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The Rector writes:
On 7th December, the District Church Council (DCC) unanimously adopted the following vision statement:- Mission: Sharing God's love
At the start of the New Year, the parishes of Debden, Wimbish, Great and Little Chesterford joined the Saffron Walden and Villages Team Ministry formally. Simultaneously, Saffron Walden, Littlebury, Wendens Ambo, Ashdon and Hadstock became parishes again in their own right. This expression of our mission and our shared vision will set the agenda for our new parish of Saffron Walden for the foreseeable future. Using our resources wisely in God’s service is an underpinning principle as we seek to fulfil our mission and implement our vision. Having a strong financial base gives us confidence as we seek to develop. The first meeting of the Parochial Church Council (PCC) on 25th January will agree the budget for St. Mary’s Church 2012. Then 5th February will be our annual Stewardship of Money Sunday, an opportunity for me to express gratitude to all those who have given financially over the last year and to encourage those not on one or our planned giving schemes to join one. Our building is another important resource. Many of you will be aware that we have gone through a long process of review, in the light of which the DCC agreed a “Statement of Needs” which identifies the issues we would like to address. At the meeting in early December, it was unanimously agreed to select an architect to carry out a feasibility study, in order to see what might be possible given the historic and architectural significance of St. Mary’s and the limitations of the parish rooms. In due course, a full report on its outcome will be shared with the PCC and the church as a whole. On 11th March at 4.00p.m., there will be a special service to mark the formation of the Saffron Walden and Villages Team Ministry here at St. Mary’s. Representatives from all 9 parishes will gather for worship and to celebrate our commitment to collaborate together in Christ’s ministry to this part of North Essex. Afterwards, there will be an opportunity to meet and mingle over refreshments. Everyone is warmly invited to this notable occasion. The Weekend of 18th – 20th May is the Deanery Mission Weekend. Under Bishop’s Stephen’s guidance, each parish across our deanery is beginning to plan at least one event to happen on the Friday, Saturday or Sunday of that weekend. It should be a group with whom the church already has contact, must address the issues that they are facing and offer them an opportunity to engage with the Christian gospel. This whole enterprise can only be successful if we are dependent on the Holy Spirit before, during and after the weekend. Hence, I should be grateful if you would pray for this important venture over the next months. From Saturday 2nd - Sunday 10th June, there will be another major happening. To mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, we are holding a Festival of Flowers and Music. Among the delights on offer are a three course dinner with musical entertainment, lunchtime concerts during the week and Tina Brooks and a Gospel Choir concert. A Civic Service on the first Sunday will be a focal point for the celebrations of the town and Choral Evensong will conclude the festivities. There is clearly an exciting year ahead of us. Let’s determine individually and together to do all we can to fulfil our God given mission to share God’s love. Of course, when we do so, we know the wonderful presence of the Holy Spirit, drawing everyone closer to Jesus Christ and through him to our Heavenly Father. As we turn to God and the future God is offering us, we are asked to echo the succinct but momentous words of Dag Hammarskjöld, the second United Nations Secretary-General:
With love
Team Rector of Saffron Walden
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