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Dear Friends
Earlier this Year in my annual report I wrote about a
time of transition. I am really encouraged to say that a number of these
transitions have now taken place. It’s tremendous to welcome Johannes
(Jan) Nobel and his wife Majimcha to the parishes of Norton and
Roseworth. As I am sure you are aware they are both Dutch. Jan has now
moved into the St Chad’s vicarage and at the time of writing we are
looking forward to his ordination at the end of June. We are planning
two services of welcome. Jan’s family will be joining us for Evening
Prayer 29 June at 6.00pm. We will then have a further welcome for them
both at the Locality Holy Communion service on Sunday 13 July, again at
St Mary’s. As Jan joins us its good to remind ourselves that he is a
curate in training. Jan and Majimcha come with a great deal to offer and
their presence will enrich our community, but they will need time to
settle and find their feet. We anticipate that they will be with us for
between three and four years. During that time Jan will need to gain a
variety of experiences in our parish life, both within Church and in the
wider community. Please do take every opportunity to make this young
couple welcome. I encourage you to pray for them, support them and offer
them hospitality.
Secondly I am really pleased to announce that Anthony
Britton has accepted the role as organist and choir master at St Mary’s.
Anthony comes to us with experience of leading the Church music at
Newton Aycliffe. A young man in his twenties Anthony also plays brass
instruments and the bag pipes. In many ways we are blessed to have
Anthony join us. We look forward to him building on the work that Andrew
Kingscote did with the choir over the last 18 months. If any one is
interested in being part of the choir this might be a really good time
to join.
Our thanks go to Ben Shaw for all his hard as he leaves
us in the summer. At the May PCC we decided to use the money set aside
in the Church budget to seek to appoint a part time Youth Worker. I am
pleased that Sophie Yates, who has already been working as a volunteer
at St Mary’s, is to be that worker. Sophie will work with the Young
people of Norton, particularly those linked with St Mary’s and also in a
number of local schools. Sophie will remain linked with Tees valley
Youth for Christ.
I commend each of these individuals to you as we continue
to seek God’s Kingdom in this place.
Love and prayers
Norman Shave. |
