Churchwardens’ Report

June 2008

We are delighted to announce that, at the invitation of our diocesan bishop, Bishop John, Mark has accepted the vacant Prebend of Colworth and is now a member of the College of Canons at Chichester Cathedral. This means he will be able to share, with the senior clergy, in the overall governance of the Cathedral (including preaching from time to time) and other matters concerning the Diocese and the wider Church. This does not in any way affect Mark's position in the Parish but it is a significant appointment and a meassure of the high regard in which he is held within the Diocese.

We were also delighted to hear that Julie Sear has been accepted on a course to train for ordination into the Ministry. Julie has had to work hard to reach this stage and there will be more hard work ahead but this is a big step on the way of her chosen path, and our prayers and good wishes go with her and her husband, Trevor, as they plan the next stage of her journey together.

The recently published Religious Trends report produced by a Think Tank paints the usual gloomy picture of the decline of Christianity and church going in this Country. We are lucky in Scaynes Hill to have a lively and growwing church. It is our intention to do as much as we can to serve and involve the community, and to this end Tom, our Missioner, is working hard with the youth and families of the village. We hope that this year's Holiday Club will be as successful as the others have been and we look forward with confidence to the future. At our recent PCC Meeting Mike Harding agreed to take over the chairmanship of our Mission and Outreach Group which is continually looking at ways of meeting the challenges of our changing times in this very significant area of our role in the community.

At our Patronal Festival on Sunday 13th July, already advertised last month, we shall have the privilege of hearing the Bishop of Cameroon preach. Furrther arrangements will evolve but in the meantime make a note of the date in your diaries.

The Church clock has been erratic just recently but we are working on it and by the time you read this hopefully it should be rectified.

We held another successful Kairos evening service this month which was led by Rev. Peter Markby. His theme was “Encouragement” which was very uplifting and provided a stimulating experience for all present.

I started with joyous news and will finish with some. Tom, our Missioner, is to be married to Emily at the end of June and in advance of the event we wish them well for the new life they will be starting together. On Sunday evening 20th July we will be holding a reception for them at the Vicarage.

Alan and Sue

Churchwardens

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