How did you create the world? Is the Bible real or fiction? Why doesn’t God cure illnesses? How did you create me? How do you listen to everyone praying? If you are real, do atheists go to heaven? These are some of the big questions asked by pupils St Mary’s CE Middle School in Puddletown’s reflection day last week.
After serving his community as Rural Dean for an amazing fifteen years, Revd Andrew Evans has stepped down from his much respected position as Rural Dean in the Faith in our Village team, but will remain Rector for the three churches of St. Mary’s Broughton Gifford, All Saints Great Chalfield and St. Katharine’s Holt.
A civic service at St Thomas, Salisbury will be taking place this Sunday (5 March at 10.15am). Although Charter Sunday is an annual occasion celebrating community life, this year the service will mark the fifth anniversary of the 'Salisbury Incident'. Among those present and speaking will be the Lord-Lieutenant, and representatives of public health, local authority and army and Bishop Stephen will be preaching. All are welcome.
“Challenging and transforming.” “Enlightening.” “Life changing and life enhancing.” “Inspiring.” These are just a few of the comments made by students who just completed the first cohort of the Diocese’s course to train lay pioneers.
Katie Fitzsimmons has been appointed to succeed Canon Joy Tubbs, who is retiring. Katie will move from the Diocese of Truro to take up the new post from September.
The Ven Antony MacRow-Wood is to take over the role of Director of Finance and Asset Management for one year, following the resignation of Nigel Jenner.
"It was here that they told me about their work with the grinders, a laborious and physical job that made little money or progress for those in the community. When asked what their ongoing priorities were, they said that they wanted to be able to buy essentials for some of their children to be able to go to school."
Congratulations to St Andrew’s Church, Laverstock, as they celebrate both an Eco Church Silver award and Animal-Friendly Church award this week.
The DAC Committee is reviving their awards scheme after a 5-year break as a way of recognizing and honouring the work and dedication of those responsible for the great applications they receive.
General Synod took place last week in Westminster. Among topics including the cost of living crisis, members approved proposals which would enable same-sex couples to come to church after a civil marriage or civil partnership to give thanks, dedicate their relationship to God and receive God’s blessing.