Hertingfordbury Parish News: July 2003

Clergy Letter

Dear Friends

The week Monday 18th to Friday 22nd August will be the very last meeting of the Holiday Club. It is with much sadness that I have come to the decision to retire from this particular aspect of my Ministry. I will of course still keep contact with many of the children through School and our own Sunday School. I have to say that the 10 years of the Holiday Club has given me some of the most wonderful moments of my Ministry in our Parish, it has been a joy and privilege to watch the growth and development of the children; friendships have been made and social skills honed.

I would like to publicly offer my thanks to those who have supported this endeavour. First the Churchwardens and PCC who gave encouragement and initially financial support to this very important aspect of my Ministry. To the group of Leaders who have been so loyal and caring; from day one Lynne Wadsworth, Jean Stannard, Tommy Brennan and Jean Walker (Story teller, you have heard nothing unless you have heard Jean read Roald Dahl's Revolting Rhymes). The occasional helpers over the years, Wendy Caruana, Tony Tyndale, Maureen Shattock and Rev'd Marion Harding. Some of the young people have matured enough to be of great assistance in team games and craft work. Among these (affectionately called the 'Golden Oldies'), we have Michelle and Matthew Stannard, Francis, Alice and Rhiannon Walker. A big thank you also for the use of the Scout Hut. All of these have given of themselves and their time freely that the children who come are in a safe and happy environment. Thank you, the parents and guardians of the children, for your support in every way; and last but by no means the least, the children of whom I have become so fond over the past ten years; without the co-operation of all named above, the Club could and would not have lasted all this time. Our Lord Jesus said, "Suffer the little children to come unto me". They came to Him and were Blessed, the children of our Parish and their friends came to me, and I was Blessed. Our closing Prayer at the end of each day (even on the coach returning from our Annual Day Trip), is this:

"Lord, keep us safe this night, secure from all our fears, may angels guard us while we sleep, 'til morning light appears. Amen."

Perhaps you could use this with the children, to remind them not only of the Club and the friendships made there, but to remind them that God through his Son, Jesus Christ, is there for us ALWAYS. Perhaps God's older children could use it too for exactly the same reason. If you are going on holiday, have safe journeys, and enjoy your recreation. If you are staying at home, be good to yourselves.

Love and Blessings,

Rev'd Rosemary.

Please note: Although the Hertingfordbury Parish News is produced by St. Mary's PCC, the opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the PCC.