Church Matters

West Window Appeal, St Swithun’s, Martyr Worthy – we are delighted to announce that the appeal to raise funds for a new West Window engraved by Tracey Sheppard has been successful; the target sum plus a small surplus (which will be useful for any small enhancements within the terms of our faculty or in case of unexpected costs) has been achieved and we are no longer actively seeking pledges. Robin Greenwood is currently writing to contributors to the appeal asking them to fund their pledges as soon as possible, so that the process to create the window and install it can start (the process will probably take about five months). We are confident that this wonderful work of art will enhance the already special atmosphere of St Swithun’s and are most grateful to the many members of our community who responded to the appeal for their support. Martyr Worthy DCC

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 ours, 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 22^nd). 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. Revd Peter

This week’s readings can be downloaded here

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

for Cameo – the organisers, helpers and attendees