We had an amazing weekend with our flower festival and Living Churchyard event this month and raised over £770 which will go towards our new toilet. I hope you managed to pop into the church to look at the displays – this year the theme was ‘Favourite Film’ which is not an easy topic to depict but as you can see from the pictures our arrangers did an incredible job. A big thank you to all who gave their time to do this and also the ‘tea ladies’ who kept our visitors fed and watered over the two days. It was all topped off with a happy and relaxed Songs of Praise led by Jeremy on the Sunday evening.
We were delighted to receive the news that our young assistant curate Katie was safely delivered of a baby boy Jesse at the beginning of the month and also, because he had presented himself around the time expected she could go ahead with her ordination plans. So Bishop Gavin ordained Katie and seven others at Dorchester Abbey last Sunday and we were thrilled to hear that she had chosen St Mary’s to hold her first Eucharist service that very same day. Quite a feat with a three week old baby to care for, but it was a fantastic day ending with a most joyous evening service which I know everyone enjoyed.
Now of course, Katie goes off for maternity leave which leaves us a little short of clergy coverage, so the benefice team have come up with some rearrangements across the three churches to make sure we can all have the communion services we need. In fact it means Black Bourton is a little better off than usual so please keep an eye on your emails for details. Check July’s dates below and please note the earlier time of 10.30 a.m. for our benefice services.
- 2nd July Benefice communion 10.30
- 9th July village communion 11 a.m.
- 9th July 4.00 p.m. (the second Sunday in the month) Creative Space at St John’s
- 19th July Benefice prayer group 1.30 – 2.30 p.m.
- 23rd July Baptism 12 noon and Evensong 6 p.m.
- 30th July a Benefice communion at St Britius 10.30 a.m.
Lastly I am pleased to announce that after all the hard work which Lawrence has put in we have heard that a major grant has been awarded for our loo and kitchen project enabling us to make plans to start the groundwork in the churchyard for the water pipes and internet connection. In a few months time we will be sectioning off the north west end of the church to allow work to start internally so for a while there will be some disruption but I think you’ll agree it will all be worth it to get our long awaited toilet and kitchen facilities.