As you read this, a new era has begun. Matt Thompson’s Welcome Service happened on September 21^st and now St. Peter’s has a priest in charge again.

 

The interregnum lasted just a week or so less than a year. When it began, none of us really knew quite what to expect. In retrospect, we certainly didn’t realise just how much Mike and Debby had done behind the scenes to make things run smoothly!

 

Many people have stepped in to lead our worship Sunday by Sunday, bringing us a range of styles and approaches. This is a thank you to some of them.

 

Venerable John Applegate, then Archdeacon of Bolton

Canon Chris Bracegirdle, Area Dean

Rev. Prof. Kenneth Newport

Rev. Roy Iddon

Rev. Phil Edwards

Rev. Jean Hurlston

Rev. Moira Slack

 

Clergy seem to interpret retirement somewhat differently from the rest of us, and many of them regard leading services for congregations that are ‘in between’ vicars as part of their continued calling. So thank you to:

 

Canon Michael Arundel          Rev. Paul Brody

Rev. Ray Coward                     Canon Arthur Dobb       

Rev. Roger Jackson                 Canon Ralph Mallinson

Rev. Stephen Neal                   Canon Eric Ruehorn

Rev. Brian Sagar                        Rev. Robert Warner

Rev. Peter Waterson                Venerable Alan Wolstencroft

 

Thanks too to the lay people who have led services and preached

 

David Bevis

Barrie Gaskell

Healing service leaders

Silverwell leaders

 

And finally thanks to the members of the Worship Committee who worked so hard especially in organising events in Lent and Holy Week, and apologies if any name has been omitted.

 

EW

Are you on the electoral roll?

Are you sure?

 

You should recently have received a letter from David and Evelyn about the Gift Day on October 5^th. If you didn’t get a letter, it will either be because you are not on the roll, or because your address has changed and our records have not been updated. The roll was completely renewed in 2007; perhaps you didn’t reapply then. Please contact Stephen Mort at the Parish Office if you need to complete an electoral roll form, or tell us your new address.

 

 

Walney Island

 

We once watched the sunset over Walney,

Barrow’s off-spring isle,

A remote oasis in the Irish Sea;

You drew me to linger awhile.

White-tipped waves swept the shore,

And the huge, blood-orange sun

Shed its vast, shimmering reflection

Along the dark, brooding waters.

Pebbles crunched as we strode along,

And a lone bird sang its evensong.

 

FR (written 1997)