News from St Mary’s
At Richard Terrell’s last 11am communion at St Mary’s, 
the Rector mused over the tray of glasses and bottles of sherry at the back of the church. Whose birthday was it? He soon discovered as he was waylaid on his way back to the vestry! Daphne beckoned Anna to join him before she presented them both with a stunning photograph of St Mary’s church taken at dusk by Brenda Bickerton. Daphne recalled the many ways in which Richard had cared for the parish. Richard responded with some of his memories while Anna tackled the task of unwrapping their present! After being given a rendition of “Happy Retirement to You”, Richard and Anna mingled with the congregation for refreshments.
The PCC has been busy preparing for the vacancy that Richard’s departure will cause. The vacancy – often known as an interregnum – will last for around 10 months. Richard has arranged for the vast majority of the services to Advent to be covered; ordained clergy will take all the communion services and some of the others with lay readers taking the remainder. The two churchwardens, Jonathan Chadwick (863509) and Brian Dodd (863113), will be points of initial contact during the vacancy for any matter for which parishioners would have contacted the rector.
Thus Christian life at Hardington continues as normal. Church members are reminded that the electoral roll is being updated with the paperwork available from the Springfield Stores. Furthermore, nominations for the PCC may be made at the same time in preparation for the AGM in April.
The Churchwardens may also be contacted by email: Jonathan Chadwick or Brian Dodd