CURATE'S REPORT 2008
I am now in my second year of curacy and am continuing to learn and understand more about ministry, church leadership and the complexities of parish life. It has been a year of significant personal growth where I feel both my confidence and skills have increased.
There have been several highlights, one being my ordination in June to the priesthood enabling me to preside at Holy Communion and to convey Gods forgiveness and blessing, a privilege and a responsibility beyond words. Another has been the new experience of being a part of a growing ministerial team and seeing the gifts of others being encouraged and developed. Being involved with preparing children for their fist Holy Communion and seeing the positive effects this has had upon our church community was the icing on a very generous cake.
Throughout the year I have become more involved with children's ministry both with Abbacus and by undertaking assemblies and other work in our local primary schools. The school work continues to be a personal challenge.
I have continued my involvement with; Blackheath Churches together, Hope 08 events and with people from other faiths through the Asian Elderly Group.
Most of my time has been spent gaining practical experience in the bread and butter work of parish ministry and management which I enjoy very much including; home and hospital visiting, sermon writing, prayer, visiting groups, funeral and wedding ministry. I have also taken some services at our neighbouring churches of St Giles and St James and have continued to attend curate training sessions with a focus on mission and church initiatives.
I am amazed at how quickly my time here is passing. It feels to have been a productive and enjoyable year with many challenges and I am excited for the future of S Paul's church community. It is a great privilege to serve God in this place of much love and endless opportunity. Thank you all for your support, encouragement and patience as we continue to learn and share the love of God together.
God Bless You All
Ann Simmons, Assistant Curate.
