Saint Faith’s News November 2017
As I write this, last month’s theme of teddy bears continues in a small way, as several members of our community are packing up for a weekend retreat at Hilfield Priory. I’m sure they will remember essentials such as Bibles, toothbrushes and teddies!
The retreat comes at the end of a month which has been threaded through with thanksgiving and fellowship. Our patronal festival was an evening of worship, including Jenny Wiltshire’s first sermon in the parish, followed by such quantities of food and merriment, that even the collected enthusiasm of Saint Mary’s Parish could not do it all full justice.
We continued our patronal celebration with a Coffee Morning which raised money for church funds (£180), but more importantly, filled the building with the smells of bacon butties, and the sounds of friendly conversations as we welcomed newcomers and old friends.
Harvest saw us celebrating with the local Scouts, who helped to act out the Gospel story, and with Arundel Court Primary Academy, whose pupils filled the church (twice) with songs, stories, poems and actions giving thanks for God’s bounty. Between both groups and our own contributions, nearly one hundred bags of food have been donated to the Roberts Centre for distribution to local families in need. A fantastic outpouring of love and generosity!
We also spent time this month with children from Arundel Court who were learning about Baptism – a very special liturgy of welcome into the Christian family.
November brings a change in light and mood, as we mark Remembrance Sunday. We look forward to exploring this theme once again with our friends in the uniform groups and at Arundel Court, with a visit to the school on 10th November and a Parade Service on the 12th. In between there will be just enough time to put the kettle on. All welcome at our Coffee Morning on the 11th!
Rev. Barbara