The Beaminster Area Team
From The Hub Covid – 19 Weekly Update Friday 4th September, 2020
So another week has passed and the much delayed first two Annual Parochial Meetings have taken place, with a further ten to be held over the next three weeks. I am always saddened and frustrated that already we are seeing the trend of the past years taking place – that is very small attendances and predominantly just current PCC members turning up to re-elect themselves back into office and already vacancies into roles are growing. Also, and predictably, the financial positions going forward into 2021 are forecasted as being unsustainable without a serious stewardship commitment from the whole of our parishes in their widest sense.
I am grateful to those churches who have informed me about their intentions to open or remain closed, but as of this morning I have not heard from eight churches and I would be grateful if you could indicate this to me so that I can ask Harry to update the information on the website and on A Church Near You. In general we are not seeing large numbers either using the churches that are open for prayer or as visitors to look around. However, I would be grateful for a response to my request of last week.
The Dorset Historic Churches annual Ride and Stride event will soon be upon us and we have a number of people taking part across the team including Fiona, Charles Jullens from Netherbury, David and Sarah French from Stoke Abbott, Andrew Boggis from Hooke and Melplash. If you would feel able to sponsor them please contact them. Half of what is raised goes to their local Parish Church with the other half going to the DHCT who have been very generous to our churches over the years.
Jo and Fiona are back on duty this coming week and we will be meeting to consider options for the autumn and Christmas season, major services, and how we may be able to hold these within the present guidelines. We will share our thoughts with the Team Council which I can convene once the APCMs are completed.
Please continue to hold Elfrida in your prayers as she awaits the results of her recent brain scan. Also Fiona as she prepares for her much delayed ordination to the Priesthood on Saturday 26th September, now in Weymouth having been moved firstly from Salisbury to Bridport. Rita Quemard has asked me to extend her grateful thanks for all the kind wishes she received following Bob’s death and funeral service last week. Remember to pray for our schools returning this week under very difficult safety guidelines.
David
Here is the Weekly Share Sheet. Feel free to download to share or print with those that do not have access to the material online.
2020-09-06-Weekly-News