Weekly Update – 6th March
Dear all,
Having been away for a week enjoying final preparations for our daughter’s wedding, and then the event itself, I would like to think that I have retuned refreshed and invigorated. That is true to a large extent, but it is difficult not to be brought low by the dire situation that is unfolding in Ukraine and the feeling of complete helplessness as such evil, for that is what it is, unfolds.
If you are able, please do make financial donations to aid agencies seeking to bring relief to those directly affected – there are many such agencies but perhaps I can suggest The British Red Cross. Our cash collections in church during Lent will go to this cause so please do contribute, if you can, even if you give regular funds by other means.
Please remember that the church is open during the week so please do come and light a candle and take time to pray for those caught up in this situation.
The Allington Community Association have been collecting items such as clothes, shoes, and toiletries for this cause – keep an eye out on our Facebook page or on the Allington Chatter Facebook page.
DON’T GIVE SOMETHING UP FOR LENT – GIVE SOMETHING AWAY
A Prayer for Ukraine
God of peace and justice,
we pray for the people of Ukraine today.
We pray for peace and the laying down of weapons.
We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow,
that your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them.
We pray for those with power over war or peace,
for wisdom, discernment and compassion to guide their decisions.
Above all, we pray for all your precious children, at risk and in fear,
that you would hold and protect them.
We pray in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
Amen
Archbishop Justin Welby
Archbishop Stephen Cottrell
Our Lent course, Living in Love and Faith, starts next Wednesday (9th) at 7.30pm in church where, over the course of five weeks, we will explore issues around identity, sexuality, and relationships. The church is very aware that issues of gender and sexuality are intrinsic to people’s experience, their sense of identity, their lives, and their loving relationships.
Annual Parish Meeting (APM) & Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM)
Our annual meetings will take place on Monday the 4th of April at 7.30pm, in church, preceded by an act of worship, with communion, at 7pm. The APM is very short and is to elect churchwardens – that is followed by the longer APCM (not too long) at which annual reports are presented and vacant posts on PCC (church council) and Deanery Synod are voted upon.
If you wish to put you name forward for Churchwarden, PCC or Deanery Synod please contact me for the relevant nomination form.
Annual meeting ‘packs’ will be emailed to all on the Electoral Roll (church membership list), although there will also be a limited supply of printed copies at the back of church.
Electoral Roll – Annual Revision (6th March to 20th March)
Each year our Electoral Roll is revised to reflect changes in membership. If you are not already on the roll then you are invited to complete an application form and return it to the church office – these forms can be found at the back of church or contact myself, or our administrator, to send you one.
Rev Chris
