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November 2022 November 2022
BISHOP’S LETTER

By The Rt Revd Karen Gorham , Bishop of Sherborne
A WARM WELCOME

It has been so encouraging to see, following the death of our beloved Queen,
people finding comfort and solace in our church buildings and within our liturgies.
The ability to say a prayer, light a candle or remember a loved one are enabled
by our open doors and warm welcomes.
I have met a number of people these last few weeks who have particularly
commented on the welcome they have received within our churches. Such was
the welcome that they decided to stay, became involved and grew in faith as a
result. That is wonderful testimony to God in action, as we look out for the stranger
and the searcher with the eyes of Christ and share with them the joy, love, hope
and hospitality of the Gospel.
November is traditionally the month for remembrance, so the continued desire for
individuals, perhaps with delayed grief following the Covid years, to find
expression in Christian ritual within our churches will continue. Yet Christ’s
command to love extends far beyond those who come into our buildings, and
includes looking outwards providing for those in need, by sharing what we have,
and welcoming in the least, the last and the lost.

This winter the Warm Spaces initiative invites us to partner with others in our town
and villages to offer a welcome place for all those desiring shelter, warmth, and Dorset Property Care
company. It may be that we support an initiative in our local village hall or library, Allan Slater
or it may mean we invite others to help us provide that space in our churches Based in Briantspuddle
buildings which are already being heated for worship.  Services
As Thomas Long writes in his book ‘Beyond the Worship Wars “We show hospitality  Building maintenance
to strangers not merely because they need it, but because we need it, too. The General joinery
stranger at the door is the living symbol and memory that we are all strangers 
here. This is not our house, our table, our food, our lodging; this is God's house,  Garden maintenance
table, food, and lodging. By God’s grace we are all welcome.’  Garden landscaping
Bishop Karen  Kitchens
 Man and digger hire
 Waste carrier licence

07973 158092

allan@dorsetpropertycare.co.uk
www.dorsetpropertycare.co.uk

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