Dear members of the All Saints family,
GREAT NEWS
We have recently received the official NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT confirming that Rev Craig Gaudion is to be the Vicar of All Saints. We appreciate that most people will have known that since late May but it’s only recently that it has been possible for it to be made official. Craig will be instituted by The Bishop of Chester at All Saints on Sunday 26th September at 7pm. The Archdeacon of Chester will induct Craig during that Service.
His induction will complete what has felt like a very long appointment process. We know that there has been rejoicing and much hopeful expectation amongst the church family at the prospect of Craig and his family joining us. Please pray that nothing, for example an upsurge in Covid 19 cases, will prevent this service going ahead as planned. Also pray that nothing will get in the way of Craig, Gemma and the children being given an enthusiastic and warm welcome to Hoole.
OTHER CHURCH NEWS
- The news of Bill Morgan’s death will now be known by most All Saints people. It is natural to feel sad about this, but Bill himself would want us to rejoice with him that he is now in his spiritual home with his Lord and Saviour and, in Bill’s words, is united with his dear wife Freda. The funeral will take place on Wednesday 28th July and will initially be at the crematorium followed by a service in church at 11.30am. Further details will be shared in due course.
- We had a great time being entertained by our own Narrative Theatre Company last Saturday. Thanks to Emma and her team for such a professional production and to the cast for their story writing, great acting and obvious enthusiasm. We can’t wait for what follows.
- The PCC, at its meeting on Monday, took the advice of those responsible for health and safety and decided that following the lifting of many of the Covid 19 restrictions on 19th July no changes can be made at the moment to how we worship. All the restrictions that we have previously embraced will have to remain in place until our church risk assessments have been reviewed. The PCC decided that before doing that a consultation with the church family will be undertaken. So be prepared and do respond. How you do respond could be crucial to how we worship for the foreseeable future. Your opinion is important. If this is completed before 26th September the risk assessment will have to be approved by the rural dean; if it is after that date Craig will be the one who signs it off.
OUR GOD IS A GOD OF HOPE – Hallelujah!
Hope is an optimistic state of mind and even though there has been a lot of fear linked to Covid 19, I, John, have not heard anyone saying that they are not hoping that the pandemic will come to an end soon so that they can get out and about and mix freely. Christians have hopes similar to everyone else, but the Bible teaches and our experience tells us, that there is a different dimension to the hope that comes from God. Our hope, in its many forms, comes primarily from our having experienced new birth resulting from the death and resurrection of Jesus. 1 Peter 3-“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
So, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Rom 15:13
Much blessing to you all.
John Chester and Andy Creeth, Churchwardens