I’m told 41 chairs were put out and 40 people came! It felt like just enough, and certainly there was a good buzz. A lot of people had a hand in making it a success. I hope I haven’t forgotten anyone. John, for the seamless presentation. Sue for the monster envelope. Roger, for printing, pens, post-its – and for agreeing to collate responses. Caroline and Sue for tea/coffee, and biscuits. Anita for flowers and washing up. Stephanie for taxiing to Station. Jenny, Lois and friends for stall. Eleanor for collecting names. Everyone for coming. Oh, and the Laudato Si' Movement for the stimulating FILM!
Before the film, we had a moment of silence, and the prayer for the Earth from Laudato Si’ (#246). Afterwards, we heard from Elizabeth Shingler about her A level environment project: if you would like to help her with that by filling in the questionnaire she’s prepared, her email is Elizabeth.shingler1@gmail.com.
To close, John led us in a short reflection adapted from the Office of Readings for St Francis of Assisi, and a prayer: ‘Lord God, you made Saint Francis of Assisi Christ-like in his poverty and humility. Help us so to walk in his ways that, with joy and love, we may follow Christ your Son, and be united to you.’
https://www.theletterfilm.org/ is the film's website. From that you can watch the film in full, and sign up to get help in arranging your own screening. I found this easy to do for our group, but you should register in order to gain the benefit of the assistance available. I'm so pleased that other Cheltenham churches are showing interest in putting it on. NB No cost is involved save publicity.
Please reply to the Google group if you want to make any observations about the evening, positive or negative.
Though I think Eleanor did a good job with the attendance sheet, we failed to get many email addresses: let me know if you know those for people with blanks on the attached list please. Also, any errors or omissions.
I’ll be in touch again as soon as Roger has had time to go through the responses made by those present, collected in the great envelope! Meanwhile, make a note of the evening of 11th January for our follow up meeting, to discuss how we might take things forward locally.
Martin Davies
A rather humbling moment on the long journey to ordination as a permanent deacon, for John Andrews last weekend. Together with four others, he was accepted as a candidate by our Bishop (represented by Canon Liam Slattery) during a short service within Mass at St John the Evangelist in Bath. This marks the start of the final phase of preparation for ordination, and now more than ever John, his fellow candidates, and those responsible for their training need our prayers as the process of discernment and formation come towards their end.
