Parish Newsletter

The Dog Days of August

No such thing as a quiet month in the Werbies! But we try to keep August meetings-free and allow all our amazing army of volunteers a bit of a rest. So, if it’s non-urgent bizz, folks, can it wait till September? Much appreciated!

  

Notice Found Inside a French Church

We love the pictures you send in of churches you come across on your travels: one parishioner found this notice inside a Church in France she visited recently: “En entrant dans cette église, il est possible que vous entendiez l'appel de Dieu. Par contre, il n'est pas susceptible de vous contacter par téléphone. Merci d'avoir éteint votre téléphone. Si vous souhaitez parler à Dieu, entrez, choisissez un endroit tranquille et parle lui. Si vous souhaitez le voir, envoyez-lui un SMS en conduisant.” (Translation at foot of page)

 

2020 Mass Diary Now Open for Bookings

Many thanks to everyone for sending in their 2020 Dates – the new Mass Diary is looking pretty full already! Please keep sending them in if you have special dates you want commemorated and Masses said.

 

Our Mission Together Appeal Minor Works List

The excellent progress goes on, thanks to some wonderful parishioners. Michael has started on the Dining Room chairs, stripping one down and giving us a Quotation for all eleven. He’s found four possible fabrics for the re-covering, and they’re on the Notice Board at the back for you to place a tick against the one you like best! Peter has found some beautiful antique cast iron railings, which can be used for our bespoke Handrails for the Front Door of the House; and John has started work on the Dining Room Table and Church Kneelers. We can’t thank them enough for their work and dedication. 

 

Alzheimer's Charity Marathon Hike

Ruth will be available at all Masses today, Sunday 4^th August, to collect any further sponsorships or donations.

 

Train Rides to Crewe, Liverpool, Leeds…

Clearly several rail buffs out there! How about a Werbies Railway Club? Anyone fancy the Halton Curve ride to Liverpool on Tuesday evening 13^th August, drink in the tiled pub, Dr Duncan’s (thirsty work, train spotting), perhaps Chinese Supper at Tso’s next door and the train back? List at back of church if you’d like to!

(See Letter of the Week below).

 

Altar Servers Update

1. We are delighted that a good group of our Servers and Parents will be attending the National Altar Servers Mass in Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral on 21^st September, first time it’s been held outside of London.
2. In September we will be bidding farewell to Nicholas and Pranika from the 9.00 am team as they hopefully begin their University courses.
3. As always it is great to welcome back Kris and Tom to the 10.45 team from their University studies in London and Edinburgh.

 

October Bible Month – 2020 Bible Year

The Bishops of England and Wales have designated 2020 as “The Year of the Bible”. We’re getting ready by holding a Chester-wide ecumenical “Month of the Bible” in October. A huge number of events going on – brochure coming out soon!

 

Major Project: Remodelling Front of Church

The major part of our Parish Share on the Diocesan Appeal is going on the remodelling of the front of church, a project we initiated three years ago but which had to go on the back burner once the Great War Plaque became our principal focus. Looking at the front of church, we have five aims in mind:

1. Removing the unsightly railings, gates and flags, replacing them with something more sympathetic;
2. Creating a level patio area as you leave church, as far as the existing railings, and then steps down;
3. Remodelling the Disabled Entrance so that it is impossible for parked cars to block the way in;
4. Repairing the bulging retaining wall under the existing railings, which could give way at any time;
5. Installing floodlights for the front of church.

The Diocese has appointed a new Architect, and he is very keen on coming to meet you all in September to discuss his detailed plans with us all.

 

Letter of the Week

Dear FP. Somewhat amused by your promotion of the Halton curve link. I think you should be joining Transport for Wales' marketing department. My house backs onto the railway line and I am usually awoken around 05.40 hrs by the first Manchester train and then the first mid-Cheshire, Halton curve and Leeds trains pass through. Thereafter it is impossible to get back to sleep. Sincerely yours, Grumpy of Pipers Ash. PS: Alas, I'm unable to join the trip to Liverpool as will be doing my voluntary job on the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway as a train guard.

 

‘First Friday’ Recital – Paul Carr, Organist

Stunning recital from Paul last Friday – many thanks indeed! The next one, Friday 6^th September, is Cellist Urszula Krukowska-Byzdra. Make a note!

 

Syd’s and FP’s Holiday Dates This Summer

Syd is on holiday until Sunday 11^th August. Muggins will be away Tuesday 20^th August to Thursday 5^th September. Milano – non vedo l’ora!

 

Photo of the Week: Santa Croce, Florence

One of the most amazing churches in an amazing city. Badly damaged by the catastrophic floods of 1966, now lovingly restored. Immortalised in E.M. Forster’s A Room with a View. It claims to be the burial place of Michelangelo, Dante, Galileo, Machiavelli and Rossini. But in Italy, that’s the equivalent of “Queen Elizabeth slept here”!

Grazie mille, Melanie!

 

Translation of French Church Notice

“It is possible that on entering this church, you may hear the Call of God. On the other hand, it is not likely that he will contact you by phone. Thank you for turning yours off. If you would like to talk to God, come in, choose a quiet place, and talk to him. If you would like to see him, send him a text while driving.”