Our Annual Parochial Church Meetings were held on 22nd March, offering a valuable opportunity to reflect on the past year and to look ahead with hope and faith. It was a time marked by thanksgiving, gratitude, and renewed commitment to our shared life as the Church.

Above all, we gave thanks to God for another fruitful year in the life of our churches. We have been richly blessed, and it is with grateful hearts that we recognise the many ways in which God has sustained us. Through worship, prayer, and acts of charity, we have continued to live out our calling as a Christian community. Despite challenges, we have remained steadfast, supporting one another and deepening our faith together.
During the meeting, we also took time to give special thanks to those who have offered so much of themselves to church life and are now stepping down from their roles. We are deeply grateful to Barbara, Jacqui, Doris, and Libby for their dedication, faithfulness, and the countless ways they have served. Their contributions have been invaluable, and they leave a lasting legacy within our parish.

At the same time, we were delighted to welcome others into new roles within the life of the church. Andy, Val, John, Ros, and George have generously stepped forward to serve, and we thank them for their willingness to offer their time, gifts, and energy. Alongside those who continue in their roles, we are truly blessed by the richness of talent and commitment within our congregation. It is through these shared gifts that we continue to experience the joy of the Gospel in our midst.

We also noted with gratitude that our safeguarding commitment continues to be maintained at the highest level. This remains a vital part of our life together, ensuring that our churches are safe, welcoming, and supportive spaces for all.

Financially, there are encouraging signs of stability. This is due in no small part to the generous and consistent giving within both the church and the wider community. We give thanks for this spirit of generosity, which enables the ongoing mission and ministry of our parish.

As part of our reflections, we acknowledged that we are continually discerning how best to offer our worship and our lives to God. This has, at times, required sacrifice, and we remain mindful of this. Yet in all things, we seek God’s guidance, praying that we may continue to grow in faith and find new ways to encourage others to encounter God more deeply and to build a living relationship with Christ.
A matter of concern raised during the meeting related to recent tensions within the town, where different political groups have sought to use the Christian faith for their own purposes. As a church, we reaffirm our commitment to remain rooted firmly in the faith of Christ; grounded in prayer, love, and service; rather than aligning ourselves with any political agenda. It was also noted, with some disappointment, that our statement on this matter had been altered when reported in the Evening Mail, which we feel may have contributed to further misunderstanding. Nevertheless, we remain resolute and united, choosing to respond with grace and integrity, and to continue embracing all people as we are called to do.

Looking ahead to the new parochial year, we do so with a sense of excitement and hope. We rejoice in our shared faith and in the love of Christ that binds us together. As we move forward, we remain committed to spreading the Word of God and to being the true Church—not simply a building, but a living community shaped by the souls, faith, and fellowship of all who belong.