March 2002

From the Vicarage

I write to you following a week on retreat at a wonderful Franciscan Friary at Alnmouth on the North East coast. Whilst you had torrential rain here, I suffered a few heavy showers in the midst of glorious sunshine. I spent much of my time there in prayer, both with the Friars at their daily services, but also sat watching the sun rise over the bay and walking along the beach. A few days away helps to get things into perspective and to prepare for the season of Lent.

As the Priest of the parish, my primary responsibility is the spiritual care of people, hence the need to ensure that my own spirit is refreshed and tuned in to God. During this season of Lent I encourage you to take time out to reconsider your priorities and to listen to God. What is he calling you to do? Or, even, to stop doing? There are many opportunities during Lent and Holy Week to spend time in prayer and worship. I've also written a couple of articles in the magazine to assist you in reflection and meditation (Holy Week according to Mark's Gospel and a Holy Week Meditation - both to be posted online within the next few days).

If God is calling you to a closer relationship with him then you might consider attending the Step by Step course which begins at the end of March. This is a fifteen week look at the basics of the Christian faith which can be used as revision or as preparation for Confirmation. If you are interested then pick up a green leaflet from the back of church.

Needless to say, I was disappointed to find so much wrong with our lovely building. We have very good facilities here at St. Matthew's. But, just as we need to keep our spiritual lives in good order, we also need to keep our building in good order. Elsewhere you will find an article by Mary Spredbury about the building. My main concern is that at present we have no financial reserves. Please pray about this situation and if you are able to, then please review your own giving to the church. And if you pay tax then please, please fill in a Gift Aid form.

I'm sorry if this seems to bring my letter to an end on a low note. But, the Christian faith is very much about taking one step at a time along the road of faith with Jesus by our side to guide us on our way. There are always temptations and distractions but we need to fix our eyes firmly on the author and perfecter of our faith, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Please continue to pray for me as I will for you.
With my love and prayers,
- Sue

March 2002

Our Building Needs You

The "old" part of the building (the lounge, hall and Lady Chapel), however, is over 140 years old and even the "new" part (the main part) is over 100 years old. History

So far we have spent over £5,000 trying to put the electrics right and we may need to spend several thousand pounds more before we are finished. In addition during the recent heavy rain I had a phone call from the Vicar letting me know that it was raining inside the church! A building firm has now put up scaffolding so they can get up on the roof and check out what the problem is. We have also had problems with the boilers, which has meant three visits from the heating engineers so far and will cost at least £1,000 (and maybe more).

We are also aware that the stonework around the windows is crumbling in places, the font lid is splitting apart... and the list goes on.

As a parish we have no reserves to cover this sort of work and usually only have a couple of thousand pounds at most in the bank. We are therefore opening a building appeal fund and Sue will be talking about this one Sunday. We are appealing to everyone to give generously to this to fund the work we are already hoping to do and for future work. Details of how to give will be available in church. Please think hard about how much you will be able to give to make our church warm, dry and safe for the future.

- Mary Spredbury