Newsletter - January 2024
Happy New Year! Soon we must move on but before we do, let’s reflect a moment on a wonderful Christmas at St Philip’s. Huge thanks to everyone who helped with services and Christmas preparations during Advent – it was a true team effort!
The crib was installed and will display the blessed scene at the stable until Epiphany.
Almost 1000 invitations to the services were posted through the letterboxes of the parish; some 180 oranges were decorated with sweets. Sunday school, First Steps and Coffee Group crafted new decorations for their trees and the flowers team adorned the church with festive foliage
The carol service on 17th December and both Christingle services were very well attended. Ben Hilder once again narrated our traditional nativity play with some hilarious new comic twists and the backstage crew took care of costumes and stage direction with aplomb. We raised just over £530 for the Children’s Society at these services. Thank you!
We are grateful to the Singing group for bringing some extra musical magic to our services and to all those who read a lesson or prayers. Carols and readings were also enjoyed at Reigate Grange and Abbeyfield care homes. We are so pleased that Rev. Eileen Stanghan and others have continued to reach out to our community in this way. Hospitality is so important at this time of year and at St Philip’s, the mince pies and other treats have been generously offered by our refreshments team throughout December.
We are thankful for Eileen and Rev. Arthur Bowyer who both continue to preside at services and we were also glad to welcome Fr. Martin of St Mark’s and Bishop Rosemarie during Advent. We prayerfully await the outcome of the recruitment process for our new vicar. The advertisement for the post will soon close and candidates will be shortlisted later in January.
Soon we will start planning for our annual meeting (APCM) on 17th March. This will begin with the revision of the Electoral Roll. This is an opportunity for new members of the church to add their names to the roll. We are hoping that most PCC (Parochial Church Council) members will stand once again this year but we do have places available for new joiners and we will need additional support to take St Philip’s into 2024 and beyond. Many of those on the council have served for many years.The work is not onerous if shared by a larger team. Please consider standing for PCC in 2024. This is undoubtedly an exciting time to be playing a more active role in your parish. Please ask the Churchwardens for more information.
And while you are contemplating your New Year’s resolutions, perhaps borrow this one from Dicken’s Ebenezer Scrooge “I will honour Christmas in my heart and keep it there all year”.
