Robin Gilhespy and Norman Shields write:

Dear Friends,

By the time you read this (definitely the last Church Wardens' letter!), there will have been at least one vitally important event in our Church - Confirmation Sunday. We will have welcomed our ten candidates into full membership of the worldwide church. To have achieved this result during an interregnum is amazing and as a church we owe an immense debt of gratitude to Andrew and Ann who have taken on the training and nurture of the candidates on top of all the other things they had to do. Also on that day we will have celebrated our Patronal Festival. A truly great day in the life of our Church!

We look forward to the installation of Rev. Martin Lee as our Vicar on Friday 12th September. Martin and Sue moved into the vicarage on 30/31st July and have been very busy getting themselves sorted out. The alterations, decorating and carpet fitting were all completed in time for their arrival. They are acclimatising to our weather!! We hope that the Service will be a tremendous occasion and we expect a full church with many visitors. The service will be followed by supper in the hall and Helen Whitfield will be seeking help with that.

We continue to be good at welcoming newcomers to our church and in recent months several people have joined us on a regular basis. On Sunday 28th September we are joining with many other churches in "Back to Church Sunday" when we are all encouraged to try to bring someone new to church. As the title suggests, the emphasis is on folk who have previously attended a church and have lapsed. There will be publicity available in church and we hope that we will have a good result. Figures were published in a recent edition of the Diocesan Newspaper which suggests that a similar event last year had a very positive effect, with a significant number responding and, most importantly, staying as regular worshippers.

Also in September will be the Church Steeplechase when people are encouraged to seek sponsorship and visit as many churches as possible. It makes for an interesting day and raises money for church as well. We are again involved in Heritage Weekend when, together with numerous historic buildings, we will be open to the public who are encouraged to go out and celebrate our rich heritage. Information regarding these events will be in church.

In closing we thank you for your help and support during the interregnum and urge you to give a great St. Bart's welcome to Martin and Sue. We hope and pray that their time with us will be truly memorable. We are embarking on a new chapter in the life of St. Bartholomew's Church in Long Benton.

Yours sincerely,

Norman and Robin.