This Saturday we have the farewell service for Rev Graham Tarn who has worked as the URC minister at the Local Ecumenical Church, at Trinity Audenshaw. Graham has worked in partnership with the Methodist minister for the last few years and is now going to retire.  We give thanks for the ministry of Graham and all that has been shared over the years. A service will take place at Trinity on Saturday 31st Oct and we wish Graham well and pray for him as he seeks anew chapter in his life.

 

The beginning of November leads us through All Saints, the season of Remembrance and then onto the final weeks before Christ the King and then Advent Sunday. Remembrance Sunday is not an easy Sunday, as people invest many different feelings and emotions into the day. It is also a time we often engage with public and community acts of remembrance with local officials and many other organisations. It is a day when the church is very much in the public arena and hopefully this gives an opportunity to offer prayers, to share in this time of remembrance and to pray for peace.  

 

I’ve noticed that November seems to be the season for Christmas fairs etc round the circuit with November 21st being the top favourite for such events and a bonus to any who can hope round each one.

 

We will be making the plan early November so hopefully churches have been able to submit their request and the special service etc for the Christmas period. We often do the same things year in year out but maybe there is opportunity to offer and try something new, however small this year as this season can be a great opportunity to welcome people into this special time.

 

We have been having the four-week session on worship and thinking about local arrangements and how churches can address these in a creative and inclusive way. It gives churches the opportunity to think about worship and what kind of worship can be offered in the local context and how more people can be involved this and maybe hidden skill and gifts.

 

As you know we won’t be having Circuit News etc for two weeks, but if there is anything at all please contact me. 

 

Please let me know if there is anything.

 

Peace and blessing