Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4 v 6-7
August 2010
Organ renovation
Nick Robinson is looking into ways of raising the £120,000 needed to do the essential works on our organ. Help would be appreciated from anyone who would like to assist in this matter
Church Heating
The new heaters are now up and running in the church. Let us hope that we don’t need to use them for the next three months. The flues of these heaters are much smaller in diameter than the old ones and the old holes in the wall are now covered by a steel plate. We are seeking the architect’s advice as to whether or not we should brick these in next year.
Glazing the choir screens.
We have been promised the money for putting the glass in the choir screens. Unfortunately we are told that we will have to apply for a faculty from the Chancellor for this work and this can take over a year.
Garden Party
The annual Garden Party on 26th June, in the vicarage garden was a very enjoyable affair and it raised £510 for Hall funds. It was supposed to be a ‘Flower Show’ as well but although there were half a dozen nice displays there weren’t enough to be able to call it a flower show. We have had a good tradition of Flower Shows at St Thomas for the past thirty years. It is sad to see that come to an end but without expert leadership we will have to just let it go. However, the Model Train exhibition has gone from strength to strength and many of us were thrilled to see the variety and expertise of the exhibits. We are very fortunate to have Jeff Skull and all his friends in our community who are able to create and run such brilliant displays.
BBQ
Thank you to all those who came to the Bar B Q after the Garden Party to mark the 25 years of the Andrews family being at St Thomas’. (see message from the vicar).
Stewardship campaign
Some people are unaware of the way in which St Thomas’ survives financially. Each year we have to raise about £80,000 to cover current expenditure. Indeed the Diocese is asking us for a considerable increase in our contribution to the Common Fund. Over the next few weeks we will be circulating some of this information in greater detail and hope that we can share the Stewardship of the financial affairs of St Thomas’.
Summer Concerts (see Reports)
Fr Bernard.
St Joseph’s in Hanwell have had many celebrations this year but it was very special, some weeks ago, to celebrate the fact that Fr Bernard Scholles has been ordained for 50 years. Now in his 70s he has more energy than some men half his age. St Joseph’s is a large parish with a multitude of different nationalities, a large junior school and vibrant community and an extensive ministry to the sick especially at Ealing Hospital. Fr Bernard is not only a parish priest but has an important role in the R. C. Diocese of Westminster with a particular concern for the schools in the Diocese. His extensive learning and pastoral experience is second to none and he is able to speak with passion and understanding on matters of faith, scripture, history, politics and society. His gentle care for all the people throughout the years has demonstrated that he is a man of sincere prayer and devotion.
Congratulations
Well done to Katie Ashcroft who was awarded First Class Honours for her English, History and Philosophy degree at Durham
Please pray for
Fr Paulo from Our Lady and St Joseph, Hanwell who was ordained deacon at Westminster Cathedral. He is a wonderful man and a great inspiration. We are fortunate to have him in the community
Adele daughter of Nicola Smith who was baptised at St Thomas’ recently. When Jackie and her children moved out of the parish it was a great loss to us. It was good to have them back here for the day.
Reg Cooke is doing well but now is even less steady on his feet. Joyce Tozer is well and asks to be remembered to everyone.
Our condolences go to all those who have been bereaved. Some will remember Elsie Warren. Elsie’s sister had a son, Douglas Wilby who married a cousin of Dorothy Reeves. Douglas (80) lived in Ipswich and has recently died.