Is a win by 325 votes really something to look that thrilled about? Or, and football, football, football [263]

My dear friends,

I’m back- after an adventurous few weeks which saw me travel all of the way to Oxford and even Reading (I know how to live and it is quite a long way for a little mouse) I am home and I have some messages from people. Which are these:

Cara says: A huge thank you to everyone in the parish for your support and prayers over the last year, and especially in the past few weeks. And for the cards, flowers, cake and messages after being priested, it was a truly lovely weekend. If Bertie had been able to come on retreat with me I’m sure he’d have appreciated the deep fried brie (!) that was Friday nights dinner.  This is a wonderful parish, and I’m incredibly blessed to be here. Thank you.

Lesley says: Please don’t forget about the APCM and AGM on Monday night at 8pm in Church or on Zoom (well, it will be 8.05 when we start because the bellringers are ringing in honour of the NHS from 7.50 to 8.05, so we will gather and pray until just after 8). and it’s still not too late to stand for any of the vacancies, especially on PCC). It’s a great chance to catch up with the big picture of the last year, and to understand the finances and also something of the months to come.

Becca is too exhausted to say anything because she is spending every waking minute cycling round town getting points from the Beat Boxes. Not that she is competitive… but do join in, do take part, do get out there and get some more points. Bertie’s happiness depends on it. Bertie has read the smallprint and done his research and he says 1) we are just ahead of a rival organisation so we need a big push this weekend and 2) if you are out then remember that there are double points on a number of boxes in the town centre- check the website for details.

The Deanery Churchmouse says: Here is the July Prayer Cycle- do please use it to pray for each other, both mouse and human:

This Sunday

The 9.30 Order of Service is the usual one for Ordinary Time, which you may well have printed out a few weeks ago:

Also, there is a 10am at Woosehill and an 11am at St Nick’s (which you need to have reserved a place at). Please don’t forget to put your donation to the mission of the Church in the plate as you leave if you normally give in person and have not arranged to give online or by text. Our finances have generally held up well during the last 15 months but we need to keep up the good work so we emerge from these crises in good shape and well-positioned to serve the communities we are called to be part of.

Also, Miles Welborn is being ordained deacon at the Cathedral on Saturday at 2pm- the link is here: Livestream (anglican.org)

Some jokes…

have been submitted by a fan of Bertie, in exchange for a genuine, authenticated autograph. It’s a deal.

a)  I threw a ball for my dog.  It’s a bit extravagant I know, but it was his birthday and he looks great in a dinner jacket.

(b)  My boss told me to have a good day.  So I went home.

(c)  “Doctor, there’s a patient on line 1 who says he’s invisible.” “I can’t see him right now.”