First, let me remind you of our new monthly worship service this Sunday evening, 6.30.
Come and worship God in a more informal setting, hear the good news, pray with one another, be open to the Holy Spirit. There may also be cake…
|
|
|
|
|
This has been going monthly since Summer – so grateful to the musicians and visionaries who make it happen – it is now a permanent fixture, thanks be to God.
By contrast all was (fairly) ordered formality and tradition in the Cathedral last weekend for the confirmation of dozens of adults and young people from all over Southwark, among them our own Lola and Sadie.
Can you spot them in the crowd?
|
|
|
|
|
Here they are with Bishop Martin:
|
|
|
|
|
There’s been a lot going on this week out on the streets of Roehampton.
It was good to see several from this congregation at the White Ribbon parade on Tuesday, shining a light on male violence against women and girls.
And no matter what bad things go on against which we must protest, hope springs eternal. Our Choir Club, which Joe and Kumba have been nurturing, gave a good account of themselves at the switching on of the Christmas tree lights:
|
|
|
|
|
Earlier in the week it was very good to join the bellringers for a farewell to Michael Uphill.
|
|
|
|
|
Many of us will have met Michael in the last two or three years. A ringer of international reputation who has given very generously of his time and expertise to get our bells installed and to train local ringers. He is moving to Cheshire – we shall miss him.
Also that day the PCC gathered in church to take thought for the building. James Hutchings, who has done much good work raising money for critical works, helped us begin to think through what we, as a church, need our building to do, and how we might persuade it to do this.
There was a strong consensus in favour of better hospitality facilities, and more and more modern toilets. Teas and wees, is the slogan.
But there are other things we should probably do too. It’s all open for debate at present, so if you have ideas get in touch with me or another PCC member.
Also on building matters we now have permission permanently to dispose of the back four rows of pews.
|
|
|
|
|
As part of this permission we have to record for posterity what they look like in situ, so at Holy Dusters we reassembled them.
They have now been distributed around the church and will in time either be recycled into the structure of our new hospitality area or, if this proves impossible, given away intact.
Lastly on the building, a number of people have said they would like a more intimate prayer space for reflection and lighting candles. I’m still scratching my head about where / whether this is possible. Our building is grand, but short on cosy nooks!
However I did try out this:
|
|
|
|
|
It might be the start of something … needs more beauty and order… not sure what … flowers? A votive statue? Your thoughts welcome.
But at any rate it is more appealing than the pile of discarded pews it replaces! Coming into the church the visitor sees something more orderly and intentional:
|
|
|
|
|
Now just a reminder that Christmas cards are for sale in church – £4 for five or £14 for twenty:
|
|
|
|
|
And if it’s time to buy Christmas cards, it’s also time to start telling your friends what’s going on in church for Advent and Christmas. Please take some flyers on Sunday:
|
|
|
|
|
This Sunday we will reflect on God who is God of new beginnings and second chances. Be hopeful: be very hopeful.
Come thou long expected Jesus!
|
|
|
