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I was listening to the Archbishop of York today on the radio (what a lovely man). After his Covid 19 vaccination, as a way of saying thank...
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A cloudy, grey day, but thankfully no rain. A fairly full church celebrated the Feast of Pentecost together and today was Aleks' last da...
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This Sunday, the last of Easter, we also celebrated the Ascension of Our Lord. The Eucharist was celebrated by Father Roger, who also preach...
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Another very busy weekend for St Mary our Lady. On Saturday morning the choir were again invited to take part in the Eucharist organised by ...
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Easter day dawned dry and cool the first dry day for some time! The Celebration of the Eucharist at 10 am was a joyous service, with a Churc...
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We had a select group of parishioners present at the 7:30 pm service to mark Ascension day. The eucharist was celebrated by Father Roger and...
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Easter Sunday morning was a glorious sunny day with clear blue skies. The church, filled with beautiful flowers, glowed in the sunlight. A l...
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For those attending the 8 o'clock, there was glorious sunshine, the 10 o'clockers had to suffer cloud, but at least it didn't ra...
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Our 10'oclock service today was Parrish Eucharist. A sunny, but still chilly morning saw a good congregation summoned to the service by ...
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This morning our 10 am Service was Sung Eucharist. Father Stephen was the celebrant. On a lovely spring morning we came together to praise G...
Dear Friends
It is with great sadness that I must let you know that, in all probability, this will be my last pastoral letter to you as Priest in Charge. You may have noticed over the past year or so that I have become increasingly unsteady, not only ‘on my pins’, but also in conducting public worship, and, approximately two months ago, I was diagnosed as suffering from vascular dementia. This is still in early stages but it is affecting my cognitive and physical capabilities, as well as my mobility, and I have therefore tendered my resignation to the Bishop as I feel I can no longer fulfil my duties here in the way which would be expected.
I’m very sorry to have to do this during such an unsettling time for us all, but I feel sure that the Bishop will not allow you to be left without help and leadership, and will find a replacement for me in due course, who can lead you into the next phase of ministry here. Meanwhile, Fr Roger will be on hand for advice and pastoral care, and I would like to record here my sincere thanks to him for all his support during my twelve-year tenure, especially lately when I have been obliged to ‘shield’ from the virus.
Now would be the time. too. to express my most grateful thanks to Chris and Janet. who. for so many years. have proved to be the very best of Churchwardens. constantly going above and beyond the call of duty, ably supported b) their spouses — as I have been by Margaret. I could not have continued in ministry. or served here for so long, without her unstinting support, and I do thank her. and Chris and Janet, from the bottom of my heart for all they have done. and continue to do.
Finally, I would like to thank each and every one of you for all your generosity, kindness and friendship over the years. It has truly been a privilege, delight and joy to serve in this beautiful parish, and Margaret and l shall miss you all very much indeed, but will be taking many happy memories with us into retirement. As of the time of writing, we are not sure whether it might be possible to hold a socially distanced service for Easter Sunday (please see a note on this elsewhere in this issue), which would be my last Sunday in the parish, but, should this not prove to be the case, please be assured of my prayers and the very best of wishes for the future.
StephenThe Sunday School children are continuing their work at home as we are still not able to meet. They are sent projects relating to the topic, which this week was the Transfiguration. Here are some photos of the completed project, and their Mum reports that the boys enjoyed reading the story and making the mountain!!
Service Times
10:00am Family Service
Second Sunday in the Month
10:00am Parish Eucharist
Third Sunday in the Month
08:00am Holy Communion
08:00am Holy Communion
Useful links
Here are some links to resources you may find helpful:
- St Mary's Facebook page
- Chichester Cathedral will be live streaming services. For the Eucharist and order of service Click here before 10:00am Sunday and follow the instructions.
- The BBC Daily Service is available here.
- Prayer for today.
- The C of E youtube channel.
- Hearing You is a new phone help line launched by the Diocese of Chichester in partnership with Together in Sussex in response to the impact that Covid 19 has had on Just about the whole community. It aims to provide pastoral support and a listening ear to the recently bereaved and people directly affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.
- COVID-19 advice from the Diocese of Chichester here.