The Annual Meetings

are scheduled for this month.

I have yet to write the Annual Reports but must anticipate the affirmation of those who do so much to keep the ministry of the Churches active and positive over the year.

Sadly one of the most reliable of the workers in either church, George Haynes, has had to resign his post while he looks after his wife Ena in her illness. A new appointment for Verger will have been made by the time you read this but must be confirmed by the PCC at Ault Hucknall first. George has also been an essential member of the Ault Hucknall PCC over many years. When it reaches the election of PCC members, both churches are unable to fill all of their vacancies, so it is my fervent prayer that younger members of our Christian Community (who still expect the church to be here for their [and their children’s] weddings and other family events) begin to succeed those now unable to fulfil the essential roles that go to make up a worthy community Church.

When asked to take up responsibility, I am sorry to hear so many saying how busy they are. I am absolutely sure that those who have brought the church to this generation, and are now unable physically to continue their church work, have also been busy, holding down full time work and bringing up families. It is not a question of “busy” but of priority, and it is so regrettable that the generation that should now be taking up the baton in the Christian discipleship relay are leaving out the Christian church from their lives.

A Diocesan initiative, the Mission Action Plan will be rolling out across the diocese in the next few months, and every parish is expected to participate. We will know more when the lay leaders and I have been to Diocesan presentations and teaching sessions. Mission is our reason to exist: as a church we are to demonstrate God’s Love in action, but in the process provide the example that brings others into this ministry as well. Discipleship is not a job for someone else. We are all called by God, and it is not usually to be busy doing something else so as to distract us from the call.

At the Annual Parish Meeting, all members of the Church are called to be present to appoint prayerfully our lay leadership for the coming year of action as a church. Please clear your diaries this month to ensure you are present with us: Scarcliffe 7pm Monday 20th and Ault Hucknall 7pm Thursday 24th, both in the respective Parish Church. From the Vicar