Newsletter - September 2025

It seems impossible that the summer is nearly over, but we hope it has been a good one for you and your loved ones. It’s good to gather in church together to catch up on one another’s news and learn of new adventures and friends that have been a blessing in recent weeks. At this time of year, we pray for those going back to school, or starting school, and those young people entering new stages of their lives – new schools, colleges, universities, apprenticeships or jobs.

September 8th marks my first anniversary as Vicar of St Philip’s and I’ve been greatly blessed throughout the last 12 months. Forgive me if I’m still not totally up to speed with having learned everyone’s name – it’s work in progress! I’ve greatly enjoyed journeying through the year with you all and look forward to all that is to come.

Throughout the summer, I’ve taken great delight in our green and colorful spaces outside St Philip’s. I hope you’ve also paused, as you pass the church, to appreciate the beautifully maintained flower beds on either side of the church doors and also the two beds on either side of the fence by the bug hotel between the hall and the church. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve come out in the morning to unlock and have found Sandra and Sue hard at work in front of the church, or Sarah tending the sunflowers, flowers and plants she has cultivated by the bug hotel.

We may not have much garden space, but my goodness, we make the most of what there is! On behalf of the whole congregation, I’d like to offer hearty thanks to Sandra, Sue and Sarah for their hard work and dedication, and to all those who have mowed the grass or trimmed the hedges over the summer.

Don’t forget that First Steps, our gathering for toddlers and their parents/carers, resumes on Friday 12th September at 10.30am. Also, there is still time to join the group for those preparing to be confirmed by Bishop Rosemarie at St Mark’s at 6.30pm on Sunday 19 October. Please email me at: vicarspr@gmail.com asap.