Dear Friends

I hope you have noticed how smart our Church porch is looking at present! I should like to say thank you to David and Janet Seaton for reviving flagging notices, and giving visitors a first impression of a thriving and vibrant community. It is not easy to keep notices looking fresh in a place that is open to the weather, and it is likely we shall need to renew them fairly frequently.

It may seem a rather unimportant thing to worry about in a world where so many dreadful things are happening. Maybe you might think the time could have been better spent in some kind of voluntary service in the community – and indeed, that is vitally important. I am convinced, however, that it is equally important to make those who visit our Church feel welcome and at home in a place which is loved and cared for.

Turvey Church is loved and cared for. Those who clean, those who arrange flowers or wash linen or do the other many large and small jobs that need doing each week, clearly show that. I firmly believe that those who show their love for the building also show their love for God.

It is important, too, for a real Christian community to show their love for the people of God; particularly those who come in through our doors. I have been thinking quite a lot about this and hope that we shall be able to talk about it at the PCC meeting in September. I have been made to feel very welcome since I arrived, and I do my best to speak to all who come into Church each Sunday. There is also a ChurchWarden on duty at the door and sometimes other people as well. I hope no one leaves without a smile or a word from someone.

I am concerned, however, about the exchange of the Peace in the middle of the service. Now I know this is a fairly contentious issue and we can all tell horror stories about being liberally embraced by a total stranger! I find that quite unnerving too, and frankly I don’t like it – but nor do I feel entirely comfortable with people standing in silence when invited to exchange a sign of peace. It seems to me to be a way of making people welcome and strengthening our own community if we can manage a smile, maybe a handshake and the words ‘Peace be with you’.

I know there are people who feel that this interrupts their silence and their prayerful contemplation and this is perfectly valid too. I wonder how and if we can reach a compromise? One thing I would like to do is to find a day for a mid-week said service, which could be a time for quiet, whilst Sunday becomes more of a time for outreach and strengthening our sense of community. It is important that we work at this together. It would not be good, appropriate or even possible for something like this to be ‘imposed’.

Whatever we eventually decide, I think we need to remember that anyone who comes to Church as a newcomer to the village, or as a casual visitor, may be seeking to find the knowledge and love of God for the very first time. Jesus welcomed all who came to him seeking the Father; it is through us, now, that he welcomes people here. I pray that we may do it well and effectively.

Yours in Christ

Jo Spray.

Those leaving home for University.

For the continued recovery of Nancy Waters following her eye operation.

Caroline Higgs and Simon Davy, to be married on 28^th September.

For those going to the "Liberty and Livelihood" march on 22^nd September.

Thank you for your prayers for Lorna Frost. Please will you continue to pray for her as she begins to find a way through her difficulties.

Jo Spray

Jo Spray

Anne Claypole White

To Tim Nightingale on his excellent A-level results, and good wishes as he begins his course in Truro. He is reading for a Jazz Music degree from Exeter University.

A very sincere thank you to all friends for the Get Well cards and flowers, audio tapes and phone calls sent to me during my enforced rest. I hope that I shall soon be able to stay upright! Thank you again,

Nancy Waters.

I have recently discussed with Revd. Jo Spray how we can best use our Church News notice board positioned outside the vestry.

It is really there for all members to give their news, whatever is felt to be relevant, whether it be something you want to share such as a happy event (or indeed a sad one) or perhaps something for intercessional prayer - general or personal. (There is a notebook hanging on the board, let us get used to using it, names don’t have to be mentioned in all cases.) Other suggestions include the obvious notices of forthcoming events, Deanery and Diocesan news, "thank you" cards, a photograph of interest, or even a holiday post card to the church members!

I will endeavour to see that old notices are removed and that the board is kept tidy. We want to ensure that it is "lively", relevant, up to date, attractive and reflecting our church life-as much for ourselves as for our visitors and newcomers. Your support is welcomed.

A folder with the PCC minutes will be placed on the pew adjacent to the notices, so that all church members - not just those on the PCC - can be kept up to date with the matters discussed at our meetings. The issues raised have an important bearing on the current and future life of our church and it is vital that all attending our church are kept in the picture

The next PCC meeting will be on Thursday 19th September at 7.30 pm in the Manor Room.

David A. Seaton (PCC secretary).