St Mary’s New Year 2021 Update
This New Year update starts with a Farewell Message from Rev. Mandy and includes:
… and the usual listings of services and contacts but first:
Rev. Mandy’s Farewell Message
Dear Friends
I neither anticipated nor expected to be writing to you at this time, but, because of Paul’s accident, and the consequences of it, the 27th December 2020, was, sadly, my last working Sunday.
Bishop Roger has generously given me two months of compassionate leave after this, so I will be around a little, hopefully saying farewell to yourselves, the children and staff in our village schools, and moving out of the Rectory to our home in Colchester. As it won’t be possible, because of Covid19, to have a traditional final service to say farewell to you all, and although Bishop Roger had agreed to my having one last service in each of our four villages (West Bergholt, Great Horkesley, Langham and Boxted) so that we can say farewell to each other in a more intimate and inclusive way, this will not now be possible. So I am hoping to have a final Zoom Service on 28th February. It will be unusual, but perhaps we’ll be able to get together in the summer to say our final farewells.
Happy & Enjoyable
I want to thank you all for making Paul’s, and my, six and a half years in post so happy and enjoyable. I have loved journeying with you and seeing you blossom and flourish as your knowledge and love of God has increased, and your faith has flourished. We have loved sharing meals and celebrations with you. We have toiled with you when you have been heavy laden. We have celebrated with you when you have been celebrating. We have mourned with you when you are mourning. It has been a privilege to baptise your children, marry some beautiful couples and celebrate lives which are no longer in this world, but are in the world to come. Thank-you for inviting us to do this.
It is advisedly, that I started this message, and many of my emails, “Dear Friends,” because you have become our friends and your friendship has been a great blessing to us. Thank-you. Friendships, like memories never die, so you will always be in our hearts.
Thank You For Prayers & Caring
Thank-you for your love, thank-you for your prayers, thank-you for your caring, thank-you for your support and encouragement, thank-you taking me to visit Paul in Addenbrooke’s Hospital, and more latterly in Ely, all of this has meant a great deal to me. I am truly grateful.
My prayer for your all, is that God will bless you richly and that we can continue to journey together in this world and in the world to come.
This message comes with much love to you all, Mandy
Update on Paul Elmes
Rev. Mandy keeps us regularly updated on Paul’s progress and we are thankful for the improvements he has made since his transfer to the rehabilitation unit in Ely. We continue to pray that Paul will make as full a recovery as possible and that he and Mandy will be able to enjoy their retirement together. Please keep them in your prayers.
Administrative Notes
Church & Office Closed
Sadly, we have taken the difficult decision to close the church for private prayer and gathered services until further notice. Although the government guidelines permit churches to stay open if it can be done safely, we feel that it is safer for people to remain at home. However, if you would like someone to pray for you or for someone you are concerned about, please don’t hesitate to contact our curate, Revd Anne Mason on 07895 970834 or [email protected]. Working days: Sun & Tues-Thurs.
Our church administrator will also be working from home for the time being but can still be contacted via the usual email address: [email protected]
Baptisms, Weddings & Funerals
If you would like to arrange a baptism, wedding or funeral, please contact our church administrator, Mrs Jo Rassell, on 01206 243683 (all messages left are checked regularly by Jo) or via email: [email protected].
A Prayer
Keep us, good Lord, under the shadow of your mercy in this time of uncertainty and distress.
Sustain and support the anxious and fearful, and lift up all who are brought low;
That we may rejoice in your comfort knowing that nothing can separate us from your love in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
Services & Other Dates
All events are on Zoom unless stated otherwise. Kids’ Church is our new form of Sunday school for children. Note, no Evening Prayer Service during winter months.
| 24th January 2021 | 9:15 am | Praise on 4 |
| 10:00 am | Communion | |
| 31st January 2021 | 10:00 am | Communion with guest speaker the Bishop of Colchester, Roger Morris |
| 7th February 2021 | 10:00 am | Communion |
| 14th February 2021 | 9:15 am | Messy Church |
| 10:00 am | Communion | |
| 17th February 2021 | Ash Wednesday – details to be confirmed | |
| 21st February 2021 | 9:15 am | Possibly Praise on 4 – to be confirmed |
| 10:00 am | Communion | |
| 28th February 2021 | 10:00 am | Communion – Rev Mandy’s Farewell Service (No Praise on 4) |
If you would like to receive the Zoom links for any of our services, please email the church office at: [email protected].
Contacts
- Assistant Curate:Revd Anne Mason
email: [email protected].
tel: 07895 970834 (Sunday & Tuesday – Thursdays). - Church Wardens:
Peter & Caroline Finlay, — [email protected] or 07926 387551 and
Kate & Stephen Penrose, — 07973 421306 - Lay Readers:
Richard Chadborn—01206 240541;
Michael Foster—01206 241022;
Joy Budden—01206 241871. - 3 Parish Families’ Worker:
Jo Jeffery—07853 586683. - Parish Evangelist
Ron Seymour—01206 272579. - Pastoral Assistant:
Dorothy Chadborn – 01206 240541 - Church Administrator:
Church Office Hours — Monday 9 am—12 pm, Tuesday – Friday 9am – 1 pm
Jo Rassell — 01206 243683,
email: [email protected]. - Newsletter Editor:
email: [email protected]. - Hire our hall:
Nicole Long—01206 240443. - Website: Stmaryswestbergholt.co.uk
- Follow us on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/stmaryswestbergholt.