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THE VICAR'S REPORT TO THE APCM 2008 |
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Church of England Diocese of London Kensington Episcopal Area |
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For further information…. |
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We hope to be able to show the new and extended plans and the building schedule for the new hall at St. Mark's in the near future. |
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Once again, it has been my privilege to serve the communities of South Teddington and Hampton Wick as their parish priest for the past twelve months. I thank the Churchwardens and all who have given so unstintingly of their time and talents to do the endless tasks that ensure the smooth running of all matters associated with a medium sized parish operating two church buildings and for the tremendous support and encouragement they have continued to give to both Gareth and myself. I am sure that I can speak on behalf of both our congregations when I report that in his first full year as a Licensed Lay Reader, Gareth has continued to show his considerable ability in every aspect of the service he has so freely and willingly given. |
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St. Mark's The increases in attendance recorded in previous years was more than maintained throughout 2007. As an example and to avoid quite lengthy lists of comparative figures the attendance recorded over the December 2007 Christmas period was 2,386 (2006 - 1,964; 2005 - 1,421; 2004 - 1,231) and the total attendance recorded for the year being 9,789. There are 214 on the Electoral Roll. Numbers for weddings in 2007 were more than double those in 2006 and baptisms (both infant and adult ) matched those registered for 2006 which was an outstanding year. The Christingle service held at St. Mark's in December raised over £400 (excluding Gift Aid) and with box holders contributing a further £258 making 2007 another year when the parish gave splendid financial support to the work of The Children's Society. The Healing ministry provided within the Family Communion service on a bi-monthly basis during the year continued to be very well received. We are indebted to all who provide such splendid hospitality after the evening midweek services and at Easter time. |
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A very special mention should be made of the sterling work in forming a choir during the year. They have made a considerable contribution to the quality of worship we are able to offer and I offer my most sincere thanks to them all. During 2008 we will be forming a worship (music & choral) group to lead all Parade and youth targeted services. The Sunday School teachers continued, week in and week out, to provide interesting and challenging lessons for our young people. The Children's Workshop was again a great success and the single morning session format will be used again in 2008. On Palm Sunday afternoon we visited Sacred Heart Church for Stations of the Cross led by Fr. John and in December were delighted to welcome children and staff from St. John the Baptist School along with Fr. Reg and members of Sacred Heart to a special 'Celebration of Christmas' service at St. Mark's which was very well attended. St. Mark's continues to be open during the day (Monday to Saturday) at most times of the year and my thanks go to all those who make this form of outreach possible. It is very encouraging to read the unsolicited comments left by visitors which leave no doubt that an open church is very much appreciated by all. A new web site: www.stmarksteddington.org.uk, was launched in mid-2007 and has recorded a quite remarkable average of 195 'hits' every week since (lowest week 83 - highest week 438). As development, construction and maintenance was/is a DIY affair, the total cost of the web site (all hosting fee) was £26 for the year (June 2007 - May 2008). St. John's Numbers attending St. John's held reasonably steady over the year and tribute should be paid to those who regularly attend often under quite difficult circumstances. The 'Ten-Ten' service continued to be well attended and numbers attending matched or bettered most other services held at St. John's during the month. My thanks go to all those who have dedicated much time and effort to this outreach initiative. In February 2008 the 'Ten-Ten' service at St. John's will transfer to St. Mark's and will be held at 11.30 a.m. on the first Sunday of the month and will become known as the 'Sundial Service'. St. John the Baptist (VA) Junior School. The school continues to make excellent progress in every respect and our thanks go to the Headteacher and all members of staff for their dedication to task. The Vicar was re-elected Chair of Governors for 2008 and visits the school to meet the children on a weekly basis, takes whole school assemblies on a monthly basis as well as visiting on numerous other occasions. Year groups from the school visited St. Mark's for teaching sessions throughout the year and whole school services were held on three occasions. Once again a personalised hardback version of the Rainbow Good News Bible was presented to all new pupils (Year 3) at the school. Mention must also be made of the remarkable response to the single Cheese & Wine evening hosted at the Vicarage to raise funds for this initiative which raised (with Gift Aid) over £1,400. My thanks go to those members of the congregation who have given considerable help and support with school assemblies during the year. 7th Teddington (St. Mark's) Air Scout Group. The 7th Teddington (St. Mark's) Air Scout Group continues to use the Games Room for their weekly meetings and activities. The Scout group attend church on approximately eight occasions each year. Our thanks go to the Group Scout Leader for all his efforts in this respect and the increasing numbers attending are tribute to his diligence and enthusiasm in this matter. Teddington School. We continue to have excellent relations with Teddington School which we value enormously. Year groups visited St. Mark's on eight occasions for teaching sessions led by the Vicar as part of their curriculum studies during 2007 and the year ten 'Wedding' proved to be as popular as ever and attracted considerable local press coverage. The school once again made St. Mark's the venue for their Christmas Carol Service. Orione House The Vicar visits Orione House in Hampton Wick on a weekly basis and takes a service of Holy Communion for the Anglican residents. Teddington Memorial Hospital The Vicar continued to be a member of the hospital chapel management committee and to be acting Chaplain to the hospital throughout 2007. As well as numerous visits during each week this included taking a service of prayer or Holy Communion each Tuesday and sharing the rota for Sunday worship with other church leaders in the area. |
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