February 2008 - Vol 30 No. 2

Dear Friends
I want to begin my letter this month by saying how much I have appreciated the contribution the Reverend Mary Essex has made in her time with us. She has been a supportive colleague and a valued member of our staff team. I know that many parishioners have been helped and encouraged by her ministry. We shall be sorry to say ‘farewell’ to Mary and will miss her. I am sure everyone will want to join in wishing her God’s blessing as she prepares for her licensing on 9th March at Kirkby Woodhouse.

In the neighbouring benefice of Sutton Bonington and Normanton-on-Soar warm tributes were paid to the Reverend Julia Palmer as she left for her new post in Sutton-in-Ashfield. The departure of two colleagues means that from mid February, for a time at least, the Reverend Steve Osman (Priest in Charge of the Gotham Group) and I will be responsible between us for oversight of twelve parishes. We are involved in discussions about future ministry needs and the possibility of a part-time colleague. At one time each parish had its own incumbent. Now, all over the country, parishes are grouping together, or developing new patterns of ministry to meet the challenges ahead. The reduction in clergy numbers has come about because ordinations are being exceeded by the number of retirements. I must pay tribute here to the invaluable support given by retired clergy. However, their ability and willingness to help is a bonus and not something we should rely on.

With fewer clergy, there will be more opportunities for lay involvement. The New Testament emphasis on the priesthood of all believers is something we would do well to reflect on. Some people think that the Holy Spirit is leading us into a more biblical pattern of every member ministry. It is important to discern and encourage the gifts of our laity. As lay people develop their gifts in the life of the Church, some will feel called to various authorised ministries. Lay Readers have made and, I trust, will continue to make a vital contribution to the ministry and mission of the Church. In the past few years we have also welcomed the contribution of Recognised Lay Ministers.

Over the past few years links have been forged across parish boundaries, working together as a ‘Cluster’ to appoint a youth worker, and to arrange joint ventures such as Alpha and Emmaus courses. Since last autumn a Cluster Strategic Planning Group has met under the chairmanship of our Area Dean, the Reverend Steve Jarratt, to seek God’s guidance for shaping the future. The group is making various recommendations to our PCCs. There is much work still to be done. Whilst the group sees the need to adapt and change, and recognises that some difficult decisions will have to be made, it is committed to seeking a way forward that will ensure pastoral care and provision for worship in all our villages.

I believe that in and through all this we must learn to rely less on our own resources and more on the grace of God, remembering that Jesus said, “With God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26, Mark 10:27, Luke 18:27)
With my love and prayers
Glynis Hetherington