Our Children's, Youth & Families advisers publish a packed Newsletter

The October Newsletter from the Mustard Seed Team is packed with fruitfulness this Harvest-tide! There are resources for leaders and young people, events, training, a focus on schools and on prayer - and loads more, both seasonal and good, all-year-round guidance and support. Read it all here, and follow the Team's Facebook Page for even more up-to-date news for leaders and young people.

Agenda published for the next Deanery Synod

We're looking forward to our next meeting of Deanery Synod, which is on the evening of Wednesday 16th October at St. Peter's Church, North Hill, Colchester. It's good that we'll have Bishop Roger with us, as we report back on our Awaydays. If yours has taken place & you have yet to send in your report of the Day, it would be good for our Secretary Martin Roscoe to have it by Wednesday 2nd October. We ask that one representative of each Awayday attends Synod (it needn't be a Synod member) to help with Q&As. And we'll be reporting on the take-up of next year's Mission Opportunity Fund grant, re children, youth & families work. Have you put in a bid for that yet? See you at Synod!

Essex Mind & Spirit - upcoming meeting

The next meeting of Essex Mind & Spirit takes place at Stanway Evangelical Church on Thursday 14th November from 12 noon to 2pm. The topic is 'Our Lived Experiences - mental health issues and our Churches today'. Bring your own refreshments; suggested donation £1.50 towards costs. All are welcome - book in through patthenurse@hotmail.com or Revd Hilary Platts on 07583 115427.

Canonesses seek two part-time Carers

The Canonesses of the Holy Sepulchre based on Greenstead are looking to appoint two part time Senior Carers. This will suit individuals that are warm-hearted, professional, compassionate and committed to having a person-centred approach to providing care and support where needed.  All details about the posts can be found on their website: Canonesses of the Holy Sepulchre – Creating a community of love, filled with hope.

Three new Priests in our Deanery

On Saturday 28th September, three Deacons serving in our Deanery were ordained to the Priesthood in St. Botolph's, Colchester in a service led by our Bishop, Rt Revd Roger Morris. They are Revd Charley Day who ministers at St. Luke's; Revd Emma Barr who serves in the Six Parishes in North Colchester; and Revd Emma Smith, who is based at Christ Church and St. Botolph's and also serves at St. Mary's, Wivenhoe. Please pray for these new Priests as they take this important step in their ministry, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Key dates for 2025 agreed

We've just published the first draft of the Deanery's 2025 Calendar here on our website, including dates for Deanery Synod, which are on Wednesdays 12th March, 18th June and 15th October 2025; Chapter and Committee dates are on there too.  Venues, speakers and topics will be announced later, and we'll also be able to fill in the dates of Diocesan meetings. There's also a link to the Essex School Term dates for 2025/6.

St. Botolph's Autumn Concert programme announced

The autumn series of concerts at St. Botolph's Church in Colchester is more impressive than ever! here's a quick list - click on the Society's name to go to their website & book! Saturday 19th October - Colchester Symphony Orchestra; Saturday 9th November - Lexden Choral Society; Saturday 16th November - Colchester Choral Society; Sunday 24th November - St. Botolph's Music Society; Saturday 30th November - Colchester Symphony Orchestra Wind Concert; Saturday 7th December - Headway Christmas Concert; Sunday 8th December - Colchester Choral Society; Saturday 14th December - West Bergholt Concert Band; Sunday 15th December - Colne Endeavour Band

Revd Ian Scott-Thompson announces his retirement

Revd Ian Scott-Thompson, Priest-in-Charge of Marks Tey and Aldham, is to retire - his last services in our Deanery will be on Sunday 20th October. The following week he retires from all his other Parishes - Great and Little Tey, Wakes Colne and Chappel. He's been a busy incumbent - ably supported by his wife Jane. They have both been a Godsend to our Deanery, exercising their many skills. Area Dean Canon Erwin Lammens expresses his sincere thanks for Ian's years as Chapter Clerk and Jane's as a member of the Deanery Standing & Pastoral Committee; and Ian says: 'I have really appreciated the support and advice of colleagues in Colchester over the past 14 years and more - I shall miss you all, as will my wife Jane'. We'll miss you both, too.

