ST.MARY’S CHURCH FISHGUARD
VICAR – Rev.Christopher Brown
The Vicarage, High Street, Fishguard, SA65 9AU tel: 01348 875536
email: christopherbrown@cinw.org.uk
NON-STIPENDIARY ASSOCIATE MINISTER
The Rev. Dr.Jennie Annis, Capel Newydd Dau, Dinas Cross, Newport SA42 0YB
CURATE – Rev Jordan Spencer Tel: 01348 874144 email: jordanspencer@cinw.org.uk
LAY READER
David Annis, Capel Newydd Dau, Dinas Cross, Newport SA42 0YB
ACTIVE-RETIRED CLERGY
Rev Canon Jeremy Martineau OBE,11 New Hill Villas, Goodwick, SA64 0DT tel 874886 Rev David Hawkes, (Methodist) Coeden Fach, Penslade, SA65 9PB Tel 875558
Church Wardens:
Perys Worth, Tel 872648
Tim Owen, Tel 873267
JUNE 7th 2021 !!! A huge step forward …….
The entrance is now complete so access to the church building is now open for the following services
Sundays for the
10am service of Holy Communion
and on
Thursdays for the
10am service of Holy Communion
Covid restrictions have been eased and it is no longer necessary to book in advance. However Masks must be worn.
There will also be a celebration of the HARVEST
on
Sunday 3rd October
at 10.00 am.
followed by lunch in the back 2 rooms of the Royal Oak at 12.30pm
details and cost later
Every week the Vicar forwards the appropriate service and readings for the coming Sunday which everyone is asked to read, if possible at 10am on that day, so that we may continue to worship together although apart.
If you would like to receive these comunications please phone or email the vicar, Rev Christopher Brown tel: 01348 875536 email:revchrisbrown4@gmail.com
All details may be seen on St.Mary’s facebook page
“For I’m Building a People of Power”
So goes the first line of the hymn (no 193 in AHO&N if you want to look it up!) And it’s interesting that this short line combines the notion of ‘people power’ with that of ‘construction.’ There’s a popular argument that ‘church is not a building, but its people.’ This is flawed, suggesting they are mutually exclusive. In truth, both are vital. Our raison d’etre in Fishguard is about Ministry and Mission. Peoples’ actions and concern for others is one form of ministry, whilst the presence of the church building is one form of permanent witness to our mission … as well as providing a tranquil and sacred space for the many visitors and worshippers for whom ‘the building,’ and what it stands for, matters.
Very soon our ‘building’ will be open again … enhanced by the new, level, driveway to the church door and the annexe. Inside, the new refreshments’ servery is magnificent and gleaming woodwork, matching the existing wood panelling, successfully conceals a comprehensive range of kitchen equipment. Now free of building materials the church has had an amazing top-to-bottom clean and is ready for action as soon as tarmac has been laid on the driveway. Actually, it’s now more than a driveway as the area between the front of the main church doors and the external (main) annexe door has been opened out to provide a gathering area. Possibly even a ‘pavement café’ for coffee after services! A beautiful stone-faced wall surrounds this area.
Talking of ‘old,’ I come from the same family as did Reverend William Rowlands who, between 1854 and 1857 built the church as we see it today. It’s taken us a lot longer to build the annexe, but we have had to do consultations and gain all sorts of permissions which won’t have burdened William Rowlands who was inclined just to get on and do stuff! Good man. But real life now involves so many authorities who have to be placated before work of any kind can be done. However, we are nearly there … equipping St Mary’s to play its twin roles of Ministry and Mission in these modern times when ‘believing’ or not is almost relegated to being a consumer choice. If we don’t succeed at ‘mission’ then there’ll be no one left to ‘minister’ to. In toiling on with the physical building we have Faith that what we’re doing will also enrich personal lives and community spirit. Why else would we bother?
Meanwhile, nature doesn’t know that building work is going on and yesterday’s glorious daffodils in the churchyard are now followed by today’s daisies. Like the church, they are ‘behind bars’ at the moment but not for much longer.
Dick Russill
All details may be seen on St.Mary’s facebook page
Due to the lockdown we do not have people able to print and distribute copies the bimonthly of the Parish News but we do have a digital copy. If you would like this sent to you email val.wakeman@btinternet.com
