I’m pleased to tell you that we are soon to welcome another curate to complement the ministry that Jackie and I share.  There is no question or suggestion of Jackie moving on – this is an extra pair of hands – a parish deacon, in fact.

Jackie and I are priests: this means we can celebrate the communion, but we were first, and remain, deacons.  A deacon is what a priest must become first, at least for their first year.  Some deacons are called to be distinctive deacons – that is to operate as deacons throughout their ministry – they do not become priests at all.  Deacons have a distinctive role, not only liturgically, but also pastorally.  So it will be a great help to have someone else to assist with visiting – and I am well aware that I am not able to do as much of that as I would like – and also to do a few funeral and weddings a year.  So this is present from Bishop Peter, mostly I suppose, in recognition of the fair bit of time I now spend doing things in the Area and Diocese.  The person who is coming, does not need to be trained from scratch, as, for example, Jackie was when she came, but is someone with three years experience in a parish already.  So this is exciting, good news.  Like Jackie, she will be part-time and self-supporting – around on Sundays and perhaps two other days a week.

But of course, I haven’t told you who it is…
The Rev’d Maureen Lunn, who coincidentally is coming to Oberammergau with us, has been at St James’, Enfield Highway for the last 3 years and is now moving on – to be with us, as Parish Deacon.  Some of you will have already met her.  I have, in fact known her for some years now.  When she finishes at St James’ at the end of June, Maureen (or Mo, as we might well call her in order avoid confusion!) -  will be licensed here by Bishop Peter, on the evening of September 12th.  Do make a note of that date.  Maureen is married to Malcolm, who among other things is a wedding photographer.

So there we are – a Pentecost Birthday of the Church present for us.  We l;ok forward to welcoming mo and Malcolm, and continue to pray for them as they prepare to make the move here.

Gordon