St. Laurence's Church

Lighthorne

Church of the Holy Cross

Moreton Morrell

St. George's Church

Newbold Pacey

St. Giles' Church

Chesterton

Letter from Rev. J.  Burrell

Sunday Services

Weekday Eucharists

Rites of Passage

Church Events

Incumbents Report

01926 651279 gjburrell@btinternet.com

Keith & Mary Blackburn

Adrian & Judy Wilson

01926 651369

     Wednesday 2nd April                             2:30 pm  Bromson Hill Home

     Every Thursday (Eucharist)                    10:00 am  Moreton Morrell

      Funerals:         Doug Slater  of  Lighthorne

                                James Turpin  of  Lighthorne Heath

                          4^th – 8^th February 2008

                     The Castle, Holy Island                                                                                                     St Cuthbert’s Island

 A group from the MidFosse Parishes visited Holy Island again this year.  Here are some of their comments:

 The peace of Holy Island is very difficult to put into words.  The complete silence and the light are the things that you notice first.  The friendliness of the people (nobody walks past you without speaking), the wonderful walks and time to think.  Everyone should have the chance to savour the atmosphere at least once.  Priscilla Cook

 Revisiting Lindisfarne helps one revisit the things that really matter. The peace and beauty of the island and the rhythms of life, emphasised by the twice daily closure of the causeway by the tides and the almost monastic pattern of services in the church, have for me the effect of reaffirmation and acceptance.  Chris Thornton

 I found Holy Island barren, devoid of trees and consisting mainly of sand dunes and rocky and sandy beaches.  It is wind-swept but with an abundance of bird life and is a wonderful place to walk and let your thoughts run free.  Lindisfarne Priory overlooks the fishing harbour and the castle.  This is the backdrop from where Aidan and his team evangelized much of England.  ‘How wonderful it is to walk with God along the road which holy men have trod.’ (Theodore H Kitching)  Thank you for a very enjoyable and thought provoking week.  Thanks for the hospitality and healing which we received and which enabled us to go in peace.  Dave Spurr

Connecting with events that took place 1400 years ago through an enthusiastic historian was a wonderful experience.  What struck me was how the faith, courage, humility and sacrifice of a few people completely changed society then and how we still feel the effects today.  I also enjoyed the company of my fellow pilgrims.  It was a great time.   Suzan Burrell

 What did I find on Holy Island?  A tiny place, you can walk around it in a morning, but a history rich with monks and saints that has left its mark across Northern England.  A place with time and space to enjoy.  A time to set aside the urgent and reflect on the important.  Philip Lawton

 It was a real privilege to be part of the group from our Benefice at Holy Island/Lindisfarne.  Time to stop and think in such beautiful and quiet surroundings is a rarity, and we all came away much refreshed in spirit as well as body.  If the chance comes again, I would recommend it.  Geoffrey Barrett

If you are interested in going with a MidFosse Parishes group next year, please be in touch with me.

John Burrell (651279)

         Dave, Suzan, Chris, Philip, John, Priscilla and Geoffrey

Annual Parochial Church Meetings:

            Moreton Morrell – 4pm Sunday 30^th March in the Church

Lighthorne – 7pm Sunday 13th April in the Church

            Newbold Pacey – 7.30pm Wednesday 16^th April in the Village Hall

            Chesterton – 7.30pm Tuesday 22^nd April in the Church     

www.lighthorneonline.com

Information about the Four Parishes is now available on line.  Do tell your friends and relatives about it.  Even if they are overseas they can still follow the events in the Four Parishes.  If anyone has ideas as to how we could improve the web page, please be in touch with me.  Another useful website is www.coventry.anglican.org

John Burrell

FAREWELL TO THE BISHOP OF COVENTRY

At 6pm on Sunday 23^rd September Bishop Colin Bennetts will be visiting the MidFosse Parishes for the last time before he retires.  He will be preaching at the service in the Lighthorne Heath Village Hall.  Some of the other services have been cancelled and it is hoped that many will want to come and join in this event. 

John Burrell

NEW SCHEDULE FOR PCC AND CHURCHWARDENS’ MEETINGS:

The pattern is:

Churchwardens: 3^rd Sundays in Sept, Nov, Feb, June

PCCs: 4^th Thursdays in Sept, Nov, Feb, June

In addition there will be the Annual Parochial Church Meetings in April.

