good advice they give to the PCC. Paul Good our examiner has given his services free of charge and this year has helped us realize some extra information from the RB. Well done to everyone for being able to pay the Parish Share on time and thus getting us a refund. However we should acknowledge with gratitude those who work so hard fund raising for the parish. Without these cheerful people we could not pay share. 2

3 Last year we felt called by God to give some of our/money away. Only 400 but we hope God will be pleased with our cheerful attitudes. The charities ranged between our church schools and local and foreign charities. Again I urge you to pray about your level of giving to the church and to Gift Aid it. We really do need your money. This April I have raised my personal giving to the parish of St Mellons to 100 per month. This will realise a tax return of 25, without cost to me. SO my contribution in the end amounts to 125 pm or 1,500 pa 5 Schools I would like to say a special word about schools this year. As you know on December 31 st 2016 I retired as a governor at Bishop Childs Church in Wales. This was not an easy decision. In fact it was very painful and took some time but, amongst other things, I had felt for some time that I was not giving the time I should to sick people in this parish. I found that I was spending far too much time in committees and doing preparation work and could have spent all my time doing voluntary school work. This was not right and something had to give. In my opinion governments ask far far too much of governing bodies. It is also my opinion that even in Faith Schools it is getting increasingly difficult to fly the Christian flag and we are not too good at standing up for ourselves and risking the consequences. Anyway after 28 years and with a heavy heart I had to say goodbye to Bishop Childs. I leave with fond memories and knowing the school is in the good hands of Mrs Jones and Mrs Price. My work continues as Chair at St Mellons CW School, but I have given notice that I will not seek re-election in September. Mrs Marchesi and her team continue to give us highly professional and dedicated leadership. Last October she lead us through her first General Inspection and came out with flying colours, especially in the S50 RE Report. Well done. The life of small schools is always under threat these days and we would like to expand the school to at least a one form entry. The obvious place at the moment is the field opposite the church. I continue to lead worship occasionally in Oakfield and Willowbrook Primaries and am grateful for their hospitality. 6 St Francis Alberton I continue to keep in contact with Fr Reggie but both of us pay the price of our business. Suffice it to say that I stand in awe of their commitment and that we continue to commit ourselves to one another in Sunday and daily prayer as well as the occasional donation to their good social work in South Africa. 7 Thanks May I firstly thank my churchwardens for the marvellous way in which they look after me, you and the fabric of this church as well as representing St Mellons outside its present boundaries. I could not wish for two finer friends. 3

4 Again I must say this is one of the hardest working PCCs I have known. When I came to this parish I found the PCC did not meet very often and during one year did not meet at all! Our average is now something like one meeting per month, but sometimes concentrating on our attitude to charity etc. Most meetings are now super efficient and last just over an hour but they have now got the hang of notifying me of AOB more s the pity. A lot of work is done by dedicated people outside meetings like Health and Safety, Faculties etc. This makes for very efficient work. Everyone knows that Shirley and I can argue for the UK Olympic Team but this year, as I said, we celebrate 39 years together and I m sure that deep down she s very grateful. Living in a Vicarage is not an easy thing but gin and champagne certainly help and I know we are all grateful for her musical skills. She wouldn t say it but she often drags herself to church when she doesn t feel well and rarely misses choir practice. There are many other areas of church life I should thank but we run short of time and space. I thank God you do not do it for verbal reward but thank you all the same. I thank you for your regular prayers and support and am grateful for your forgiveness of my many shortcomings. I pray the Lord will somehow make up for me. However it would not be right if, in true prophetic style, I did not ask you to examine your lives as Christians. Will you sponsor me and thus other people this Lent? Will Lent be different to the rest of the Christian Year? It should be. Will you use the opportunity to study God s word in ecumenical Bible Study? The Christian life is truly one of self sacrifice and commitment. 8 In conclusion I believe that we should, like good teachers, look for and expect the best in St Mellons. Nothing but the best will be needed as we venture forward into a change via Ministry Area. It will happen, will you be there to support your church into this new era. David Kellen Vicar of St Mellons Mothering Sunday

5 The Preparation Peace to this house and to all who live here.. And also with you. Father of glory, holy and eternal, look upon us now in power and mercy. May your strength overcome our weakness, your radiance transform our blindness, and your Spirit draw us to that love shown and offered to us by your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. Confession Heavenly Father, we have sinned in thought, word and deed, and have failed to do what we ought to have done. We are sorry and truly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ who died for us, forgive us all that is past and lead us in his way to walk as children of light. Amen. Absolution Almighty God, who forgives all who truly repent have mercy on you and set you free from sin, strengthen you in goodness and keep you in eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Collect and Bible Reading/s for the day Do you believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth? I do. 5

6 Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary, was crucified, died and was buried, and is now seated at the right hand of the Father? I do. Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting? I do. Anointing or Laying on of Hands may take place here Lord, through this holy anointing, comfort N. with your loving kindness. Lord, in your mercy. Hear our prayer. Deliver N. from all harm. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer. Relieve N. from sin and all temptation. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer. Relieve N s sufferings and the sufferings of all who are sick. Lord, in your mercy. Hear our prayer. Give life and health to N. who is to be anointed in your name. Lord, in your mercy. Hear our prayer. Amen. N., in the name of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, may you be released from your suffering and may your health be restored according to his holy will. As we anoint you outwardly with this holy oil, so may our heavenly Father anoint you inwardly with the gift of the Holy Spirit that you may receive the healing of all your infirmities of body, mind, and spirit. May the merciful Father comfort you, give you confidence in his mercy and keep you always in peace and safety, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 3 The Lord s Prayer As our Saviour taught us, we boldly pray. Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those Who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, The power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.. 4. The Communion. Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Happy are those who are called to his supper. Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed. 6

7 The body/blood of Christ. Amen. 5 Post Communion Prayer God of grace and mercy, heal and help us in our weakness so that, strengthened by the body and blood of your Son, we may grow in faith and love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 6 Blessing The peace of God which is beyond all understanding keep your heart(s) in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ: and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit be with you and remain with you always. Amen. or The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all evermore. Amen. 7