A Word from
Brian
Now that we are well in to the New Year perhaps, it is appropriate to look
back for a while, reflect on 2011, and look forward to our aspirations for
2012.
First I and the PCC are so very grateful for the help and support which we
received from the Parish in general and our worshipers in particular.
Without that help we certainly could not have provided the worship we have
done and on such a sincere and devoted basis. The number of people who
contribute in large or smaller parts to the life of our Church (and there
are many who go over and above the call of duty) are many who employ their
own particular talents for the Church. I think of the major festivals which
I know we all enjoy and offer our thanks to God in such a spiritual way that
brings us closer together in our work for the Church. I am thinking
particularly of the “flower arrangers” for example who provide such
wonderful floral arrangements and produce such meaningful and tasteful
displays. I think of Old Langho, which is kept in such a clean way, and oh!
what wonderful services we had down there at Christmas, to everyone who
braved the Arctic conditions to circulate our “Christmas Flyer” so that
nearly every household in the Parish received one through their letterbox,
this no doubt encouraged a number of “new faces” to join our worship, some
of whom now appear to be regular worshippers with us.
I have recently calculated the average attendance over 2011, not just for
our own interest but it is a necessary requirement for the Annual Church
Report to be presented at the Annual Vestry and Parish Meetings which we
shall be holding on Sunday the 4th March at 9.30am (between
Services) and I am pleased to report that it appears we have increased in
numbers which is very pleasing. However, what is not so pleasing is the
apparent reduction in our giving. I have spoken at some length with our
Honorary Church Accountant and we are both concerned about the situation. We
can understand some of the reasons, e.g. the current economic situation, but
you know we still have to pay our way to keep the Church going and we
certainly want the new Incumbent to come into a vibrant, happy, and
well-maintained Church – debt free!
Our progress in 2011 has not been down to just one person it has been a team
effort from the Church Wardens down and I am sure that God is looking down
on us and saying well-done in keeping my House and Congregation in Langho
and Billington in such good shape. However, we must place on record of our
special thanks to Canon Norman Atty who has made such a wonderful
contribution to our worship and has provided the consistency, which we were
afraid of losing – thank you Norman.
As for 2012, the latest movement in the appointment of the new Incumbent
took place at the beginning of last month when the Diocese, at last,
advertised the post on the Diocesan Website. This, at least, means that the
word will get about, but applicants will have to be interviewed and all that
goes on with applicants, such as giving notice to their current Parish or
other appointments, which can take a few months. All in all, it could mean
that sometime in mid – summer we could see a new face in the pulpit and we
sincerely pray to God that the right man, or woman, will come forward for
selection and guide us further along the road to Glory with God.
So let us go forward with joy in our hearts looking ahead to a new dawn at
St. Leonards sometime this year. We already have events to look forward to,
Easter is not far away, we are having a Confirmation Service next month and
the prospect of welcoming a new Vicar for the Parish with the Licensing
Service which is always a wonderful occasion so again, and we repeat “let
us go on, with joy in our hearts”.
Brian.
