This year at St Mary’s and St Anne’s has been varied, exciting and challenging. Indeed, for all the ministry team, this year has been a special challenge given that we are in the interregnum. This situation requires our constant petitions to God that we will receive the right person whom God has prepared for this exciting post. In the absence of an incumbent, our reduced ministry team has had to pull together, and this has been a really rewarding experience with our team forming close, effective, working relationships. We have needed particular strength to cope with a very demanding year which has included the 600th Anniversary celebrations at St Mary’s, as well as all our other functions.
I have enjoyed my busy time as curate which has been very rewarding. Most of my time is spent on pastoral ministry including pastoral visiting, pastoral phone conversations, visiting of the sick, parish office duty (once every 3 weeks), hospital visiting, funeral visits and baptismal visits. I have officiated at a few funerals this year, as well as presiding at two rest home services per month. Over the year, I have preached approximately three different sermons per month, attended at least two services each Sunday, and the one midweek Holy Communion Service. In the absence of the incumbent, my first Christmas and Holy Week and Easter included much preparation including an opportunity to lead an hour of the three hours Good Friday meditation. In worship, I have attempted to keep the balance between St Mary’s and St Anne’s, and led the daily office in both churches twice a week. I also lead a school assembly about once a month. I have attended many church meetings and committees in my first year including, weekly staff meetings, PCC meetings, PCC Standing Committee, Social Committee, Pastoral Team Meetings, Youth Club Meetings including a residential weekend and Education and Nurture Meetings. I have also attended various Deanery events including the deanery quiet day, Deanery Synod, Deanery Chapter, and various Diocesan events. Since January, I have undertaken a lead role in the Education and Nurture Committee of the Church following the departure of the Revd Dr Adam Dunning. Some of the responsibilities have included the co-ordination of the Lent Study Groups and the Theology Book Club, a bi-monthly group which discusses issues of theology relevant for the present day context. I have also prepared a small adult group for confirmation.
It has been a demanding but fulfilling year for both me and Anupama, but it would not have been possible without the kind support of everyone at St Mary’s and St Anne’s which has made ministry here a joy. I am really looking forward to my priesting on June 11th, at which you would be most welcome to attend, and would greatly value all your prayers for our future ministry, particularly as Anupama and I have just had the good news that we are expecting our first child in November.