Author: Jacky

Deacon John Writes

Deacon John Writes:

This week I start a story which will be in two parts.  What do you think will be in the second part of this story next week?  Once upon a time, a small child saw three people walking down a country road.  Each was carrying two sacks.  One on their back, one in front of them.  The child ran up to the first person, and noticing that the two sacks seemed very heavy, asked what was in them. The first person replied: “In the sack on my back, are all the kind things that people have done or said to me.  But I cannot see them, and I soon forget about them.  In the sack in front of me, are all the unkind things that people have done or said to me.  Quite often on my journey, I like to tip all of them out of the sack, and talk to anyone who will listen, about all these unkind things that people have done or said to me”.

The child ran up to the second person, and noticing that their two sacks also seemed very heavy, asked what was in them. The second person replied: “In the sack on my back, are all the unkind things that I have done or said to other people.  But I cannot see them, and I soon forget about them. In the sack in front of me, are all the kind things that I have done or said to other people.  Quite often on my journey, I like to tip all of them out of the sack, and talk to anyone who will listen, about all these kind things that I have done or said to other people”.

Please Pray

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Bill O’Rourke, who sadly past away on Tuesday.  Eternal rest give to him O’Lord and let   perpetual light shine upon him.  May he rest in peace, Amen.

Apostleship of the Sea

Apostleship of the Sea – Sea Sunday 14th July

Today is Sea Sunday, when the Church prays for all those who live and work at sea.  Without them we would not have most of the items we buy in the shops.  Today’s second collection is for Stella Maris (Apostleship of the Sea), the Church’s official maritime welfare agency.  It supports seafarers both practically and spiritually.  This collection is vital to enable it to continue its work, so please give generously and remember seafarers in your prayers.  Thank you.  To donate online please visit www.apostleshipofthesea.org.uk

Fr Rory Writes

Fr Rory Writes:

Thanks be to God:  I have been given the green light to return to ministry, and for this I am very grateful to God.   Bishop Richard and with him the Diocesan Care Team have given me incredibly good support, and I have been blessed.

My experience has caused me a great amount of painful soul searching time, especially three weeks on the Island of Alderney.  The Lord is compassion and love; but that means we share in His passion.  I had a lot of time to review my faults and my failures, and when you come to that moment in the Gospel when the beam in your eyes needs to be removed, before you can attempt to do anything different,  I was indeed drained and strained.   Then from the Lord came very clearly the message that with the Lord there is mercy and fulness of redemption.  So I seek that mercy and I ask those who have their misgivings for a season of grace.  For those who have been so happy to see me back has been such a help.

When I and others were in the Seminary quite a while ago, we had a time of great hope and expectation.  The 2nd Vatican Council had taken place; a promise of new life and spirit in our church with much involvement by lay people.  I truly believe Bishop Richard’s challenge of what the church will be in 2030 is most important.  Now with the shortage of priests this challenge has to be faced, and with the help of God, though different; the life in both our churches will be strong.

Help Needed Please

Help Needed Please:  Due to the retirement of one of our wonderful volunteers, The Link Coffee Shop is in need of a volunteer cook to prepare and serve meals.  If this is something you could possibly help with, please pop in to The Link or phone Kay on 01323 441142.  Thank you. The Link Coffee Shop is part of the Crosslink Trust – Churches working together in Hailsham.

United Nations Lunch

United Nations Lunch:  The United Nations Lunch has been a great success again this year, blessed with lovely sunshine.  Thank you to all who supported with their attendance, supply of donated food and items for the tombola.  Thanks to each and everyone who has helped in this event of fundraising for the church.  The final account will be announced later.