First of all, many thanks to everyone who contributed to our GIFT DAY appeal for the work of St John’s. Although we are not able to acknowledge every gift personally, we are very grateful for your generosity and concern for the church’s ministry here. Thank you as well to all those who supported the CHRISTIAN AID collection for the church’s wider mission and to Margaret Garman for organizing this.
At our recent Annual Meeting, we elected our CHURCHWARDENS to serve for the coming year. Diane Eldridge has stood down after many years cheerful and gracious service and her place has been taken by Lesley Groves. Margaret Papworth is continuing for another year. We do wish Margaret and Lesley well in this important role in the life of the church.
Finally, some sad news. After a long period of illness, MURIEL STEELE has died. She did not quite make it to the age of 90 in this the Queen’s 90the birthday year. Muriel lived in this parish most of her life and was known and loved by many of our local community. She was a kind and positive person, who made me very welcome when I started as vicar here 4 years ago. Until illness prevented her, she was always in church every Sunday, arriving early to say her own prayers. She was a wonderful Christian witness and will be much missed. However, we believe that she is now with her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. In the words of one of the hymns she chose for her funeral:
Sun of my soul, thou Saviour dear,
it is not night if thou be near.
With my best wishes,
David