Back in September, I was sent a letter from my GP. Following some routine blood tests, I was being encouraged to sign up for a pre-diabetes course, which would run over 9 months, a course, which I knew, as my father was already 6 months into it, took up a lot of time. Mindful of the time commitment, I was reluctant at first to even attempt to join a course, but having logged in to sign up, I found I could opt for a virtual course via an app, meaning I could fit it around my other commitments.
It’s all about change in this edition of St Mary’s News, it also provides listings of services and contacts.
Change in the Church Office
Liz Dixon will be retiring from the role of 3 Parishes Church Administrator from 1st October but we are pleased to announce the appointment of her successor. Rev Mandy Elmes tells us more.
As the NHS celebrates its 70th birthday, the stresses it is increasingly under are being felt by the Creffield Medical Group who run the West Bergholt Surgery. Dr Hasan Chowhan from the Group has given the Parish Council a briefing on the changes.
We have received the following news update from the Methodist Church:
The Methodist Church
Sadly it is time for our Minister Rev Ruth Ridge to move on, having completed eight years service with us here in West Bergholt and the Colchester Circuit. She came to us as a newly ordained minister in her first Circuit and has been a breath of fresh air to us all. Her tireless work and infectious enthusiasm have made an impact on so many. We are grateful for all she has done in our communities over this time and she will be greatly missed by us all.
Ruth is leaving the Circuit at the end of July and there will not be a new Minister in the Manse. The Manse is being let for a year, so please do not try and make contact at the Manse or deliver any messages there. The Rev Ken Chalmers will be joining the Circuit in September but will not be living in the village. He will join our Superintendent Minister, Rev Alan Jenkins, in providing a ministry to all the churches in our Circuit. They will be supported by three retired Ministers. The Circuit was not able to secure a third full time minister for September 2015. It is the intention to seek a third minister from September 2016.
All services and activities at the Methodist Church and Hall are continuing as normal.
Contact for the Methodist Church can be made initially through Church Stewards or by telephoning Judith, 01206 241969 or by e-mailing [antibot mailto=”[email protected]”]. We will deal with local matters and also take initial enquiries for weddings baptisms and funerals. We can arrange for one of our Ministers to be in touch with you as needed. If you need to contact a minister directly in an emergency please phone Rev Alan Jenkins, 01206 793888.
