News Update: July 2023

News update 23 July 2023

News from the Parochial Church Council (PCC)

At their meeting on 17 July the PCC made some important decisions that we would like to share:

1. To return to the common cup/shared chalice at Communion for a trial period. Many churches are now doing this. We realise that not everyone will feel ready so will continue to offer the opportunity to have the communion wafer intincted (dipped). Alternatively people may just receive the wafer. (However they may not intinct their own wafer as this is now thought to be unhygienic. The priest and server will sanitize their hands before serving). We will also resume bringing the communion elements forward during the offertory hymn. These changes will start from the beginning of August and be reviewed in November. You may also like to know that we now offer gluten-free communion wafers to anyone who would like them. Please let one of the wardens know before the service.

2. To replace the current hymn books with a new collection –Ancient and Modern: Hymns and Songs for Refreshing Worship (2013). This is the most recent version of the book we have traditionally used and includes both traditional hymns and some of the most popular contemporary hymns. We will remove the old books, and anyone is welcome to take one, particularly if they have been given in memory of someone you knew and loved.

3. To introduce a baptism policy. Baptism is the start of a journey of faith with God and the church. We will now ask families seeking baptism to attend church at least once and to take part in a preparation session. The first of these sessions will be on Sunday 3^rd September 3-4.30pm. We would love to have a team of people to attend these sessions and welcome the baptism families. If you are interested in being part of the team, please speak to Rev Marie.

Sunday 30 July

Please note that next Sunday there will be baptisms at 12.15 followed by the wedding of Katie Winnell and Matthew Newbould at 2pm. This means that unfortunately there will not be time for refreshments after the service. Thanks for your patience at this busy time.

Opportunities available

Do you have admin/IT skills? Marie would appreciate some help with inputting information into a new database to manage the booking of baptisms, weddings and funerals. This system will save time in the long run! Please speak to Marie if you can help.

Could you be our new verger? Vergers play an important role in the life of Wentworth Church Their main responsibility is to ensure that people attending Sunday services, weddings, christenings and funerals are made welcome and that things run smoothly behind the scenes at the service. We are looking for someone who enjoys meeting people to take on this task. You would need to be available in the week (for funerals) and at weekends, particularly during the busy summer wedding season. You would be entitled to an honorarium and fees for some of the services. For a role description and an informal discussion please contact Lissa Higgins.

Family news

Please pray for the family of George Slater who died recently. George and his wife Nancy were part of our congregation for many years. The funeral will be in Holy Trinity – date to be confirmed.

Diocesan Prayer

Living God, Jesus calls his followers to seek first your Kingdom. Renew us as we make your love known; Release us to share freely together in mission; and Rejuvenate us to be fruitful in your service. Give us courage, wisdom, and compassion, that strengthened with the grace of the Holy Spirit, we may, as the Diocese of Sheffield, both flourish and grow through Christ our Lord Amen.

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July 2023 Newsletter