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.