St Mary’s Newchurch
It’s a period of change at St Mary’s...
There’s been a significant amount of change taking place over recent months. With our welcoming of Fr Paul to lead and support whilst we await our new Vicar, the opening of our fantastic brand-new narthex facility and the successful reintroduction of combined benefice meetings and initiatives just to name a few.
And, as our appointed representatives prepare to take part in the interview process for the selection of our new future vicar, it’s clear further change lies ahead.
For some this change creates excitement, for others maybe a little apprehension, however what’s clear is its inevitability.
As we move forward it’s increasingly important that we embrace any change together, as a church community, and support each other throughout. Over recent months we’ve certainly shown how we do just that.
It’s been lovely to see too, during this period of transition, how long-standing traditions and routines continue to be celebrated, not least the recent Rushbearing festival – which is such an important part of the annual St Mary’s calendar.
Key events like these solidify our heritage and identity, and provide a sense of stability and belonging for many as aspects of our lives adapt or change – not solely within our church community, but in our personal lives, and on the wider national and global scale.
At times it’s not clear how to proceed. Whether to take the safe option, or take a leap of faith. Focus on the here and now, or look to the future. Press ahead, or delay for the time being.
Either way, let’s continue to come together, as we do so well, as a church family. New people have joined our PCC recently, mini task-focused teams are making great progress on aspects such as church fabric, events and communications and our combined benefice meetings are reaping great awards. Not least in the joint development of our parish profile, used recently to attract potential candidates for the vacancy to lead our wonderful two churches.
And of course, let’s not forget, God is with us on this journey too. He’s with us in our prayers, at those meetings, and watching over us when we come together as a community. Guiding the way.