Pastoral Letter
Dear Friends,
I mentioned in my January letter that I was very much looking forward to 2005 because two major events were planned for this year –The Alpha Course –and the 800thAnniversary of Holy Trinity Church, Bottisham. I would like to take this opportunity of giving you some more information about both those important events.
Firstly –The Alpha Course –It has been said that more than two thirds of the adult population of this country have heard something about the Alpha Course. A remarkable achievement by anyone’s yardstick. So what is it? And why is it so successful?
Well, the Alpha Course is an opportunity for anyone to explore the Christian faith in a relaxed non-threatening manner over 10 thought-provoking weekly sessions. Its low-key, friendly and fun and it is supported by all the main Christian denominations. To date more than 2 million people worldwide have found the course worthwhile, attending it in Churches, in homes, in schools, in universities and even in prisons. It is aimed at everyone, especially those who are interested in finding out more about the Christian faith, or who want to brush up on the basics of their faith.
Each session starts with food, which gives everybody a chance to wind down, relax and get to know each other. Then the main talk takes place, followed by everyone breaking up into small groups for discussion. Here people can listen, learn and ask questions in a supportive, relaxed atmosphere. People are encouraged to ask those questions that have always bugged them without fear of judgement or derision.
You can find more about the individual session titles by logging on to www.alphacourse.org. Our course begins with an introductory session on Tuesday 1st February, and the course proper begins on Thursday 10th February. If you would like to register please telephone me on 01223 812367.
Secondly, the 800th anniversary of Holy Trinity Church. This will take place on the weekend of 21/22nd May (Trinity weekend). The events will include:
A unique and major flower festival in Holy Trinity Church throughout the weekend, which promises to be a site to behold, and will be accompanied by delightful background music.
A fete in the Vicarage Garden on the Saturday, which will be accompanied by a schedule of events such as Morris dancing, Brass band playing and most exciting of all a Holy Trinity 800th centenary Tug-of-war competition in which we will be inviting organisations and streets throughout the Benefice to enter a team. So start work now if you think you might like to organise a team!
An 800th Centenary Communion Service on the Sunday to be presided over by the Bishop of Ely The organisers of the Flower festival are inviting donations towards, or sponsorship of, the flower displays, perhaps in memory of a special person, memory or event. If you would like to find out more about this please contact me.
This coming year promises to be a vintage one. I very much look forward to sharing it with you, and I hope and that it will be a time of renewal in our Churches and a time of great flowering of the Christian faith in our villages.
May God bless you all.