Monthly Letter from the Vicarage

This Month's Letter from the Team Rector

March 2008

Dear friends,

I am glad to be asked by your editor to write this month to welcome and introduce Anne-Louise, although she needs no introduction to most of you.

Let me first say my warm thanks to all of you who have coped with keeping things up and running throughout the interregnum. I know that extra work falls on many shoulders at such times, so thanks for all you have done and keep it up.

In a way, of course, I am sad that we shall be losing Anne-Louise from her ministry as team curate. She has been an excellent colleague to me and has taken on many initiatives in the church and in the local schools and community in Eccles. The Parent & Toddler Group and the Community Lunch Club at St Mary's, and the After School Club at Clarendon Road School all owe their origins to her. More than that, she has been a personal friend and support to many individuals and a faithful visitor of the sick. So thanks, Anne-Louise, for all you have done.

On the other hand, I am absolutely delighted that she will be remaining in the team, and I believe very much that she is God's person to lead St Andrew's and Christ Church at this particular moment in time. She already knows both churches well, and I am sure she has the gifts and skills to lead you from the point where you are now. The announcement of her appointment was, I know, received with great pleasure in both churches.

She will be licensed as a Team Vicar in the Eccles Team by Bishop Nigel in a private ceremony at Bishopscourt on Monday 3rd March. Then on Friday 7th March at 7.30pm there will be a welcome service for her at St Andrew's, led by the Archdeacon of Manchester, Andrew Ballard. Children of both St Andrew's and Christ Church schools will be taking part, as will the joint choirs of the team, and invited guests. Make sure to be there!

As Anne-Louise starts her new ministry, I would simply say to you pray for her, for it is a big task she is taking on. Give her your support, for the growth of the church depends, under God, on the minister and people working together. And remember she has responsibility for not one, but two churches in the team.

Have a good lent in order that we may celebrate a glorious Easter.

Yours sincerely,
Ted (Team Rector)