The Vicar writes………
We enter the New Year with optimism, based on a good 2017 which amongst the highlights saw a successful appeal, some new faces come into our church and an increase in our ministry to all ages.
More recently, the month of December was very active as we celebrated Advent and Christmas. We are grateful to David Tredwell and Steven Benson for playing the organ at the two carol services which allowed Hilary to conduct our informal music group. At the start of Advent the toy collection for the East Cheshire Homestart was very well supported and later the Salvation Army Christmas Concert was a success, both in a spiritual and financial perspective. It was a joy to see so many children come to the Christmas Workshop and to give them the opportunity to worship and do activities which were appropriate to their age. The resultant display with the heavenly host of angels over Bethlehem was used for Sunflowers the next day and provided a scene in the South Aisle which we could all appreciate.
So many churches now offer innovative ways to share the good news with young families to help them to grow in faith, but I do believe it is important try and align this ministry within the context of Sunday worship and being part of a loving church family. A good number of us also went to Sharston House to lead a carol service there, and the pastoral ministry through a monthly service there, is growing too.
The Christmas Services were well attended, particularly the Christingle. Despite many of our church family being away on holidays we saw many visitors come to St Cross for the celebration of Christ’s birth and to hear the good news. And so after a busy but rewarding December I am looking forward to 2018 with prayerful faith and confidence, and to ongoing renewal in the church, with the growth of our gifts and ministries facilitating this.
Yours in His Service
Paul