St Andrew's Chaplaincy Newsletter August 2022

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Newsletter August 2022

The hot weather is here...

As the hot weather is now well and truly with us, we find just how hard it is to carry on even normal day to day activities.

We soon learn that certain chores need to be carried out early in the morning in the cool of the day, and sometimes there is nothing else to do but rest for the remainder. Maybe you can rest easily, or are you like me who always has that niggling feeling that I should be doing something more important? If we look to what it says in the bible however we find that rest is to be valued and something we should do regularly.

Right in the beginning the importance of rest is there: ‘So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all the work that he had done in creation.’ Genesis 2:3

It is not just good for our physical well being but our spiritual well being too. In Exodus God instructed the Israelites ‘You shall keep my sabbaths, for this is a sign between me and you throughout your generations, given in order that you may know that I, the Lord, sanctify you. Exodus 13:13.

Jesus himself understood this principle and made it a point to get away, both with His disciples and by himself, from time to time in order to rest and rejuvenate.

He said to them, ‘Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while. For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat’ Mark 6:31.

Getting away to a place of rest was Jesus’ way of 'recharging' His spiritual, physical and emotional batteries. In doing so, He set an example for us all to follow.

In this summer heat rest is forced upon us so let’s not worry or stress that we are not using our time wisely, we can be. We might choose that time to read, to reflect, to pray, or simply just be still and even sleep. However we choose to rest may we know that God will work through us, refreshing us, what could be better use of our time?

‘Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him’ Psalm 37:7

Caroline Macfarlane

Church Council Update

During the Interregnum, the Church Council is meeting regulalrly to continue the smooth running of the Chaplaincy.

These are some of the topics discussed at our recent meeting

Our representatives updated us on the Vacancy situation, informing us that the interviews had gone well. The normal recruitment legalities were now being processed, but it could be several months before they have further news.
Jen Sutton gave us an update on our half yearly financial situation. We were encouraged that on the whole we are keeping in line with the budget set, but this is dependant on the continued generosity of people’s giving and support of fundraising activities that we have arranged for the second half of the year.
Reports from Diocesan Synod were discussed including the Ukraine appeal. So far this has raised more than £300,000. Of this just over 40% has been allocated to various organizations, the majority to immediate humanitarian response, and the rest of the funds will be allocated accordingly. Support will continue to be required for years to come.
‘Walking Together in Faith: Learning for Lay People in the Diocese in Europe’ This is a course intended to serve the laity in chaplaincies who wish to deepen their understanding of the Christian faith as the Church of England has received it, to expand their own knowledge of the main points of theology, for their own enrichment or spiritual development. If anyone is interested in learning more about this course, which will be available online from September, please speak to one of the Ministry Team.
‘Caring for Creation - Towards Net Zero Programme of Activity.’ Archdeaconry Synod has put forward an action plan to support this program and Hilary Tompkins our Chaplaincy Environmental Officer will be reporting more on this at our next meeting.

Best wishes for Joan

On Sunday 10th July the Alhaurín congregation presented Joan Gordon Smith with a plant to wish her well as she moves to her new home.

Joan has been a much loved member of the Alhaurin family for many years, previously acting as Safe guarding officer for the Chaplaincy and as our verger amongst other things, and of course not forgetting the wonderful teas she provided for the Mustard Seed Gang.

We are pleased that Joan is not going to be far away and still within the Chaplaincy. We hope the kettle will be one of the first things to be unpacked as we shall be visiting for a cup of tea.

Behind the scenes

Our vergers preparing for services, delivering food to Caritas, and a trip to Malaga to buy Communion Wafers.

A date for your diary...

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