Moving Forward… A letter from the Elders

As members and friends are aware our Minister, Rev. Tom Phillips is due to retire in 2009. Because of falling membership numbers in the 3 Church Pastorate (Fairwater, Whitchurch and Cathedral Road Churches ) and lack of ministers within the Presbyterian Church, the Elders were advised the Pastorate would not be in a position to call another Minister following Tom's retirement. The Elders have for some time been in discussion with Presbytery regarding their concerns for the future of Fairwater Church without the support of a Minister. In May this year the Presbytery invited the Elders to take part in discussion with the Churches of Whitchurch, Cathedral Road and Park End to seek a way forward regarding these concerns. Further discussions have followed and at a meeting on the 3 rd September, the four Churches put forward a proposal that, following Tom's retirement on 31 st December, 2009, a part-time minister be appointed to over-see the 3 Church Pastorate. If appointed the part-time minister will work with support from the Rev. Robert Bebb of Park End Presbyterian Church. This proposal will be put to the appropriate Committees within the Presbytery during September and October 2008 and a further meeting of the four Churches will take place in November 2008 regarding the outcome of those meetings. Please be assured that when the Elders have any firm news regarding this it will be conveyed to the Church.

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Having regard to the above, it has become obvious that once Tom has retired, whilst it is hoped the Church will be run as a team ministry under the leadership of a part-time Minister, the Elders need to have in place certain systems to facilitate a smooth running and organised church life. The Elders have, during the past year, met outside of the normal monthly meetings to discuss the ‘Moving Forward' of the Church. Our first concern is with regard to the pastoral ministry of the Church, as we have for some time, been concerned about poor communication that has sometimes led to a delay in the Minister and Elders being made aware of those of our fellowship who have specific problems e.g. illness, bereavement etc. In the light of this concern it has been decided to appoint a Co-ordinator who will be directly responsible for the organisation of visitation and this system will come into effect as from now. We feel it necessary for there to be a recognised contact so that when it is known that people are in need of a hospital/home visit, telephone call, encouraging card from the church, etc, should the Minister not be available, then the situation can be made known to the Elders. We feel that if we are to have a true church fellowship then we need to be aware of the needs of our members and friends. Of course, whilst Tom is still our Minister he should be the first contact at all times and the same will apply when we eventually have a part-time Minister. Our aim is to ensure that all our church friends realise that because they are an important part of the Church family they are missed and cared about when they cannot attend Church, for whatever reason.

We hope that this system will be of help to everyone so if you know of anyone whom you feel would appreciate the support of the church please contact the Visitation Co-ordinator Audrey Boase.

2009 Calendars

Orders are now being taken for a Church
Calendar which has been produced for 2009.

This will be priced @ £4 00 each.

Jenny has one that can be viewed and they
will be available at the Church Autumn Fair.

All proceeds to Church Funds.

Please contact either

Audrey Boase or Jenny Barnes

Keeping Up with Presbyterian News

To All Leaders of Organisations

Church Family….

If you know of a member of our
Church Family who is ill or in
need of support in any way please
let Rev. Tom Phillips or Audrey
Boase, our visitation co-ordinator,
know.