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t’s good to have an opportunity to thank everyone for
their fantastic support in the past year, from the churchwardens, Carron Jones and
Paul Irvine, the deputy wardens, Jane Langley, Nigel Hall and Tom Lang, and the
standing committee, to the PCC, our treasurer Mel White and to everyone who has
contributed in any way. It really has been exciting to see what has been
achieved in the last 12 months.
I have no
doubt that the Holy Spirit and prayer have played a big part in all that has happened.
Seeing our
congregation grow is impressive and isn’t it great to see so many children coming
to church?
Easter and
Christmas were truly amazing, and my thanks go to our Mums and Tots group which
is very successful, also the continual work with the Voyagers and their team of
leaders Kath Lang, Amanda Campbell and Pam Soo.
Our ministry
team, which is working well together and is a great bonus to the church, which
includes Ruth Calcott, Peter Ham, Jill Rawcliffe and Nigel Hall, and I must not
forget Rev’d John Harrison, our associate vicar.
There have
been many wonderful additions this year to our church life. Among them are Messy
Church, which is one of the largest in the diocese, and is truly ‘messy’ and a
great success.
Working with
Holy Trinity School continues to bear fruit and our Family Praise services are developing
and growing.
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ast year Hoylake hosted the Open golf championship and we took our
opportunity to create our golfing-based Prayer Labyrinth, which was an oasis
for many, drawing a large number of people, who would normally never have come
into the church, for prayer and reflection. So again, a very special event. Well
done to all who helped in any way. The labyrinth really helped to up the
profile of St Hildeburgh’s both within our community and far beyond, as we
welcomed people from all over the world. And we mustn’t forget the hog-roast
which provided a fitting conclusion to the labyrinth. Thank you to all who
helped on the day and, of course, a big thank-you to Nancy Fraser and Liz Roberts,
who really made the labyrinth come to life.
Our Bacon Butty
Breakfast outreach began slowly but has gained momentum, has spread into the
community and is becoming well known. This has followed on from our Soup &
Sandwich lunches, now into the second year and, with the addition of the quarterly
service for our care homes and carers, has become very popular. Long may it
continue.
We must not
forget the Christmas tree festival, which is now a regular part of church life
and is loved by the whole community. Thanks must go to Sue Wells and her GAP
Social Group for all the careful planning which should not be taken for
granted. Similarly, we should appreciate the work of the GAP Communication
Group and, again, thanks to Peter Surridge and his team of helpers for all they
do.
Such a lot of
work goes into maintaining the grounds and Peter also, with others, plays a big
part in keeping the grounds looking great.
Lifeboat
Sunday continues and is an important part of our ministry as we give thanks for the
work of the crew and all they do for the community. It is always now followed
by the barbecue at the Vicarage which continues to grow and create exciting
fellowship.
The church is working more closely with the community which generates a
healthy church. This was the basis of our Vision document which should keep us
well focused up to 2020. My thanks goes to all who were involved.
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peaking of thanks, I must say a massive thank-you to Jenny White for her work
as PCC secretary for 15 years.
We have managed
to fill the church with our new chairs which has been a wonderful addition to
the look and feel of the church.
To help us
grow in faith and discipleship we have run a number of courses to help increase
our understanding of the Bible. These courses have been well received and will
continue.
Jesus was our
supreme example of going about and helping those in need and I hope that in
some way we are trying to do that. What is happening in church seems to
indicate that we are moving the right direction.
I can’t
stress how much we have moved forward as a worshipping community and have been
overwhelmed by everyone’s support.
What stands
out for me is the enthusiasm to let God lead us and for us to listen and be
willing to trust in our Saviour as we continue to grow our church.
Finally, the Bishop
of Chester has again recognised Hoylake as a parish suitable for training
curates. Next year we will share in the training of Karl Williams, a stipendiary
curate, who will spend time with us experiencing our parish life. He will spend
the rest of his time at St John’s but we will have a flexible working
arrangement so we can give him a wide and varied training.
My thanks go
to every one of you and let us look forward together to another wonderful 12
months. May God bless us as we move forward as one.
Your friend, Rev’d Paul
From my report to the
Annual Parochial Church Meeting, 15 April 2015
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