News from the Wardens
Words from the Wardens
After the hugely successful opening service at the Church of Christ the Good Shepherd in Chef- Boutonne a Holy Communion service was held on 23rd January, followed by lunch at the Restaurant des Canards. Again, the church was packed, and we have received many messages from members of the congregation, both old and new, commenting how warm and welcoming they found the experience.
AGM
At the recent Council meeting a date was proposed for this year’s AGM, Tuesday 26th April, and for practical reasons, taking into account the ongoing Covid uncertainties, it was decided that this will once again be held on Zoom. This is a very exciting time for our Chaplaincy and there are several ways in which you can become involved in its future.
Vacancies
Chaplaincy Churchwarden
Wanda will not be standing for re-election as Churchwarden at the AGM so if you are interested and feel that you would like more information on this very important role in the Chaplaincy, the Churchwardens guidelines can be made available. Please contact Carolyn.
Local Wardens
In order to successfully organise services in Courcelles, Cognac, Champagne-Mouton and now in Chef-Boutonne we need Local Wardens who, amongst their duties prepare the church, meet and greet, count collection and complete required paperwork. There is also, due to covid restrictions, the added work of disinfecting chairs and hymn books before and after the service. This may sound daunting but is very necessary and very rewarding. Safeguarding checks and training also have to be completed. There are currently Local Wardens in place in the first three centres mentioned and Wanda is to become Local Warden for Chef-Boutonne but we still need volunteers to share the load and cover for absences. We encourage you to give prayerful thought to this and to contact either of us if you feel called to serve in this way.
Council Members
After the AGM a new Council will begin to operate consisting of some existing members, but new members will also be required. Further information will be given over the coming months but, again, if you would like to discuss becoming involved in this way, please contact one of us or any other Council member you may know. Forms are available on the chaplaincy website.
Discussion also took place on the need for individual groups to help carry out the work of the Chaplaincy.
1. We need to set up a gardening team. With Spring around the corner, the side beds of our new Church will need digging over weeding and replanting. The rear however will need some professional help. Trees to be either prunes or cut down and the whole of the area will need rotavating. Kieran Marshall has kindly offered to work on the replacement fence as soon as we can get the fencing approved by the Mairie.
2. We need a Fundraising team to oversee the Summer Fete and the Winter Bazaar. These two very important events bring people into the Chaplaincy who wouldn’t necessarily do so. As well as raising an awful lot of money for the Chaplaincy. This will be an agenda item for the next council meeting so if you have any ideas on fundraising, again please contact Carolyn or Wanda.
3. We now have an events calendar; Carolyn is holding a physical one and she together with Maria are also in the process of putting one on the website. This will enable you to see at a glance the days that are free for your own venture. Contact Carolyn if you require a space.
05 45 84 19 03 or 0612137007 email: chaplaincychurchwarden1@gmail.com
So, thinking caps on please.
The colour scheme has been chosen for the Church and will be submitted to the Maire; the Council have chosen 3004 which is Rouge Basque. So, we should be able to paint the front door and the fence as soon as the better weather allows.
So, our little Church is going to look gorgeous, well, more gorgeous than she already does.
There is still a lot of work to be done however, EDF are arriving at the end of February to update the supply and move the electricity box, and devis are awaited for the heating and the roof repairs which were caused by the recent storm.
Carolyn and Maria are in the process of either recording or live streaming the services at Chef Boutonne.
And we have the promise of a further Communion service on the third Sunday of March.
So, things are moving, some slowly others more quickly. We just need your continued love and support. Remembering the vision of Jeremiah 29 verse 11. For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord. They are plans for good and not disaster, to give you a future and a hope. (NLT)
We look forward to seeing you at our services in February, details of which will be in Jubilate and on the Chaplaincy website. Until then, we hope you all stay safe and well.
Love and blessings,
Carolyn and Wanda