Letter from the Vicarage
We are on our way. As I write this letter, we are 10 days into the year 2012. 2011 was a significant year for our world, leaving many issues still to be faced in this coming year. So how are we to cope in these uncertain times?
I spent 5 years in a monastery in training for the priesthood.
Each morning we spent thirty minutes in meditation. This exercise enabled us to put our lives and relationships in perspective.
As I get older the need for "pondering" becomes vital in maintaining balance in my perspective in my own life and relationships and the world at large.
Throughout history, men and women have devoted their lives to pondering and have helped humanity by the insights thus gained. One such person was Julian of Norwich who lived in the 14th century. She is particularly remembered for her famous saying,
"All shall be well and all shall be well and all manner of things shall be well."
There is a message for all of us in this 14th century saying -
TO BELIEVE IN OURSELVES TO STAY CALM
TO TAKE ONE DAY AT A TIME
Regards
Jim
CHRISTMAS 2011
Thankfully, all our services were able to go ahead this year as the weather was mild and it was lovely to see so many at them. It's always good to welcome visitors and those who don't normally get to services, particularly when so many of our regular congregations are away for the holiday season.
An added joy was the contribution made to so many of the Christmas services by some of our youngsters who delighted us with their musical prowess, readings and nativity enactment.
Many thanks to all those who contributed in any way to our celebration of Christmas, not least in decorating the churches and clearing away afterwards.
CONFIRMATION
We have been given the date of April 29th at 11am for this year's Confirmation Service. Anyone who would like to be confirmed should contact Anne or Barbara as soon as possible for details. Special provision will be made for any adult candidates.
CAROL SINGING AROUND ESKDALE
We got a lovely night for our Carol Singing around Eskdale and a generous response from the residents. Thank you to all who took part, to those who gave donations and sustenance on the way and, not least, to John and Jenny Prestwood for their warm welcome and generous hospitality at the end of the evening. We raised £187 for the Children's Society.
PARISH PLANNING DAY
Is on Sunday 26th February
Each parish and benefice in the Diocese is being asked to consider ways in which we can build on where we are currently as churches and to plan for the future so that we can be more effective in serving our congregations and communities. The diocese has provided guidelines to help us to do this and asks us to produce our vision for the next few years.
In order to do this, we propose to hold a day when we can explore the issues together.
This will be on Sunday 26th February from 10.30am until 3.30pm at St Bega's, Eskdale Green.
The day will finish with a short communion service to which everyone is welcome, whether or not they have attended the Planning day.
It is hoped that all PCC members will do their best to attend the Day but everyone is invited.
Lunch will be provided and for the purposes of catering, we should be grateful if you could let us know if you are able to come and if you have any dietary requirements.
LENT LUNCHES AND CONVERSATIONS
Lent begins on the 22nd February and throughout March and April we shall be holding our usual series of Conversations and Lent lunches. This year our theme will be "Crime and Punishment" and we can promise some excellent guest speakers to help us explore these Issues. So we hope that you will pencil in Thursday lunchtimes in March and much of April at St Bega's, Eskdale Green to join us in being mentally stimulated and enjoying fellowship and nourishment while raising funds for worthy causes. Anne
BELLRINGING
I have had quite a few people comment to me that they have watched the bellringing programmes on TV over Christmas. This seemed to have caused quite a bit of interest! Is there anyone who used to ring bells and would like to take It up again, or anyone who would like to learn to ring the church bells? If either applies, please contact Kathleen Egglestone (daytime) on 019467 24335, or Vic Goodwin (evenings) on 019467 24274.