Page 2 - BR-May-2018

May 2018 May 2018

In our village parishes, so many people make their own contributions and so often
I hear about wonderful acts of kindness and on-going good neighbourliness; DATES FOR
village life has so much to offer and to celebrate. I find it so sad when people
move into a village but want no part in its community life.
There is a role in the Church called ‘Lay Pastoral Assistant’ and you will see on our YOUR DIARY
inside cover that we have two in Affpuddle parish who are able to play a very
useful role. In Bere Regis, we now only have one and I am wondering if any of you 2018
have thought about fulfilling this position. There is a course where you can learn
more about what might be involved, but how much you do thereafter depends
on your own time and inclination. If you feel this could possibly be for you, please 21st WI, Birthday Celebration Service

speak either to me or to someone already involved, without any sense of
commitment.
September
The image of the local Church humourously suggested by the Emmaus course 5th Mothers’ Union talk by Ted Cox Farm Crisis Network 2.00 p.m.
used to be one of a big double-decker bus with the Vicar as the driver and the 11th Floral Group, Anne Clark
Treasurer as the ticket-collector and everyone on board having a great time – or
possibly criticising the driving! The local Church may have been like that but now 12th Autumn Leaves, 47th Birthday Tea, Vikki Mayo
it is of a family where different people have different roles but that everyone 15th Bere Regis Alzheimer’s Memory Walk
works for the common good. This gives me an opportunity to thank everyone for 19th WI, Creature Teachers
what they do; you are really valued and we thank you. 28th Macmillan Coffee Morning, Lower Hall 10.00am-12.00noon

My father was a Vicar, as many of you know. For the majority of his ministry he had
a parish of rather less than 1000 people with another added on towards the end October
of his time of about 150. In those days too there was not much paperwork. This
meant he was able to spend much of his time visiting and in a pastoral role. He 3rd Mothers’ Union Holy Communion, the Vicar 2.00 p.m.
had sermons to prepare, services to take of course and there was still time to 9th Floral Group, Annette Parker workshop
study and to pray. I wonder sometimes what he would have made of my ministry. 10th Autumn Leaves, Stewart Timbrell
In my last post, I had eight parishes but had the support of a team of priests and 13th An Evening with Rapport and Presentations
others, so my role was largely that of a manager. Now, I am supposedly part-time 13th Mother’s Union Autumn Council and AGM, Durweston
as a ‘House-for-Duty Priest and I have the help of a Ministry Team which meets
every few weeks...but there is still not time to do all that I would like to do by the 17th WI, Care in the Community
way of pastoral care and visiting. As another priest said to me the other day, it 19th Purbeck Film Festival Briantspuddle Village Hall 7.30 p.m.
could be described as the ‘Frustration of the parish priest’.

However, I hope you all know that if you want me to visit you or indeed to bring November
Holy Communion to you if you are not well, it is an absolutely priority in my life, so
in spite of what I have said, I am saddened when people say ‘you are so busy’. 7th Mothers’ Union AGM and Bring and Buy 2.00p.m.
‘Time for things’ is always a matter of priority. 13th Floral Group, Michael Bowyer, (Tarrant Keynston)
14th Autumn Leaves, Hilary Foggo
Most of all, in this continuing Easter-time let us find joy and peace in what we do in Fundraising Raffle for Children in Need
these villages!
21st WI, Christmas Sweets and Treats
Your loving Priest and friend,

December
5th Mothers’ Union Christmas Party 2.00 p.m.

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