Saint Wilfrid’s News November 2017
It was good on our Patronal Festival to welcome Revd Elizabeth Groves, the Diocesan Mothers’ Union President. Elizabeth reminded her in her sermon of the life of Mary Sumner, the founder of the Mothers’ Union (MU), and drew parallels between the life and faith and that of Saint Wilfrid. She also spoke of the important work of the MU throughout the world, particularly its commitment to Social Justice and various campaigns and projects. The MU encourages its members to pray, observe and then act – something we all can and should do. The MU branch in the Parish (meeting at Saint Wilfrid’s) is the only branch in the city and we need to think about how we can help it to develop and gain more support. We can all join – men, women, single, married – and we can all support their work throughout the world. If you want more information or have any thoughts on how we might develop, please contact Joy Tagg or one of the Ministry Team.
It was also good to welcome, as a member of the congregation, to the Patronal celebrations Canon Bruce Ruddock. Bruce was Priest in Charge of Saint Wilfrid’s in from 1986 – 1988 and has recently retired to the Chichester area. Thank you, as always, to members of Saint Mary’s Choir for joining us and it was good to celebrate both in worship and over wine, food and chat. A similar combination of food and chat has also been in evidence at the Coffee Mornings and Charity Lunches – thank you to those who continue to support them and to those who work hard to make them possible. We are now preparing for the Christmas Fair which will be on November 25th. If you have items we can sell, or cakes you can bake, or can help on the day, please let us know. Hope we might see you there?!
The advert for the post of Associate Vicar for the Parish, which would also have a role in leading the community at Saint Wilfrid’s, sadly had no applicants. The national situation is that there are far more vacant posts than there are priests looking to move. The 2 weeks that the post was advertised in the National Church Press saw between 80 & 100 posts advertised at the same time. Clergy who have been in ministry a number of years all speak of not remembering so many vacancies being advertised at once. Father Bob is in discussions with the Archdeacon and the Wardens about how best we move forward and they will share their thinking with us over the next few weeks. In the meantime, if you have any thoughts then please do share them with Father Bob and please also remember all involved in this process in your prayers that we may discern the right next step for the Parish and Saint Wilfrid’s.