Safeguarding – In the light of the Archbishop of Canterbury’ resignation following the publication of the Makin Report, we will all be aware just how important is the issue of ‘safeguarding’ and protecting those who are vulnerable in our community. This is especially the case for us in the Church family, when we claim to be followers of the Risen Lord who, despite being so cruelly treated himself, stands opposed to abuse of all kinds.
In this regard I am pleased to announce that Gerry Stacey has kindly agreed to be our Safeguarding Officer. This was confirmed at our PCC meeting last Tuesday and he is now registered with the Diocesan Safeguarding Team in this new role. Gerry and I have had numerous conversations in the last month about this—seeking, amongst other things, to build good accountability on this matter between ourselves—and I would be grateful for your prayers as we seek now to give significant attention in the coming months to strengthening this aspect of our Church family life.
An entirely NEW Electoral Roll – It is the time of year when our Electoral Roll is revisited in time for our APCM. This year a new roll is required, which happens every five years, and this means that, rather than just renewing our existing list, everyone will need to complete a form to be included on the new Electoral Roll. The notice period is 60 days and has begun. If you would like to be on the Itchen Valley Churches Electoral Roll, please download the form from this link, complete it and return it to the Parish Office by Thursday 13 March. This can also be scanned and returned by email to admin@itchenvalleychurches.org. If you would like to a have a form in hardcopy, please let Beccy know.
APCM: an evening for to be a Church Family Together – Please save the date for this now: Friday 28 March. More details will follow soon, but this year we will be meeting in the Itchen Abbas Village Hall at 6.00pm for the formal APCM meeting, followed by the sharing a meal with a Passover theme (including red wine!). In a dispersed parish such as our, the APCM is the effectively the only occasion in the year when church members come together as one church family. So we hope this will be a time for good fun and fellowship—please join us!
Peter & Georgie in USA – Georgie and I will be in the United States for 15 days from Thursday 6 February (landing back on Saturday 22nd). This is effectively our post-Christmas break and we can’t wait!—especially as we will be seeing many friends in South Carolina and near Pittsburgh (where we lived till 2017) whom we have not seen since before Covid. I would value your prayers for my speaking to the Anglican Leadership Institute on Tuesday 11th, and other business meetings, but otherwise we are much looking forward to some down-time!
for the global peace and security in the wake of the recent USA presidential inauguration
for those who are ill or suffering at the moment or for those recently bereaved
for all those in our community who have been victims of abuse in various ways
and for Gerry Stacey as he settles into his new role as our Safeguarding Officer
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