I hope that you have all had a good Christmas, taken some time off and are looking forward to a new year of ministry in 2022!  It was a pity that the Chapter Christmas lunch got cancelled but I’m hoping very much that we can all get together for an in-person Chapter in two weeks’ time and a party in February.  Then, we’ll have a summer Chapter lunch at The Royal Oak in June.

Here’s the plan:

Tuesday 11am 18 January – in-person Chapter meeting at Hope Church Hounslow with Rev Claire Clarke

• Christmas stories – things that went a bit wrong as well as things that went well
• Tips on tools that help us get organised – personally and as teams
• Deanery news and things coming up

Thurs 10 Feb     7.30pm CHAPTER PARTY at my place – 60 Elmwood Rd W4 3DZ

Thurs 17 Feb     2pm     Online Chapter meeting
Peter Vannozzi will tell us about the new discernment process for potential ordinands, involving Grids, Traffic Lights and Carousels. 

Mental Health First Aider training
The Diocese is offering parishes the opportunity to have one person trained as a Mental Health First Aider.  This will enable the MHFA to recognise the symptoms of mental ill health; to provide initial help, on a first-aid basis; to signpost appropriate professional support; to be aware of their own mental health and well-being; and to understand how to use the MHFA framework within theological frames of reference and pastoral contexts.

The course comprises four half days of training, which should be completed reasonably close together.

Hounslow Deanery is being offered an in-person course for up to 16 people on Tues 10 May, Thurs 12 May, Tues 17 May and Thurs 19 May at 9.30am-1.30pm.

Would you, or someone else from your church, like to attend the course?  If so, please let me know.

GROW course
Just a reminder that, if you and your church have not done this, it’s definitely worth considering.  More info here: https://ccx.org.uk/grow-course/

Welcare Trust
The trustees meet again at the end of March so January/February would be a great time to reflect on funding needs for work in the community and see if this charity can help you.  More info here.

Deanery synod – Introduction to LLF resources – Thursday 24 Feb 7.30-9.00pm
Rev Jody Stowell, Vicar of St Michael & All Angels in Harrow, and Rebeccah Cooper-Jones, professional mediator, will facilitate an introduction to the Living in Love and Faith resources that have been produced recently.  The hope is for people in Church of England churches across the country to use these resources to study and pray together. This church-wide learning together, listening to one another, and listening to God is intended to enable the Church of England to discern a way forward in relation to matters of identity, sexuality, relationships and marriage.  Please do try to join this session – all voices need to be heard.

Prayer
Please continue to pray for the well-being, both physical and mental, of clergy and church leaders.

Love, God bless and Happy New Year!

Martine