The Parish of Sandal Magna

Well a lot has happened since my last post!

In April our first child was born, a girl called Rose. So we have been busy with all things parent related. The summer has been very exciting with us helping at Hilfield Youth Camp in Dorset. A large group went from Sandal, and although the weather was poor we managed to have an enjoyable week. A group also visited the Greenbelt arts festival and they also had a spiritually fulfilling time. And finally there was the 'Soul Portobello Festival', with all sorts of events happening on Portobello including a coach trip to the seaside.

Looking ahead:
This autumn is really busy with lots of exciting events and celebrations. On September the 9th we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the opening of the Spring, our community shop and Cafe. The end of September is the 150th anniversary of Anglican worship in Walton, with a weekend of activities in the village. A new Alpha course starts in October (a course for those interested in exploring the Christian faith). Thats just a taster of what' coming up. More details are in Grapevine, our magazine, which is also available on-line by following the link on the home page.

Finished at last! Only a few minor things to sort out and a trip to IKEA left to do. The new office is looking wonderful, so please pop in and say hello. Thankyou to everyone who has given their time and money to make it possible. We still have a shortfall of £4,000, so if you would like to give please there is still time - remember to use gift aid. The grand official opening will be on March 11th at 10.30am. Normal service in the office will soon ressume, we are working hard to catch up after the major disruption over the last 8 months. Thank you for bearing with us.

Well it has been a busy few months since my last entry in the Blog. The new service pattern is firmly established and going well, with a growth in numbers at both services and more creativity than ever.

Christmas is nearly upon us and there is much to look forward to. Please follow this link to our magazine, grapevine to see the latest news and events for the festive period. http://www.sandalmagna.comgrapevine_dec2006.html

A real highlight will be the 17th of December at St. Helen's. At 4pm there is a Family Christingle service with the music group and lots of candle lighting for the chldren, while at 7pm we will have Carols by Candlelight with the choir and music group - a more adult service.

Christmas Eve will be St. Paul's Christingle at 4pm, with crib and much creative input from the Children.

Please do come and join us, whether you worship here on a regular basis, are just visiting or can only make it once a year - you are warmly welcomed to share the mystery, wonder and splendour of the Christmas story.

To find out more about Jesus visit http://www.rejesus.org/

It is all change at St. Helen's with new service times. Each Sunday will have two morning services, a traditional (usually) Holy Communion at 9.15am and a more informal service at 10.45am. Each Sunday will have it's own flavour, covering family friendly worship, praise services and Eucharist. The services at St. Paul's, Walton will continue to be at 11am and alternate between Holy Communion and Morning Praise.

We hope you will find something to suit you. See you soon!

Just a quick update on some of the up and coming events. July 31st see's the start of 'Soul Portobello', a Churches Together In Wakefield organised event for the whole of the week including community workshops, art programmes, worship etc. August: 9th-13th, Soul Survivor at Shepton Mallet, Bath. 13th-20th, Hilfield Youth Camp at Hilfield Friary, Dorset (youth camp for 13-18 yrs). 15th-28th, Greenbelt Festival, Cheltenham. September 3rd, New worship pattern launched (9.15am traditional service with choir, 10.45am contemporary worship with band). 24th, Back to Church Sunday. October 4th, Alpha Course Starts with Alpha an Supper. 6th/7th ‘Willow Creek’ Leadership Conference in Durham. So a really busy but exciting few months coming up. More details available in our parish magazine, online at http://www.sandalmagna.com follow the link to Grapevine from the home page.

Just a quick update on some important events happening in the Parish over the coming months.

Church AGM is Tuesday 25th April at St. Helen's from 7pm. This will be a chance to hear the vision for the church, Elect Wardens and PCC members. The latest Annual Review for 2005 will be launched on that evening but if you can't wait that long you can read it now online, just follow the link near the bottom of the home page.

The 14th of May will be a very special weekend here at St. Helen's as many, both old and young are Confirmed - a very special occasion.

The weekend of the19/20/21st of May will see St. Helen's awash with creative and family events. It is going to be a wonderful weekend with live music, art exhibitions and the premiere of a new work by composer Ali Bullivent. See the latest Grapevine for more information.

I'm on holiday next week! Painting and windsurfing in the Lake District. The Office will still be open but on shorter hours, Tuesday to Thursday, 9am to 11.30am. For urgent business please contact Rupert on 255441 or Derek on 259979.

Please do come and see the art exhibition on for the whole of April in the Emmaus Room. Wonderful paintings by Mark Brooke - this is a top quality exhibition of mainly landscape paintings. If you cannot see the exhibition after a Sunday service or during office hours, call Rupert to arrange a viewing.

Also consider giving to the Bishops appeal for Mara. They have been struck hard by the famine sweeping through East Africa. See the Grapevine for more details or drop in the money (clearly labelled for the appeal) to the Parish Office or in the collection on Sunday. This is urgent as people need our help now.

Bob