THE MIDFOSSE PARISHES

 Lighthorne, Chesterton, Newbold Pacey, Moreton Morrell

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING 2006/2007

Highlights of Incumbent’s Report

The ministry team has worked well together leading services and reaching out into the community.  We have continued to try to blur the interface between church and the wider community so that people who come to church for the first time feel welcome and all can celebrate community life.  Jesus said “I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.”  (John 10.10)

Last Christmas well over 400 people attended services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and on Easter Day about 160 attended services.  This is very encouraging.  And there are more community events being held both inside and outside the church buildings.    

Over the past year there have been many important developments.  In December the rota of services changed to accommodate Prime Time, a second monthly 10.30am service at Moreton Morrell.  This has proved to be very popular and is being led by a capable lay team. 

At Lighthorne Heath it was felt that it was the right time to start a regular Sunday evening service in the village hall.  It is supported by both young and old.  Because of the needs of these two new services it has been decided to invest in Powerpoint (laptop, projector and screen).

Last summer about 20 young people from the MidFosse Parishes attended Falcon Camps and Ventures (Christian holiday camps).  This year a similar number is expected.  In March the national conference for Falcon Camp leaders was held in Leamington and 50 delegates came to Lighthorne Heath in an initiative called “Making Light Work “. 

Several young people who have attended Ventures are now returning as part of the leadership team.  There is a monthly gathering of the 14+ age group at Digging Deeper.  At Lighthorne and Moreton Morrell Pathfinders (11 – 14s) meet at the 10.30am services and have their own activities in the rectory and Moreton Morrell school respectively.   

The Lent course this year was called “Tough Talk – the hard sayings of Jesus”.  Over 20 participated in either the morning or evening sessions.  There was also a series of Lent lunches which raised £474 for three local charities.

It was the third successive year that a group from the MidFosse Parishes had attended a Retreat in Lindisfarne, Holy Island.  And both John and Rhona were able to visit Jerusalem, thus strengthening the Diocesan link with the Syrian Orthodox Church.

Some highlights of the year in the different parishes were:

°          Moreton Morrell: Progress on a meeting room with facilities at the church – to be named after the late John Davis; welcoming new Head Teacher Kelly Ford; Prime Time.

°          Lighthorne: Dedication of the new peal of 6 bells on 26^th November 2006 by the Bishop of Coventry; training local bell-ringers; various community and fundraising events.

°          Newbold Pacey: Celtic worship services; visit of the choir of the Queen’s College, Oxford; Fairtrade, local produce and coffee shop; Tree of Light, Flower festival and other special events.

°          Chesterton: Refurbishment of the interior of the church; re- leading of the roof; repair and hanging of a hatchment and two panels; completion of DVDs about Chesterton village and Chesterton Church.

As this year comes to an end, we are preparing for a time of change.  The Revd Rhona Floate, who came to the MidFosse Parishes as Assistant Curate almost four years ago, leaves us on 22^nd April.  We are enormously grateful for all that Rhona has brought to our benefice.  Her innovative worship, friendship and humour will be greatly missed. 

Two of our Readers, Adrian and Judy Wilson have also announced that they will be leaving the benefice in the near future.  They feel a calling to establish a retreat house in France.  We are tremendously grateful for their ministry among us – leading worship, a house group and for their warm friendship and pastoral care. 

The Bishop of Coventry, the Rt Revd Colin Bennetts has announced his retirement at the end of the year.  We are grateful for his leadership in the diocese and for his inspired preaching.

Change is not just happening in our benefice and diocese but also in the world at large.  Our faith is in God the Father who made us, God the Son who gives us new life and God the Holy Spirit who empowers and guides us.  May we trust Him more and allow Him to lead us into new ways.  “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.”  (Lamentations 3.22)     

The Revd John Burrell

Rector and Rural Dean of Fosse Deanery

THE MIDFOSSE PARISHES

 Lighthorne, Chesterton, Newbold Pacey, Moreton Morrell

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING 2003/2004

Incumbent’s Report

The MidFosse Parishes – the new name that the joint PCC gave to our benefice last November – has strengthened our corporate identity.  Increasingly we are finding strength, effectiveness and celebration in working together.  At the same time, each parish is able to develop its own distinctive worship, ministry and outreach.  And so my report deals with each of these aspects in turn.

