CHURCHES TOGETHER IN LICHFIELD
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2023
CHAIRS’ REPORT
In last year’s report we noted that 'During 2021 online meetings, largely through Zoom technology, continued to be the order for the day. It was Autumn before we were able to meet face-to-face. Something which we recognised as being quite a profound experience despite the required wearing of masks and the attention
to 2 metre distancing.' Fortunately for 2022 everything returned to something more normal and a full programme of largely well attended events and meetings was held throughout the year.
For the first Forum meeting of the year in October we were able to give support to a new initiative. With the cost of living becoming an ever present issue for many in the community we were delighted to hear from Councillor Dave Robertson how, in the summer, the council had been able to support the general provision of a School Uniform Bank. Making it possible for some parents to provide school uniforms for their children.
Speaking of the cost of living crisis we were also delighted to be able to support and be part of the Places of Warmth which opened for the winter months.
It was noticeable that Lent Groups remained one of the activities most affected by people remaining apprehensive. Interestingly most of the concern was not around meeting together but that the meetings may be held on zoom and not face to face. The book studied was A way of Living the Beatitudes by John Birch which the people in the three groups who met, which included a long running group in Whittington, found very stimulating.
The first event of the year was the service for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity held in St.Chad’s Church on 21st January, using the material from CTBI which had been put together by churches in the Middle East. It was well attended with many churches represented. Warren Bardsley preached and an offertory of £100 was forwarded to the Sabeel-Kairos Centre in Jerusalem.
The Walk of Witness on Good Friday went well with 40 -50 people walking from Whittington and about 200 joining in the city. The evening service in the Cathedral was led by Canon Gregory and Canon Pat – Clergy Chair of CTiL; there was a good number attending.
For Bower Day we decided to ‘do something different’ as the hiring of a marquee and all that went with it had become prohibitive. Six of us, wearing bright new yellow gilets emblazoned with Churches Together logo, offered our services as volunteers for the street collection. What we didn’t realise at the time was that we would receive a share of the collection, at an event in September, to the tune of £150. Monies we were delighted to use towards Christmas Day Together, an event which continues to bring joy to many who might otherwise spend Christmas Day on their own.
It was exciting to see Christmas Day Together go ahead again and 25 dinners of M&S
roast chicken, soup, pudding, custard, crackers, presents and grape juice were home delivered and another 25 guests ate together at Wade Street. At Wade Street, the guests were entertained by Glen and Sonia – a pianist and singer. One guest commented that if she hadn’t had such a happy time of fellowship, she would have been home alone.
In December, following a chance meeting and chat with Andrew Rushton, we organized Carols in the Market Square. Although bitterly cold, it went really well with an attendance of around 80. Andrew led the singing with his PA system. One for the future!
Some members of the Enabling Group continue to attend the regular CLASP (Churches Linked Across Staffordshire and the Potteries) meetings. This gives us the chance to discuss various issues and matters of interest with other Churches Together groups and hear what events they have planned and what challenges they are experiencing.
During this year we have experienced a number of personal comings and goings. David Whittaker, a member of the council who has been a good friend to CTiL particularly in regard to working with us as we sought to help those who are homeless, has moved out of the area. Rick Hill, Lay Co-chair, left at the AGM following his move to Birmingham and was replaced by David Mason on a temporary basis. Also Revd Roger Baker from the Methodist Church and Revd Ian Hayter of Wade Street Church have retired. We thank them for their support of CTiL over the years and wish them well for the future.
However, we welcomed three new ministers – The Revd Dr Abbie Walsh of St Michael-on-Greenhill and St John the Baptist Wall , The Revd Sharon Greensmith– St John the Baptist Hospital and The Revd Wendy Walker – Methodist Minister. We look forward to working with them.
We also welcomed two new members to the Enabling Group, Hugh Ashton, from the Cathedral who is also a councillor and John Preece from Wade Street Church .
Recently we have also been reviewing the succession of Officers and planning for the future. With this in mind we would welcome more new members to the Enabling Group.
With grateful thanks to you all.
Canon Pat Maguire – Clergy chair
David Mason – Lay chair