The Vicar's Letter - 01/06/2025

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I will be on Extended Study Leave (Sabbatical) from today 1st June to September 2025. This short break is an opportunity to rest from daily demands of ministry, reflect on my life, ministry, and take a light study. I have arranged cover for services with different members of clergy throughout that period. Please let them feel welcome and supported. I will take a light study on Church life and the ageing congregation to determine how the church can continue to engage with the changing needs of members of the congregation and the community around us. This will involve visiting missional and monastic communities to reflect on how they were formed and sustained. I therefore hope that the Extended Study Leave will provide time and space to reflect on a fresh vision for my ministry and renewed energy for the challenges ahead. I also want to bring to your attention two main church events this summer that I would like you to support and engage with. The first event will be St. Augustine’s Organ Day on 12th July to celebrate 50 years of the organ at the church. You are all invited to come and hear this historic organ and have the opportunity to try it for yourself. The second event will be St. Augustine’s Church Open Day on 19th July when the church will be open for the community to come and learn about the mission and the life of the church. This will also be part of the ongoing celebration to mark 60 years since the church was consecrated on 7th December 1965. There will be various activities, food, displays and table top sales. Let us continue to pray for the church and for each other so that God may continue to guide and strengthen us as we serve Him faithfully.

Rev’d Jairo Nyaongo