Vision 2030

Last Sunday's review of the Vision 2030 responses was very positive. There were many suggestions for development on display; some relatively minor and others which would take more time and resources to implement. A large number of people became engaged in the job of deciding where to begin and which items had the most support. The next stage will be a working lunch after the service on Sunday 25th February where we will be working out how to put the first selected items into practice. These will involve all of us in different ways and so we hope that as many people as possible will join us for the lunch. Once again, it will not be a long drawn-out session.

Louise, Tim, Liz, Shirley, Sylvia and Peter.

What's going on around St Mary's

Communion will be received at the High altar: anyone who is used to receiving Communion in any church is invited to do so here. The service will be followed by Fairtrade tea and coffee served at the hatch in the North Aisle: everyone is invited to stay.  

Quiz Night: A big thankyou is due to Marcus and Janet Catling for their input into our Quiz Night on Friday, and to Liz and Sue Davies for organising the food.  It was an excellent evening.  We raised
£459.70 – the best result ever!

APCM: congratulations to Jane Eastwood and Sue Davies on being elected to the PCC, to Peter Edwards for his election to Church Warden and to Liz Roodhouse for her re-election.  A big thankyou to Tony Stearn, who will be stepping down as Church Warden after seven years, and to Linda and Justin Gartland as their term of office in the PCC ends.

Advance Notice: we have been invited to Bolton Priory for their Ascension Day service at 7pm on Thursday 10^th May – Louise will be preaching. On the 20^th May we are hosting a Pentecost Songs of Praise at 4.30pm after our annual Two-Parish Pilgrimage from Bolton Priory which starts at 2pm.

Christian Aid Week, 13-19^th May. Embsay with Eastby has continued to hold a door to door collection during Christian Aid Week, even though some places have stopped doing so.  David and Margareta Batchelor are co-ordinating the collection this year, and would be very grateful for offers of help.  Please let Louise know if you are willing to be a collector.

Diocesan Lay Conference on June 9^th, Harrogate Convention Centre.  This is going to be a major event in the life of the Diocese, with delegates from every Episcopal Area gathered together to learn, share and be inspired.  There is a range of stimulating speakers and ‘self-select’ sessions, and an opportunity to hear of the latest plans in the diocese to support and encourage lay people.  We have three places allocated to us – please let Louise know as soon as possible if you are interested in going.

Songs of Praise at Pentecost: it’s time to start thinking about your favourite Pentecost hymns!  If you want to choose a hymn please let Louise have the title and your name in writing, ( email is fine) and be prepared to say or write about 100 words about why you have chosen it.