THE MIDFOSSE PARISHES:

 We have been thrilled to welcome a new curate to the benefice - the Revd Rhona Floate.  Before her ordination, Rhona worked in Wellesbourne and lived in Newbold-on-Stour.  She then trained for the ministry at Trinity College, Bristol and was ordained deacon last June.  She lives in Moreton Morrell and has already made a significant contribution to the life of the benefice.  Our prayers are with her as she prepares for ordination to the priesthood on 4^th July this year.

 Last September Keith and Mary Blackburn were admitted as Readers.  They bring a depth of faith and experience into our lives and their outreach, especially in the Lighthorne Heath Community and with their annual visits to the Orchid Ministries in Thailand are both effective and challenging.

 Adrian and Judy Wilson continue with their Reader training and are due to be admitted as Readers in September this year.  We are eagerly awaiting this moment.

 We are grateful to Geoffrey Walker who, after many years service, continues to minister in the benefice. 

 Regular churchwardens’ meetings continue to take place.  I am grateful for the responsibilities they carry and it is a credit to them that our benefice is without debt, our church buildings are in good repair and that we have prize winning churchyards.

 Tom Cox has brought his gifts and enthusiasm to the Parish Magazine.  With a new printer, a new cover soon to be launched and a talented editorial team which includes Janet Oliver and Judy Wilson, the presentation and content of the magazine has improved greatly.

 We have continued to hold two joint PCC meetings each year.  Roger Spiller, the Diocesan Director of Ordinands attended the first one, on May 15^th 2003, to prepare us all for Rhona’s arrival.  We also viewed and discussed a video circulated by the Archbishop of Canterbury entitled “Restoring Hope in our Church”.  One of the messages from the Archbishop of York was: “We need to be more ‘a band of pilgrims on the way’ than a bleak church building with a message ‘Stay out’!”

 We took this message to heart in the second joint PCC meeting on 6^th November 2003.  We discussed the impact that our churchyards and churches have on visitors and commissioned a team to tour each and submit a report.  This has been given to each churchwarden and it is hoped that they will present it to their respective PCC’s.  It contains many encouraging items and some that need to be addressed.

 The children’s work has been strengthened through the past year.  There are dedicated places and instruction for children of various ages during the 10.30am Sunday services at all the churches except Chesterton.  Once a month, at the Lighthorne 10.30am service, Pathfinders meets (10-14year olds).  In addition there are All-age service committees meeting monthly to prepare services, children’s work and plan music for the music group at Lighthorne, Moreton Morrell and Newbold Pacey.  And weekly assemblies are taken at both Lighthorne Heath and Moreton Morrell C of E Primary Schools.  The Fish Club meets at Moreton Morrell School.  Five young people were confirmed last year and another one will be confirmed this year.  And last summer almost 20 young people from the benefice attended Christian camps – Venture or Falcon (CPAS).

 On 6^th September Bishop Colin Bennetts preached at Moreton Morrell just days before he was admitted to hospital for major surgery.  Fortunately he has made a full recovery.  And on 11^th October the Very Revd John Irvine, Dean of Coventry Cathedral was the guest speaker at a breakfast for 25 men held at the Cottage Tavern, Ashorne. 

 ‘Lost for Words’ was the title of the Lent course which was run by Rhona Floate, assisted by Judy Wilson and Philip Lawton.  This was very well attended both in the Ashorne Village Hall in the afternoons after a Lent lunch and also in the Lighthorne Village Hall in the evenings.  Several of the participants would like to continue meeting in a small group.

 On Maundy Thursday a Passover supper was held in the Moreton Morrell Hall. This was arranged by Rhona, Sara Lawton, Hilary Williams and others.  About 50 attended and it was a most moving experience to be celebrating together on that special evening.

 A workshop on public speaking and reading entitled ‘The Voice from the Lectern’ was held at Newbold Pacey.  It was run by a former member of Lighthorne Parish, George Smith, and was great fun as well as being beneficial.  A follow-up workshop is due to take place shortly.

 Newbold Pacey, Moreton Morrell and Lighthorne all held very successful Harvest suppers and Barn dances.  These were events which drew communities together.  In the same way, communities were drawn together by the very successful Moreton Morrell Church and School Fete, the innovative and highly acclaimed Alternative Ashorne Fete and the all inclusive Lighthorne Funday. 

