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Published: March 10th 2015
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What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead - James 2 : 14 - 17
Since arriving back in Albrighton in November life within the United Benefice (St Mary's, St Cuthbert's and St Chads) has been up in the air with the sad retirement of the Rev Jill Warren in August 2014, due to ill health.
The very capable Curate, the Rev Mary Wade, has been looking after the three congregations during this period of Interregnum (time between Parish Vicars).
This is something we have never encountered before and while some of the processes may seem a little strange to us they are of course steeped in tradition. The processes to appoint a new Vicar in the Anglican Church is long and drawn out so the
following is only a brief description of what took place.
First the position was advertised with a fixed closing date. After the closing date a short list of possible candidates was to be compiled from the applications received. However only two applications were received one being from our current Curate the Rev Mary.
On Thursday
26th February a special Eucharist service was held at St Mary's attended by the Bishop of Shrewsbury, The Archdeacon, The selection committee , The Patrons and The congregations of St Mary's, St Cuthbert's and St Chads. A short Homily was to be given by each applicant however one applicant withdrew before the day leaving the Rev Mary as the only applicant for the position.
The Rev Mary was still required to deliver her Homily and after the service attend the formal interview where those charged with making a decision could offer the position to the Rev Mary or decide that the position should be re advertised.
To the joy of all three congregations the position was offered to the Rev Mary and accepted
'YEAH'. At a combined Benefice Eucharist service held at St Mary's on
Sunday 8th March the formal announcement
was made to loud applause from all those present.
We now look forward to a new and exciting chapter of the Albrighton United Benefice.
On a personal note our Church life continues to expand. The renovations at St Chad's are on track to be completed for Easter Sunday. During this period of Lent we have been involved in the Friday Lenten lunches (Soup & Roll) held at the Methodist hall next door to our flat. Jess has taken over responsibility for updating the benefice web site, which can be found at
www.albrightonparishchurch.org.uk, and he is continuing to improve his bell ringing at St Mary's, he can now ring a bell on his own. We have just volunteered to assist with the Saturday distribution of food bank donations and still assist in the St Mary's monthly sale. We also get involved wherever we can with readings, prayers etc., especially at St Chad's and St Mary's.
On
Wednesday 18th February we attended the Ash Wednesday service at St Mary's. This is the start of Lent, a time when people reflect on the past year and also look for something to go without for the 40 day period, a time
of denial. The usual things that are given up include chocolate, alcohol or chips etc. However this year the Rev Mary gave us a list of other things that we might give up and these included Fear of Failure, Your Comfort Zone, Apathy or Negativity just to name a few.
The one from the list that we decided to give up was
'Busyness' - Taking time to be nourished and nourish ourselves so that we can love and value others. We were given a wristband with
' I'm not busy ' printed on it which reminds us to spend 10 minutes every day, sitting still, doing nothing and allowing God to nourish us through the Holy Spirit.
Outside of Church Evelyn is enjoying her job at the Cedars Care Home and with Spring approaching Jess has put to use some of the skills he found during our BCA travels by assisting an elderly couple who live just off the High Street with their garden. We have also expanded the 'garden' at the back of our flat by adding a few more pots and plants.
The above, regarding our involvement in and outside of Church, is not meant
Our Roof Top Garden
Daffodils in the Window Box to sound like self-gratification. We are not looking for a pat on the back but hopefully, just maybe, we can encourage others who may be looking for something they can do, to reach out and help others. We hope that is how it comes across as we continue our Journey of Faith.
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June
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The steps of a good man or woman are ordered by the Lord
Great news about Rev Mary. It amazing how God removed all opposition so that the job was hers. Glad the renovations are going well and you will all soon be back in your home. Dont forget to send photos when you all move back in. Would love to see you actually ringing the bell. Maybe one day ! Love to you both will talk soon