At the end of July at a service and luncheon at St John’s we said our farewells to Drew, Billie, Ian and Carol who all retired on the same day. The occasion was a mixture of joy that they were all looking forward to some well earned time off, and sadness that they were no longer part of the team. Although we haven’t been part of the benefice for very long I know that Drew was welcomed wholeheartedly as our new vicar at St Mary’s and we benefitted hugely from his kind and wise ministry. And we also gained new friends and worshippers in being part of his bigger family. Gifts were given on behalf of the benefice and Billie and Carol were presented with baskets of flowers beautifully arranged by Christine Pope. To all of them we say ‘Thank you’ for their contribution to our church life in Black Bourton. We will certainly miss them but hope that they all enjoy the retirement they deserve.
It was a busy morning on the 11th August with Barry’s licencing and a full communion service plus a confirmation popped in the middle for good measure. Our special service with the Bishop this month was enhanced by three members of a family from Carterton coming together to be confirmed by Bishop Gavin having completed their preparation just in time for the 11th. Looking at the record book, it appears that our last confirmation service in the church was over forty years ago so it was indeed a very special day for us, not just for the people who were able to be there but for our history as well. We were delighted to hear Rev Barry make his declaration of assent and watch the Bishop anoint him with the oil of Chrism – a very moving and joyous occasion.
Following on from all that, Bishop Gavin blessed our new facilities and then joined us for refreshments and fellowship afterwards, along with our Area Dean Margaret Dixon and of course Barry himself.
I must say thank you to all who provided cakes and biscuits – they were delicious as always and also to Simon who played the organ so well.
Moving on to September, we start with our Battle of Britain service next Sunday 8th at 11 a.m. followed by a normal evensong on the 22nd. The last Sunday in the month is a benefice service and this will be held at St Britius in Brize Norton at 10 30a.m. Lifts are available should anyone like to join me.
For those of us who have relatives resting in the churchyard may I just send a gentle reminder that there are strict regulations regarding what we can and can’t put in there. Plastic and artificial flowers or greenery of any kind are not allowed nor balloons, streamers, plastic statues or whirlygigs. Any of these items will be removed by the maintenance team. Of course the cemetery at the back is not regulated by us and therefore those rules do not apply. Thank you for your co-operation.