THE INDIVIDUAL PARISHES:

Newbold Pacey:

Last year the PCC undertook to:

1. Install a new heating system in the church.  This has been done and is a great success. 
2. Adapt the vestry for Junior church.  This has been completed.
3.  Present an Alpha course.  This was not done.

This year the PCC agreed to:

1. Embark on a stewardship programme which will begin with the joint PCC meeting on 13^th May when a Diocesan stewardship officer will make a presentation.
2. Participate in the ‘Lost for Words’ course and subsequent small groups – many attended.
3.  To pursue justice, peace and environmental issues – starting with a Rogation Day walk and service on Sunday 23^rd May.

Chesterton:

Last year the PCC undertook to embark on an ambitious programme of installing electricity and water in the church, to improve the parking, to supply more information about Chesterton for the Parish Magazine and to hold a number of church functions.  In the end, except for the information for the magazine, none of these was achieved.  However, discussion was had and there is now a new resolve to pursue the priorities for this year which include:

1. To pursue the development issues (heating, lighting, water, parking) – the next meeting with the DAC Secretary and Diocesan heating adviser will be held on 5^th May.
2. To arrange a small group session for bible study, discussion and prayer to discern what God is calling us to do – date to be arranged.
3. To look at issues of justice, peace and the environment more deeply in small groups.

 Moreton Morrell:

Last year the PCC agreed to:

1. Install a new heating system.  This has been done and is very effective.
2. Re-plaster the base of the bell tower and refurbish it with carpet and cupboards for a children’s area.  This has been completed.
3. Produce a leaflet explaining the current cost of running the church.  This is now on the notice board.
4. Develop lay visiting and welcoming newcomers.  The visiting team meets regularly and welcome folders are given out to newcomers in the parish.
5. Encourage inclusive, collaborative ministry.  This is ongoing.

This year the PCC has agreed to:

1. Attend an Away Day on Saturday 22^nd May at the Mill, Burmington and facilitated by Colin Holtum (Diocesan Research Officer) to listen to what God is calling us to in the future.
2. Revisit the mission statement; update the parish plan; communicate both of them more effectively and give serious thought to managing change.  Much of this will begin at the Away Day.
3. Participate in the ‘Lost for Words’ course, consider running another course and look again at small groups as to whether more should be introduced.

Lighthorne:

Last year the PCC agreed to:

1. Refurbish the ringing chamber for the Sunday School and follow up families of those recently baptised.  The first has been completed, the second is ongoing.
2. Combine church activities with community activities.  The Funday and the Harvest Supper were very successful.
3. Pursue a giving policy (for charities) for the parish.  This has been done.
4. Begin a 5 year plan for addressing disability access.  This has begun.

This year the PCC has agreed to:

1. Explore how to meet the worshipping needs of the congregation.  A meeting of those on the electoral roll was held in church on 1^st April and some useful thoughts were shared which will be put before the PCC.
2. Devise a new system of distributing the welcome folders and review the welcome to services.  Ongoing.
3. Devise a better strategy to follow up people after baptisms, weddings and funerals.

A lot is happening in the MidFosse Parishes.  In addition to all that is happening locally we continue to pray for and assist our outreach projects in Thailand, India and South Africa as well as the Diocesan Links with the Anglican Diocese of Kaduna, Nigeria and the Syrian Orthodox Church in Jerusalem and the Holy Land.

As we continue to be rooted in our individual parishes, may we grow together and celebrate our life in the MidFosse Parishes and through our prayers, our action and our gifts give fruit to the world.

Jesus said: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener…You did not choose me, but I chose you an appointed you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last.” (John 14:1, 16)

 The Rev’d John Burrell

April 2004

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING 2002/2003

Incumbent’s Report

As I write this report, our country is engaged in a war in Iraq.  Closer to home, a recent report states that by the year 2020 rural communities will be very different due to less land being farmed and people moving from urban to rural areas in search of security and a better quality of life.  We certainly live in a dangerous and rapidly changing world. 

 What is the role of the church?  Partly it is to carry on as it always has – proclaiming Jesus Christ at the heart of the community – pastoring, teaching, worshipping.  But partly, also, it is to respond and adapt to a changing context.  Fewer people go to church and know the Good News of Jesus; more people than ever are in need of healing, wholeness and a purpose to live for.

