It's been a tough six months since our dear Vicar left, but on reflection, I think we have coped pretty well. I won't say it's been easy, being a Christian isn't, but a faithful and loyal church family have made it possible. Thanks to some wonderful supply priests (friends old and new), not one Sunday Eucharist has been missed. We have continued with Bible Study, expanded Daily Office and breakfast fellowship (now six days per week), had a baptism, a funeral and a wedding, have a fully staffed nursery and will shortly be starting Catechesis to prepare candidates for baptism, confirmation, reaffirmation and acceptance at Eastertide. For a small church with no clergy, that's no small achievement and a tribute to the lay members involved.
What am I thinking? That St. Joseph's continued presence is entirely in our hands? Wake up Mick! We all know that the Holy Spirit is guiding the little church with the big red doors, and giving us a helping hand - don't we!!
As our search for a new vicar continues, we realise that God already knows who He is sending to shepherd His flock in Old West Durham. We just have to be patient and put our trust in Him
A Joyous and Blessed Christmastide to all.
Mick
Verger
