Page 2 - January 2017

January 2017 January 2017
DATES FOR
So what of the future? What are your hopes for 2017? Another of my favourite
sayings, attributed to Bill Keane, is “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery,
today is a gift of God, which is why we call it the present.” As you look into the YOUR DIARY
future, do you do so with joyous anticipation? There are concerns about many

different situations in the world, with changes of direction or over leadership and
only time will tell how they work out. As Christians, we have a part to play in 2017
expressing our opinions but, I would suggest even more importantly, we must pray
that those who take decisions will be in accord with God’s plan for his world.
Nothing is impossible for God and he is able to guide even those who don’t January
acknowledge his existence. When Christians talk about hope, this is not some 10th Floral Group, AGM, followed by tea and cakes 2.00pm
vague optimism but strong assurance that God is in charge. Perhaps one of our
New Year resolutions could be to believe that more strongly! February
One of the things that we can do practically is to make plans (even if we have to 14th Floral Group, workshop - Hearts and Flowers 2.00pm
be humble enough to accept that they may have to change). In our two
churches, it is important to look at ways in which our joint ministry can be made March
even more effective. I am aware that my role supposedly working just two days
and Sundays is not really viable in these parishes and I feel motivated to do all 14th Floral Group - Women of Influence 2.00pm
that I do (instead, having two days off a week). This House-for-Duty pattern (which
means my payment is the use of the beautiful Vicarage) will be continued after April
me for the foreseeable future.
11th Floral Group - Creative Creations 2.00pm
There are different ways in which ‘lay’ people can share in the ministry of the 29th Annual Church coach trip - Baliol College, Oxford
Church. There will be leaflets in the churches outlining what these can be. They
include training to lead worship, to assist with pastoral care (generally known as May
LPAs – Lay Pastoral Assistant) as well as Local Lay Ministers and Ordained Local
Ministers. We are fortunate to have some people filling these roles and to them I 9th Floral Group - Fusion 2.00pm
would say a big Thank you! But I would ask everyone to consider whether or not 28th Briantspuddle Open Gardens
you could offer yourself for these roles. I would be delighted to talk to you about
that possibility! Training is offered of course and I am sure that anyone would June
agree that it is essential. 13th Floral Group - Room to Room 2.00pm
There are all sorts of ways in which people contribute to the life of the Churches 18th Garden Club - Open Gardens, Bere Regis
and as we pass from one year to another, I want, on behalf of all of us, to express
our appreciation and our gratitude for all you do, especially our good friend and July
colleague, Bob Naylor. The Annual meetings will come along in the Spring and
that will be a time to elect our churchwardens. Personally, I hope that most will be 11th Floral Group - TBA 2.00pm
happy to serve for another year but we shall need someone new in Bere Regis.
August
God bless you all in 2017 and may we all find a new depth of meaning to life!
Bank holiday weekend Flower Festival for Cancer charities
Your loving Priest and friend

September
12th Floral Group - Two of a Kind 2.00pm

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