 As we pray about and wrestle with these deep issues, it is important that we seek the Lord’s vision for our four parishes, support each other and are open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  

Last September, together with 29 other parishes in the Diocese, we participated in the Springboard initiative (renamed Spotlight in our parishes).  The five services were well attended (congregations of about 80), there were visiting preachers, drama groups and a music group.  By the end, everyone felt uplifted and encouraged by the experience of worshipping together. 

 In addition, a social event was held at Warwickshire College.  233 meals were served and the programme included performances by Roly the Clown and the Warwickshire Schools’ Steel Band.  As an outreach event, it was very effective.

 Some aspects of the Spotlight initiative have continued – the music group, the liturgy, the children’s work.  Perhaps we should plan our next event so that we can continue to build on all that was achieved?

This growth and development has highlighted needs relating to the fabric of the buildings.  At Lighthorne a new toilet, refurbished vestry (with a sink and boiling water unit), children’s corner and Sunday school room (in the belfry) have been created.  At Moreton Morrell some pews have been re-arranged to facilitate fellowship after the services, the vestry has been improved,  the base of the tower is being refurbished as a children’s area and there are plans to upgrade the heating.  At Newbold Pacey the west end of the church has been rearranged to facilitate fellowship after the services, the vestry has been rearranged for Sunday school, a children’s corner has been created and there are plans to upgrade the heating.  At Chesterton there was a unanimous decision by the PCC (Feb ’03) to make a priority of installing better heating, electric lighting, water and improved parking.

 In addition to this, Keith Blackburn has undertaken an accessibility audit of each church.  The churchwardens and PCCs are now prioritising the various suggestions.

In June 2003 Rhona Floate will be joining us as a Curate.  She will be living in Moreton Morrell (5 Chestnut Grove – purchased by the Diocese) but working in all four parishes.  We are delighted at this prospect and she will be a great addition to the ministry team of Geoff Walker (Reader), Keith and Mary Blackburn, Adrian and Judy Wilson (Readers in training) and an increasing number of people involved in leading intercessions, reading lessons and assisting in numerous ways.  We need to keep encouraging the ‘ministry of all believers’.

 Several joint PCC meetings have been held.  Last year we discussed worship in April, the  Spotlight initiative in July, Isobel Chapman the Diocesan Secretary explained the disclosure for the CRB in November.  This year the Diocesan Director of Ordinands, Roger Spiller, will be sharing with us on 15^th May what it means to have a curate.

 On 5^th May 2002 Bishop Colin Bennetts, Bishop of Coventry, preached at a joint service at Lighthorne.  This year he is coming to Moreton Morrell on 7^th September.  Bishop Anthony Priddis, the Bishop of Warwick, was with us last year in Lighthorne to take a Confirmation service for the cluster and this year he will be with us on 22^nd May in Moreton Morrell.  We are indeed grateful for these opportunities of meeting and getting to know our bishops.

The All-Age services continue to grow and meet a need in the community.  Much work goes in to preparing each service and we are grateful to the three committees (Lighthorne, Newbold Pacey and Moreton Morrell) and to the organists and music group.

 Last year over 40 young people went on an excursion to Alton Towers and since then several events have taken place in the parishes.  Our grateful thanks go to Tom and Vandella King and all the other helpers in this important ministry with the young people. 

t is a privilege to live and work in the Four Parishes.  Thank you for all that you do and for your care and support.  As we face the future with all the challenges, let us be rooted in Christ,   committed to each other and open to the new things that the Lord is longing to give us.

 I will leave you with some words from Paul’s letter to the Church in Philippi:

 “Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all.  The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:4-7)

The Rev’d John Burrell

April 2003

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING 2001/2002

Incumbent’s Report

This past year has had its challenges.  The foot and mouth epidemic lasted for many months.    Then came the events of 11^th September.  The repercussions of both are still continuing.  At present, events in the Middle East seem to be spiralling out of control.  

These events have drawn many in the Four Parishes together.  Special prayers were said for the farming community and a book of condolences was sent to the USA.  In addition, the Rev’d Dr Christopher Lamb spoke to us about Islam so that we would have a deeper understanding of the background to these events.

