Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness,
and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6.33
The New Church Council: We now have an excellent new church Council. I know it is excellent, because it was elected by you all, and because the one candidate who just failed to be elected would have been an excellent church council member too. However, there is one problem with the new council: the British are over represented. So, we must all take great care to make sure that all the other groupings in our congregation are properly involved in the life of our church at every possible level. It would be good if we could find more ways to celebrate our glorious cultural diversity, in participation in worship, in music, in activities, etc. I know other chaplaincies have had `Ethnic Sundays', when the worship is in the style of a particular country and when everyone joins in a typical meal from that country. How about it?
The New Curate: We are now expecting Sam Van Leer to join us this summer as our full time curate (= trainee chaplain), with Coretta and baby Francisca. We look forward to Sam and Coretta's ministry with us; and must now start to prepare for their arrival. [Please read the notes on display in the Upper Hall about `expectations' of a curate] We have found an apartment in Bethlehem(!) and when you read this magazine will be beginning to find the necessary furniture for it. Please look out for lists of what is needed in the Upper Hall (& on our web site). We are still looking at further possibilities for funding this post. Part of the money will come from ICS (an English mission Society) and the Diocese. And as for the rest of the money: that is part of our `high five' appeal.
The New Plans for our Building, to Accommodate Growth: This month the Church Council will start to set the priorities for our development programme. This will include creating an extra room over the vestry, and increasing the seating in church by installing a gallery. Watch this space (or talk to a Church Council member).
The Church Council will also be looking at other areas of church life.
Service Planning:
It is likely that a new group, parallel to the one led by Hans Pfyffer, will take over planning some services.
Pastoral Care:
How can we best provide pastoral care for our congregation, and reach out to the English speaking community?
`High Five' - Our Response: Please do two things. First, and most important, please pray: for the new Church Council; for all our staff, whether paid or volunteers; and for God's guidance as to the path we should take. Secondly, consider what you can do to build up the Church. St Paul says that we are "God's building." "Each one should be careful how he [or she] builds." "His work will be shown for what it is." (1 Corinthians 3.7-17) Let us all consider how we can help build up God's temple in us.
Richard Pamplin, April 2002