April 2020 News & Notes

Alpha course is back and all are welcome. It's a great opportunity to asked questions about God, faith and doubts. The setting is relaxed coffee bar.

Does your Church have a Parish Eco-Warrior [PEW] who will make sure that our responsibilities towards nature feature highly? This is just one of the recommendations made by the teamwide Lent course, which concludes 7.30pm on 1 and 8 April at St Francis. Even if you've not been yet there's much to inspire, so just turn up.

Congratulations to St Andrew's School for good+ Ofsted result, which was well warranted. The inspectors were thorough, courteous, and enjoyed themselves. They recognised that the school is improving and heading towards being outstanding. Our thanks to chair of governors Marcia Headon, and headteacher Sarah Patterson for such clear leadership.

Coronavirus means Church greetings should be as safe as possible, so here are some suggestions to replace handshakes: foot or elbow touch, nod, bow, or invent non-contact exchanges.

Bishop Karen launched a vision for Weymouth & Portland deanery at the last synod. It included imagination, training, giving, serving and engaging with communities served by the Church. The synod also talked about how to become carbon-neutral by 2030.

A Lay Worship Leaders [LWL] course for the borough begins with a taster session on 6 May. If you're interested have a chat with one of the clergy. Successful candidates will be commissioned in January by Bishop Karen.

Canon Tim retired as ATC padre after 22 years visiting 1606 Air Training Corps Squadron on The Nothe. He was presented with an engraved mounted glass memorial, soon nick-named the Tim-stone! Fortunately he is still alive and kicking.