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Thoughts from the Vicar

HOLIDAYS
Blessing of sun be yours
Blessing of earth be yours
Blessing of rock be yours
Blessing of sky be yours
Blessing of wind be yours
Blessing of water be yours
Blessing of fun be yours
Blessing of stillness be yours
Blessing of discovery be yours
Blessing of rest be yours
Blessing of meeting be yours
Blessing of thought be yours
Blessing of change be yours
Blessing of homecoming be yours.
A Celtic blessing by Ray Simpson

I am writing this in the first week of the school summer holidays after another frenetic end to the school term. The last week has seen the usual round of meetings jammed into the limited space before the extended summer break begins. It is in response to all of that activity that I wanted to begin with the above blessing which I hope can help to still and prepare us for changed routines and the re-charging of batteries over this holiday season.

Returning to last week for a moment one of the highlights for me was an afternoon party celebrating the seventieth year of Olive Hill Primary School. There were dances and songs from the past wonderfully performed by children and staff together with food, fun and games. There were also displays from the fire service and the police and a very popular bouncy castle. Children and staff who had formerly attended the school were invited back including those who had been present on the opening day in 1937 and so it was a day for reminiscing and for stories. Those stories highlighted just what a significant role the school had had not just on individuals but also on the community at large.

Another highlight of the last week was the Festival of Talents here at St Paul's Church. I am so grateful to everyone who contributed in whatever way to the transformation of the church. The range of creative talents on display, many of which had previously been hidden, had to be seen to be believed. Many were home grown talents from St Paul's, but it was also wonderful to have flower displays from Bob Harris and paintings from members of the Black Country Artists Group. On Saturday evening Su Dymond and David Hadley organised a wonderful concert drawing out yet more hidden talents. Perhaps the greatest legacy of the weekend is the appreciation and recognition given to the many talents that were offered over the weekend and thanksgiving for the blessing that they bring to the life of St Paul's.

Later in this edition Bishop David offers his personal reflections upon the Lambeth Conference, do please continue to pray for that gathering of Anglican Bishops and for a good and fruitful outcome.
There will be much more to look forward to in the autumn, but let that be and in the meantime as the prayer of blessing declares may the "Blessing of rest be yours".

Reverend Mike Sermon
Vicar

At the PCC Meeting on 10th July 2008 the vicar presented the following . . .

Vicar's points of information

1. Interfaith Conversations
The clergy are currently working with the interfaith officer for Dudley MBC to establish a pattern of regular meetings with other faith leaders in the area to develop and strengthen relationships across the Blackheath community. There have been meetings with Imam Ali from the Long Lane Mosque and a further meeting to include other local Imam's is scheduled to take place on 16th July.
On Monday the vicar and Imam Hashmi from Dudley Central Mosque jointly addressed the Dudley interfaith forum comparing the roles of priest and Imam.
The Vicar continues to act as a trustee for the Halesowen Asian Elderly Association.
If you would like to know more or would like to be involved please speak with the vicar.

2. Shell Corner Partnership
The partnership continues to meet and has recently appointed Jennie Hodgetts as secretary and Councillor Jeff Hill as Vice Chair in place of Councillor Lesley Faulkner who has stepped down from the role.
Dudley MBC has recently published a draft regeneration plan for Shell Corner and this remains available for viewing on their website (paper copy is also at the back of church) although the consultation period for feedback has now closed. A copy of the main proposals is attached to this note.
It would be a great encouragement to the vicar if more people would take an interest in the work of the partnership.

3. Olive Hill Primary School
A Children's Centre is currently being constructed at the school which is designed to support families with young children by offering an alternative venue where health professional can offer appointments to families.
The clergy are currently offering support to the Head Teacher and there may be further opportunities for Jodi Jones our Children's Outreach Worker.

4. Leading Your Church into Growth Course
The vicar will be attending this course in November whose aim is to provide help, encouragement and ideas on growing the local church.