Aldham Church Flower Festival

The annual Flower Festival in Aldham Parish Church takes place on the weekend of Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th October, and is open from 11am to 4pm each day. The theme is 'Celebration'; there'll also be craft stalls, and light refreshments served in the Village Hall all day. Programmes are £3 per person. The Festival is organised by the Friends of Aldham Church in aid of the Church fabric.

Rested and refreshed

Well, we hope you are - but that's the title of this month's Newsletter from the Diocesan Mustard Seed Team of children's youth & families Advisers, as we head into another season of activity. The newsletter is full of opportunities and resources, so do click here to read all about them, and follow the Team's Facebook Page for even more up-to-date news for leaders and young people.

Parish Share 2025 - figures now out

The Diocesan Budget for next year was presented and agreed at Diocesan Synod in June, and the Parish Share figures were emailed to Parishes - Incumbents, Churchwardens and Treasurers - on Saturday 31st August. On 2nd September the Diocesan Office sent through spreadsheets containing all the background calculations. We now have six weeks to look at them on PCC, before we report to Deanery Synod on Wednesday 16th October. We are praying that the process will go well and the Lord is honoured by our decisions.

24 Parishes to share £24,000 - stake your claim!

Have you put in your Parish's bid for part of the £24,000 grant the Deanery has to spend on children's, youth and families' work in the next year? Tell us your ideas as soon as you can so that we can co-ordinate them all, and present a summary to Deanery Synod on Wednesday 16th October. All the details and instructions have been sent to Incumbents and Churchwardens; don't miss out!

Church building support - new grants for Churches

Are you planning to take advantage of the two new grants available from The Church of England for Church repairs and improvements?  We know it takes a while to make plans, but do try to get your applications in whilst the money's available! All the information is right here on the CofE website.

CCCT are waiting to write you a cheque!

There's more money to help with work on the Church or Hall building - from the Colchester Churches Charitable Trust. They funds are there to be used, so don't miss out - click to find out more.

Friendship Line - A listening ear in Lexden

St. Leonard's, Lexden have recently set up a Friendship Line, and it's not just for their Parishioners. Anyone who feels they need someone with whom they can have a friendly chat, or would like someone to listen to their concerns, will feel more positive after a time of sharing. The Parish will be happy for you to put up this poster on your noticeboard. More information from the Parish Office on 01206 575565 or Revd Maggie Whiteman at maggiew234@gmail.com.

Four of our Churches are on the Eco path

We're so pleased to hear that St. Margaret's, Berechurch and St. Andrew's Marks Tey have registered with Eco Church this year, joining All Saints with St. John's Great Horkesley who have already received Bronze Award Status, and Christ Church Colchester who are holders of the Silver Award. Well done all - to know more, visit the Diocesan website and the Eco Church website.

Calais Light - bringing help to refugees here and in Calais

Do you have a heart to help refugees? When they have arrived here, or whilst they are still struggling in Calais? 'Calais Light' is an Essex-based charity currently looking to expand its services in the Colchester and Clacton areas, promoting social inclusion and acceptance for refugees here and on the continent. See more on their website at https://www.calaislight.com/ and read this paper recently circulated to our Synod members.

Churchwardens - help is at hand

Are you a Churchwarden, or would you like to be more supportive of your Churchwardens? The Diocesan website has a wealth of information on Churchwardens' duties and responsibilities, training and support material (including YouTube videos) to guide us in this important role. It includes pointers for building works, actions in a Vacancy, being a Trustee, and much more. Surf to www.chelmsford.anglican.org/churchwardens and be encouraged!

PCC Wellbeing Toolkit

The wellbeing of Church leaders and members has been high on the list of the Church of England's priorities since Covid, and a PCC Wellbeing Toolkit was introduced to our Clergy and Lay leaders in a recent seminar. PCCs may find helpful to review it together, and involve the Church membership. It is offered to you to use as you see fit; download it from here.  May it bless you!

Lexden Bereavement Support Group

This Group, a resource available to all Parishes, is run by three Lay members of St. Leonard's, Lexden, all of whom are retired registered nurses with experience and extra training in loss and bereavement. A new course of six fortnightly sessions begins soon for those of any faith or none missing a loved one who died recently or longer ago. For details or to book a place phone Margaret on 01206 547803 or email bereavement@stleonardslexden.org.uk.

To add news items to this page, email us at mail@colchesterdeanery.org.uk