Treasured Memories
In our preparations to celebrate the Centenary of the celebration of the first mass to be offered in church here in Hailsham, a memorial stone for those who have gone before us is help to our remembrance. Many stand out for their contribution to our story, including Dorothy Blake. For me, June Bell stands out, as her husband, John, (still alive) has just celebrated (his centenary) 100th Birthday. No more years driving his car; but just before the pandemic he was comfortable driving, with his doctors permission. They have been particularly generous to us in their support .
Now we need a new generation and this has given us a great focus. The leaders of our young persons liturgy are one of my joys and great hope. So far, so good, the work that they do is so vital, inspiring and our best reason for hope. They are laying out the foundations for the necessary building that has to be done if we are to have our churches here for our community. There is a growing great bond between our churches here and the one at St George’s in Polegate. Preparation for the Synod and developing relations are an essential factor for the future and their help with the celebration is an important factor.
We will continue to respond to the preparation for the Synod. Recently I was given an inspiration from Teresa Palmer. She brought to my attention the renew process which was adopted by the Diocese. Their focus which I have been referring to is a seed, an acorn which when it grows becomes a great oak tree. I have just received a photo of the Oak Tree that is now outside St Paul’s Church in Haywards Heath when we were there responding to the diocesan decision to adopt the renew process. I often wonder where all the other oak trees are up and down the diocese. To be continued …….