It is important that we continue to be involved in the world.  The Archdeacon of Kaduna, Nigeria and two priests from the Syrian Orthodox Church in Jerusalem spoke to us to give greater insight into the Companioning relationship between our three dioceses.  And involvement with the Four Parishes Outreach has continued steadily with visits to each of the three projects by some members of the parishes.  The Lent lunches raised almost £700.

Within the Four Parishes it has been encouraging to see many positive developments. 

WORSHIP:

• There are four readers in training (Keith and Mary Blackburn, Adrian and Judy Wilson) – soon to join Geoff Walker.  (John Pell-Walpole unfortunately retired due to ill health.)
• Common Worship is now being used for all services. 
• A Family Service committee has been established in Newbold Pacey/Ashorne and it is exciting to see the developments there. 
• Unfortunately Eunice Holder, who has been organist at Lighthorne for many years had to retire due to ill health.  We are grateful to Bernard Wright for becoming the organist at Lighthorne as well as Newbold Pacey and Moreton Morrell.  Jane Rigby leads the music at the 10.30am service at Lighthorne and there is a growing music group playing at all the family services except Chesterton.
• Refreshments are now being served after the 10.30 family service at Chesterton each month.
• Several more people have become involved in different ministries in the parishes – welcoming, reading lessons, administering the chalice, etc.
• Although congregations at 8.30, 9.30 and 6pm have remained small, the congregations at 10.30am have increased significantly:                       

Lighthorne

Chesterton

Newbold Pacey

Moreton Morell

45

21

24

52

64

28

37

70

PASTORAL:

• Visiting teams using welcome packs have been established in Newbold Pacey and Moreton Morrell. 
• Several small groups meet regularly and during Lent a special course was run.
• Twelve candidates are being prepared for Confirmation on 15^th May.
• A trip to Alton Towers for young people takes place on 6^th April and it is hoped that a Youth Group will develop from this initiative.

OUTREACH:

• 18 people participated in the Alpha course at Lighthorne. 
• The Blackburns and the rector take assemblies regularly at Lighthorne Heath Primary (Keith is the chair of Governors) and the rector takes assemblies regularly at Moreton Morrell CE Primary with several other parishioners being involved as Governors.
• The rector is honorary chaplain to the Warwickshire College.
• The parish magazine continues to reach the whole community (about 2200 people).  Unfortunately the editor, Liz Blaney has had to resign as she will be leaving the Four Parishes soon.  However, Tom Cox has taken over her responsibilities.
• There is now a web site with information about all the services and other activities in the Four Parishes: www.lighthorneonline.com
• Our parishes are among 30 parishes/groups of parishes in the diocese to be invited to participate in the Springboard initiative in September this year.

CHURCH BUILDINGS AND CHURCHYARDS:

• Many thanks to all those who do so much to maintain these. 
• Moreton Morrell and Newbold Pacey churchyards both won prizes.
• Lighthorne refurbishments will begin in May – toilet, kitchenette, new vestry and flexible area at the west end of the church.
• Moreton Morrell vestry, the front pews and the position of the organ have all been changed. 
• Pew runners have been installed in Lighthorne and Moreton Morrell.
• A children’s corner has been established at Newbold Pacey.
• A proposal to establish electric heating and lighting at Chesterton is being discussed.

There is so much more that one could say.  Bishop Colin Bennetts will be with us for the 10.30 service on Sunday 5^th May at Lighthorne and we hope that a large crowd will gather from the Four Parishes to give thanks to God for all that has happened and to re-commit ourselves to serving the Lord in this place.

 Bishop Colin has invited us to consider having a curate next year.  I will be discussing this with the churchwardens and PCC’s in the next few weeks. 

 The first joint PCC was held last October.  This was most enjoyable and effective and it was agreed to hold them every six months.  It makes sense to draw closer together in God’s work in the Four Parishes.

 On Christmas Eve, Colonel John Little, patron of Holy Cross, Moreton Morrell and member of the Newbold Pacey PCC died.   We shall miss his friendship, wit and loyal service to the church. 

 It is a great privilege to live and work in the Four Parishes.  I would like to thank all those who have done so much for our common life over the past year.  And above all, we give our thanks to the Lord and are filled with both hope and faith for the future. 

 “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!  Amen.”  (Ephesians 3:20-21)  

The Rev’d John Burrell

 April 2002