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Letter for July 2010

Dear Friends,

Do you think Great Britain is a Christian country?

Driving around the countryside you would think so – every village has its church – built in the days when Sunday was special – dedicated to worship and rest,-  when church going was a social event as well as a sacred duty.

The future for many of theses buildings is very uncertain – Sunday has become dedicated to shopping and sport; fewer people recognise that they have a duty to worship God and those that do often drive a distance to a service that suits them.   The real problem is that each church building is entirely dependant on its congregation for upkeep, repairs, maintenance, energy bills, and day-to-day expenses – no money comes from the government or anywhere else - so congregations become keepers of ancient buildings instead of working in the community to bring God’s love - and our congregations in Gilston and Eastwick are in single figures.

Many of you know that St. Mary Gilston has just been repaired after a big fall of masonry from the East end [£10,850].  What you may not know is that the West window has a rare section of 15th Century glass showing the coat of arms of Sir William Estfield – Sheriff of London in 1429 and Lord Mayor of London in 1437. Round the edge in Latin are the words  ‘Pray for the soul of William Estfield, Knight’.

All the windows in Gilston are in need of major attention – but this glass is especially important because it is
pre-reformation and therefore rare.  The Parochial Church Council have decided to start raising funds to secure the window – presently in danger of falling out and the cost is likely to be in the order of £20,000

Fund raising ideas are in hand - There will be a clay pigeon shoot  and In the Autumn a Flower Festival.  What about teas on summer Sunday afternoons for walkers and cyclists? Are there 2 or 3 people who would be willing to organise it?

Perhaps you have other ideas for raising funds – we’d be very glad of any help and suggestions - let me know [600894] or speak to Christine Law, Sarah Bagnall or Lois Smith. 

We’ll always be pleased to welcome you at 11 am - 1st Sundays at Gilston, 3rd  Sundays at Eastwick.

God bless you and yours

Revd Wendy