FEBRUARY 2012
 

FROM THE VICARAGE

 A spring clean?

February is here, the snowdrops and daffodils have had an early start after a mild winter, the days are lengthening and the sounds and sights of spring are not far away. Looking around my study and at my desk, the phrase ‘spring clean’ comes to mind. No matter how many times I get the duster out, the next time I look there always seem to be fresh layers of dust piling up. A spring clean is definitely on the cards. Being February and with Lent starting on 22nd Feb (Ash Wednesday), it might be an opportunity for me to do a little internal spring cleaning too. Dust out the old cobwebs of being complacent, accepting second best and not making the most of every opportunity. Freshen up with more quality time spent with family, neighbours and the Good Lord upstairs. Tidy out and sweep with attention given to others and going the extra mile with people in need. Not a bad idea. I wonder how much I will persevere?

  Lent Lunches

You are warmly invited to join us for our Lent Lunches on Wednesdays starting at 12.30pm on the following dates:
                22nd Feb                               St. George’s, Enham Alamein

                29th Feb                                St. George’s, Enham Alamein

                7th March                             Christ Church, Smannell

                14th March                           Christ Church, Smannell

Lunch will consist of various delicious soups, bread rolls, cheese and tray bakes. There is no entrance fee but any donations you make will be split equally between two charities. (Subject to confirmation these will be Naomi House Hospice and the Anglican Church in the Diocese of Madi West Nile, Uganda)

 7Up will meet next on Wednesday 29th February
5.30pm – 7pm at Smannell School.

 

AsTeam Vicar I work in the parish of Smannell with Enham Alamein and as Chaplain to Enham, an organisation providing training and support for people with disabilities and learning difficulties. I also work closely with the Team Rector, Revd Andrew Ashdown and other colleagues as daily we meet for morning prayer and support each other in ministry across the Team.
I have lived most of my life ‘up north’ in Cheshire and Yorkshire. Before entering ordained ministry, I worked as a cellist and instrumental teacher. Part of that time was spent in a chamber orchestra in Mafeking, South Africa where I met Vessi my wife who is a violist. We have 2 boys, Anthony born in 1997 and Michael born in 2001. I enjoy walking up mountains, playing tennis and cricket. I am delighted to have moved in early 2009 from Yorkshire to the parish of Smannell with Enham Alamein. I relish the many varied opportunities such a diverse Team presents. There is certainly never a dull moment in a place which includes rural and urban ministry and a chaplaincy, all in all a fascinating and rewarding place to discover where God is calling us to be.