With the onset of February it feels like we are well into 2022 and the new opportunities and challenges that a new year brings. In the benefices of Betley and Madeley our churches are having to come to terms with significantly less clergy time than at this point last year, with Rev Pamela and myself all that is left of a previously larger team. The fullness of the challenges this brings are still making themselves known. The wider impact of this on the work of our parishes presents us with significant difficulties as we seek to develop the work of the church in our villages. Thankfully we have teams of wonderful lay readers and other volunteers who help develop the work of our churches.
We also face the challenges of coming to terms with what our church communities look like nine months after we returned to ‘presential worship’ (thank you for that term Rev JBP!). St. Margaret’s and All Saints’ both look very different to what our 2019 statistics show.
Among the challenges there are points of excitement. The possibility of new creative and missional activities during Lent. The relaunching of Living Streams – our monthly evening service, with a strengthened vision and purpose. The possibility of a Spring Alpha course – the success of which will depend on people inviting friends and family to attend the course!
We have much to give thanks for, and much to continue to pray about!
Blessings, Rev Tim
