We have a new curate! On the 29th June Judith and I joined a ‘bus load of parishioners from Dursley to go to Gloucester Cathedral for Skye’s Ordination. Seventeen new ordinands in our diocese, and a thousand in the congregation to support them, a wonderful demonstration that the church is still in good health.

It was wonderful service and a happy day. In the afternoon Skye had invited people to her house to meet Joel, Sophia and Phoenix and their families for lunch. We were able to meet Skye’s parents and two of her sisters, also Joel’s parents and his sister – what lovely families.

Straight into church life, Skye preached at St Mark’s on Sunday 6th July and her commitment to the church shone through. After that we again joined
St James’ for a welcome from the parish to Skye with presentations and food, in the Parish Centre.

We all had another opportunity to meet our new curate and her family at Riversmill Walk, when they had ‘Open House’ on Friday and Saturday 11th and 12th July.

We have also just had the St Mark’s Committee meeting this month. Dates were agreed for Harvest services and through to Epiphany Carol service - more of that later. Everyone was pleased with the painting of the church railings by a working party from Leyhill Prison, it was agreed that we would write to the governor to thank the supervisor and the chaps for doing a good job.  Of course we have to find the money to pay for it now!

Looking forward to August (writing this in the middle of July) we congratulate Peter and Robina who will arrive at their 40th (Ruby) wedding Anniversary.
St Mark’s owes a great deal to Peter and Robina and we salute them for their long and happy marriage.                                                                           Philip Staddon

Diary for August

Sunday 2nd              11.15am Holy Communion

Wednesdays           10.15am Holy Communion