Jan 2016 News & Notes

What an achievement
Only three months after Richard Simmons retired we welcome Philip Elliott to continue a remarkable ministry. What is more, both ministers had six weeks learning from and teaching each other. Philip will licensed by Bishop Nicholas Holtam 7.00pm at St Nicholas and St Laurence School on Monday 1 February. He will be installed by Archdeacon Paul Taylor 10.30am at St Laurence, Upwey on Sunday 7 February. Do come and join us.

Refugee support through Christian Aid

A simple lunch raising funds and making us aware of the challenges faced by refugees was held in the Church Rooms. It was also a healthy time of fellowship.

Paris prayers

Our Churches have been praying for the talks in Paris to save our world from unnecessary pollution and warming. St Osmund's used pebbles as a focus for that prayer.

All Saints, Wyke Regis and Advent Light 

The bells were rung to call people to mark the start of Advent at a service reminding us of the opportunities provided by Christian Aid. The focus was on reducing death by malaria.

On 24 January I'll be at Holy Trinity, Weymouth
Canon Richard Franklin will be retiring from this harbour-side parish. I'm going over to begin preparation for the vacancy, and for finding the right person to follow such a significant ministry. As we give thanks for Philip's arrival, let's pray for Holy Trinity with St Nicholas, Buxton Road.

St Laurence Holy Communion

Richard was unable to attend ministers' breakfasts in the town, or arrive at clergy chapters on time because of the Tuesday morning Holy Communion at St Laurence. I'm asking that we move to Wednesday mornings as from February, and I'm sure he will appreciate this move.

Our Annual Parish Meetings
13 Mar: St Andrew, Preston
20 Mar: St Laurence, Upwey
10 Apr: St Nicholas, Broadwey with Holy Trinity, Bincombe
            St Nicholas, Buckland Ripers
17 Apr: St Francis, Littlemoor
24 Apr: St Osmund, Osmington

Dec 2015 News & Notes

Thanks for the extras

Although it's not long until Philip Elliott will be licensed as our new Team Vicar on 1 February 2016, there are many who carry extra responsibilities. I am particularly grateful to Brian Ellis, who is mainly looking after our west Ridgeway Churches. I'm also grateful to Pam Thomas and Richard Pendrey for helping us out.

Only one change from our normal Christmas

We are running our usual Christmas pattern, with one small change. St Osmund's will have a Christmas morning at 11.15am, so I can be there after leading the St Andrew's service.

Only one small change when Philip arrives

Richard was unable to attend ministers' breakfasts in the town, or arrive at clergy chapters on time because of the Tuesday morning Holy Communion at St Laurence. I'm asking that we move to Wednesday mornings as from February, and I'm sure he will appreciate this move.

St Andrew's Messy Church is permanent

This multifaceted way of engaging with Bible stories got off to a flying start in September. It suits families with children of any age, and runs regularly 3.30 - 5.30pm on third Sundays in the month. If you would like to join in please ring 832529 for further details. Each session focuses on a theme, which is then tackled from lots of different angles. The pilots have been so successful that Messy Church will now run every month except August.

Our thanks to Iain for including Church news

It is much appreciated that our news is part of the Register magazine. We are grateful to Iain, who as editor produces such a quality magazine. A very Happy Christmas Iain!

Sep 2015 News & Notes

Tim West’s News & Notes

The new Weymouth Ridgeway Team will formally come into existence on 1 October, with licences issued when we welcome our new team vicar who will take over Richard Simmons' patch. Arrangements are in place to cover the vacancy.

We had two really useful Joint Church Councils in July. The first for Preston, Littlemoor, and Osmington; the second for Bincombe, Broadwey, Buckland Ripers, and Upwey. The team constitution was finalised, and details given about the next steps together for our sister Churches.

There was a lighter moment when people shared stories of how dogs play a part in our worshipping life. The pet service at Osmington had been appreciated. Dogs have to be responsible in Church, and it is good to see the Spice Ship setting a fine example of training through their K9 club!

Meg and Dennis Ackroyd are now settled in Norfolk. The move went well, and they send their love and gratitude for all the kindness showed to them. We in turn had an opportunity to thank them for all the good they have shared with us, and to pray for God's blessing upon their second attempt at retirement.

Here they are having cut a cake at their farewell in the Church Rooms. This included a slick media presentation recalling some of their adventures, and a poem written and read by Chris Dursley.

James Free and Amy Chick, who was at St Andrew's School, were married in St Anne's Church, Radipole by me. John Tallon played the organ in a relaxed but meaningful service. He and Nora remembered watching Amy grow up through the school.

The Register Magazine is available free to all our Churches, is delivered to 40% of the Ridgeway area, welcomes pictures and articles, and includes most of our Church news and notices. I strongly commend it to you, and invite you to pass copies to new people or visitors.

A welcoming coffee bar operates after worship at St Laurence, Upwey. Most of the congregation stay behind for fellowship. You might notice the prayer tree in the background. Messages posted in it are included in the prayers.

The Broadwey+ parishes are drawing up a profile for a new team vicar to be appointed jointly by Bishop Nicholas and me, as team rector. I am delighted to say that the bishop has agreed we interview Philip Elliott on 25 September as a preferred candidate.

Richard Simmons last Sunday is 27 September when there will be a 10.30am Joint Worship & Farewell at St Laurence & St Nicholas School. He and Sue are much in our thoughts after so many years of faithful ministry, for which we give hearty thanks. We have been neighbours for years and I have really appreciated Richard's wisdom, commitment, and humour.

I have postponed an act of remembrance on Upwey railway station until 11 November 2016, so that our new team vicar can head up the project.