Churchwardens’ Report

November 2011

Dear Friends,

What, you may ask, is a picture of a chipped teapot doing on the cover of this magazine? It was dug up when excavating for the Annexe foundations and is earthenware made by John Ellis & Co. whose works were in Bristol in the mid 1800s. It may be unremarkable, presumably unloved, lost to sight for over one hundred and fifty years but now come to light again. It reminds me (with a little imagination) of the old oil lamps. Can we not take this find as a sign and a beacon of hope for the future to carry us forward in the next stage of our journey?

The programme for the Annexe was delayed slightly when an old well or cesspit was discovered. This would have been used when the building was a school and before the side aisle was built. However by the end of October the work was back on schedule.

Our thanks, as ever, are due to Dianne Elliott and her team of helpers for the splendid display at Harvest Festival, and also to those who contributed with gifts in kind, including an impressive offering from the school. An enormous amount of work and planning goes into this occasion for which we are eternally grateful. The Harvest Supper was well supported and thanks to Ursula and her team for co-ordinating the refreshments, and also thanks to Lisa for leading the lively musical entertainment ably assisted by Harry.

During the month Parish Links from across the diocese were invited to evensong in the cathedral followed by light refreshment — about fifty attended. The Cathedral values these Links as a way of informing parishes of events that it organises and a poster of current events together with leaflets are available in the church for those interested.

On Saturday 8th October the Chichester Diocesan Synod met to vote on the motion put to them by the General Synod on the Ordination of Women as Bishops. The Synod expressed a clear YES in favour of ordaining women as bishops, but was dissatisfied that there was adequate provision being made for those uncomfortable with the move. More information on the debate can be found on the website — www.diochi.org.uk. As a follow up to her contribution to the debate in Synod, Lisa was interviewed by BBC Radio Sussex — her interview was broadcast in the early morning Sunday slot on 16th October. Finally, please remember to put Gift Day, Sunday 6th November in your diary.

With best wishes,

Alan and Lynne

Churchwardens

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