December 2007 Benefice Newsletter
A MESSAGE FROM FR MICHAEL RUFF
My dear friends,
Soon the sombre season of Advent will give way to the joyfulness that accompanies the great Feast of Christmas. The Services for Christmastide are listed on the last page of this Newsletter. This season presents us all with the opportunity not only to come together to worship God ourselves, but also to invite family members and friends, who may not attend church regularly, to join us in celebrating the Incarnation of the Son of God.
As well as the great choral services please don’t forget the quieter mood of the Low Masses which will take place in St Mary's on the days immediately following Christmas Day, that is, the Feast Days of St Stephen, St John the Evangelist and the Holy Innocents. It remains my hope for the New Year that the number of people supporting the weekday masses will continue to grow.
At this time of the year we recall the gospel stories of Jesus’ birth and the words of many carols which assure us of God’s presence with us; of His closeness to us and His love for us. For some, this past year will have been a time of great sadness, for others, one of great joy, and for most, a time of mixed blessings. Through all these changing scenes of life the Christmas message is that of Emmanuel, God with us. And, if we feel far from Him , let us listen to the words of Scripture and sing our carols and allow ourselves to experience once more the peace of God that passes all understanding.
I wish you all a truly blessèd Christmas.
All best wishes
Michael Ruff
News
Confirmation. Five members of St Mary’s congregation were Confirmed by the Bishop of Grantham on Sunday 4 November in All Saints’ Church. We welcome Andrew Mann, Aaron, Amber, Ciara and Gabrielle Dickson to the communicant life of the Church.
The baby daughter of Paul and Rachel Kendik, Holly Jane, was baptised during High Mass on Sunday 14 October.
The Funeral Service of Fr Adrian Sheasby took place in St Guthlac’s church, Market Deeping,on Tuesday 20 November. We remember Fr Adrian with affection and gratitude and pray that he may rest in peace.
Fr Michael conducted the Funeral Service of Colin Lynch in St Mary’s on Wednesday 12 December. Colin’s widow, Caroline, is the daughter of Arthur and Pam Sharpe. We pray for Colin and his family at this difficult time.
Members of the congregation, especially those who attend weekday masses, will have noticed the new lectern fall in the Corpus Christi chapel. This is a gift from Canon Donald Gray to mark the fiftieth anniversary of his Ordination to the Sacred Priesthood.
The Harvest lunch took place in Tinwell Hall on Sunday 23 September. Over forty members of the congregation attended and much enjoyed the various casseroles and delicious puddings. Our thanks go to Gill and Sarah Dickson and their helpers.
At a recent PCC meeting Helen Drake reported on the various fund raising events she had organised throughout the year and thanks were expressed to her. She is keen to receive new ideas and help for next year’s programme. And despite inclement weather, the Christmas Stall on 8 December raised well over £200.
Our hearing loop has been approved by the Archdeacon and will be installed by Keystone Sound Systems early in the New Year.
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September 2007 Benefice Newsletter
A MESSAGE FROM FR MICHAEL RUFF
My Dear Friends,
It seems hard to believe that a whole year has passed since I came to be your priest. Parish visiting has been a priority for me and I have been heartened by the modest increase in the number of people attending services. The introduction of coffee on Sunday mornings has also greatly enhanced the spirit of fellowship amongst members of the congregation. We now need to consolidate these gains and work hard to build up the body of Christ in this place.
I am keen to visit those who once attended Church but are no longer able to because of age or infirmity. It is one of the privileges of being a priest that one is authorised to take the Blessed Sacrement to people in their homes. If you know of anyone who might appreciate this do talk to them about it and let me know.
Those looking for an opportunity to serve Christ in a practical way might like to know about the work of the Evergreen care Trust. It was founded by Louise Marsh just over two years ago to help local churches care for their elderly and vulnerable adults. More volunteers are needed to assist in the work of the Trust. There are many different ways to get involved from helping to serve meals at one of the local lunch venues or visiting and befriending a lonely person. If you would like to help please speak to me or contact Renee Simpson on 01780 765900
All best wishes
Michael Ruff
News
Callum Horder, the son of Nicola and Francis,was baptised during High Mass on Sunday 15 July and Basil Hooson, the son of Ben and Tamara, was baptised on Sunday 7 October.
There were two Weddings during August. Stuart Collins, Anne Collin's grandson, and Madeline Miller were married on Saturday 11 August and Rowena Barney and Daniel Crowley on Saturday 18 August.
Father Michael has recently conducted the Funeral Services of two well known members of the congregation. Peggy Cole's Funeral was on Friday 8 June and Helen White's on Wednesday 13 June. Elizabeth Jean Barr's Funeral was on Tuesday 10 July. May they Rest in Peace.
The fine wrought iron handrail for the pulpit made by Bowmans is now in place, the statue of Our Lady has returned after treatment and looks splendid with its new matt wax finish and the Sanctuary now boasts a proper thurible stand; we are grateful to Morris Felton for this gift.
Plans for the Harvest Lunch after High Mass on Sunday 23 September in Tinwell Village Hall were carried out very successfully and everyone enjoyed themselves. The next parish lunch is on 16 December (See Social Events page for details).
St Mary's Patronal festival was on Thursday 31 May and Fr Alan Parkinson, an old friend of Fr Michael's, preached at the evening High Mass. There was a good attendance and refreshments were served after the Service.
Our parish "taxi" service is now in operation. Further offers to drive, or requests for lifts to Church, should be made to Sarah Dickson who is the organiser.