Dear Friends,

I have never considered PCC meetings as being the highlight of my life. I have served on the PCC of my local church, in Sussex, in Nottinghamshire and in Watford, for about thirty-five years, with a short break when I was training for ordination, and sometimes it has been extremely tedious!

I have just returned from my first PCC meeting in Turvey and I am too excited to consider going to bed. I have been aware since my first Sunday amongst you that this is a special place. People are interested and concerned to see the Body of Christ grow and thrive in this place.

Tonight we began to discuss what we want to happen in our Church in five, ten and fifteen years. We began to discuss our vision for the future. We began to think about how we might move forward– how we might attract those who have left the church. What we might offer to the young families in the area. How we might build on the links we already have with the small children who come to the Little Lights group and those who bring their children for baptism. We wondered what we could offer to the school. We also talked about how we can better support those who are growing older and more frail; those who can perhaps no longer get to Church but would still like to feel a part of the Church family. There are times when it really feels as if the Holy Spirit is at work and tonight was one of them.

It is important to have a good and committed PCC – and I believe we have. It is also important to have the thoughts and ideas of other members of the congregation. I have enjoyed being part of the worshipping congregation in this place during my first three weeks with you. I am sure there are many others who would feel the same if they tried it!

Please will you think carefully about how we can help our congregation to grow? – What is called in the trade the mission of our Church. Mission is a bit of a loaded word – it seems to suggest standing on the corner of The Green preaching about God and Jesus. It is not that; it is about letting people know that Christ is alive and well in Turvey and that they are missing something vital if they do not come to Church. If you have any thoughts or ideas, please will you share them with me or with the wardens and members of the PCC? Above all, please pray that we may see the way ahead and have the courage to take it.

Yours in Christ

Jo Spray

Please pray for:

The Little Lights as they picnic in the Abbey Grounds on 5^th August; and for the work of the Abbey

Kara Christensen, to be baptised on 18^th August

Lorna Frost, who has given up the will to live.

Intercessory Prayer

It is important to pray for those in need. If you know of anyone who needs our prayers, please let me know, or write their names in the book, which is pinned to the notice board at the back of Church. Please will you seek the permission of any whose full name you use? If you cannot do this it is fine to refer to people as ‘a friend’ or by their Christian or forename only. I should also be grateful if you would tell me of anyone who is ill or housebound and who might welcome a visit.

Jo Spray

Confirmation Classes

I am hoping to begin classes towards the end of September for people who would like to prepare for confirmation. If you are over twelve you may like to consider if this is right for you. There is no upper age limit! If you were confirmed some time ago and feel like a ‘refresher course’ you are also welcome to come along. Please telephone me (01234 881312) or speak to me in Church if you are interested.

Jo Spray

Funeral

19^th July: Gwen Wooding.

Gwen had been in the village since 1944 when she moved here to be a Land Girl. She sang in our choir for over 40 years, led the Brownies and did many other things to help village life. We shall miss her.

Coffee Mornings

July's coffee morning raised £218 towards Church funds. A big thank you to Marilyn and Roger Eaton for a very enjoyable and successful event. After an August break, the coffee mornings will resume on Saturday 14^th September with one at the Chantry House, hosted by Daniel and Celia Hanbury.

Dates for your Diary. Our Harvest Festival Sunday is 6^th October and with the Harvest Supper in the evening of the following Friday, 11^th October.

The Royal British Legion band concert will be on 12^th October at 7pm.

The Christmas Fair is on Saturday 7^th December, starting at 11.00am and finishing at about 1.00pm; lunch will be available.

Little Lights

Little Lights will meet at Turvey Abbey on Monday 5th August at 2.30pm. Please bring a rug and a small picnic!

The next dates for Little Lights are Monday 2nd September, 7th October, 4th November all in Church at 2.30 p.m.

The Cheese and Wine evening on 7^th July raised £796 for FAST. Very many thanks to all concerned.