Richard’s Sabbatical

On the 1^st June Richard, our vicar, began a three month sabbatical during which he will recharge his batteries and visit other churches etc to study Minster Ministries.  He began by walking from north of Newcastle along the Northumbrian coast to Berwick.  He has since been spotted in Costas, looking very relaxed.  He reported that he had enjoyed the walk very much but had not had the fine weather that we enjoyed at the beginning of June.  He did, however manage to remain free of blisters!!  Richard is looking into Minster Ministries in order to explore ways forward for the Oundle Deanery so that the churches can help each other more and Oundle be “a radiator not a drain”.  Richard promises to be back in Oundle for the mens' walk to Stamford on August bank holiday Monday.  On 5th September, his first Sunday, there will be a Parish Lunch to welcome him back.

Confirmation

5 Step Out Together

The 8^th June saw 5 members of St Peter’s church family take another step in their Christian journey. Nidjah Bowen-Lyttelton, Tim Bell, Georgie Billings, Sue Thomas and Arwel Hopkins had been preparing for Confirmation since January. So on a Tuesday evening in early June - at a Deanery service at All Saints, Nassington along with 9 other candidates - together they confirmed their resolve to be followers of Jesus. The vicar of Nassington (and Assistant Bishop of Peterborough) the Right Reverend John Flack conducted the service and reminded candidates that it was not really he who confirmed them, but God who confirmed them -  that is gave them, through His Holy Spirit, the strength to be faithful disciples of Jesus. For Kayla Borley and her family June 8^th wasn’t possible. Kayla has been preparing for confirmation with the rest of the group and will be confirmed at a service later in the year.

Cricket Match

Sunday, 20th June: A warm, sunny day, the green sward with wickets pitched, a diverse band of spectators ranging in age from 8 to 80 and more, a splendid tea produced by our devoted tea-ladies, two venerable umpires and two genial teams --- so who cares about the result? (I have to say though that it was plain that the opposition had practised!!) A splendid time was had by all and everyone went home feeling we knew each other a bit better and it had been a lovely way to spend an afternoon. Congratulations to Moulton and thanks for travelling over and to all who contributed to the occasion.

Visit of Ross and Sonia Wilson

 On Sunday 27^th June St. Peter’s received a visit from Ross and Sonia Wilson and their three daughters.  Ross and Sonia were our former Mission Partners serving with CMS in Thailand.  They came home just before our current Mission Partners, John and Gillian Robinson went out.  Ross is waiting after his Selection Board to hear whether he has been accepted to train as a Church of England minister.  During the service, Ross and Sonia spoke on the Gospel reading, relating it to people they knew in Thailand.  They challenged us to think about 3 questions:-

-            - How is my perseverance?

-            - What are my priorities?

-            - What is my perspective in life based on?

60^th Wedding Anniversary

On Tuesday 29^th June Audrey and Brian Davies celebrated their 60^th wedding anniversary.  During the 10.30 Communion service they were called to the front to be congratulated and we gave thanks for their marriage and prayed that they would continue to be blessed in it.