Dear Friends, Welcome to our October benefice magazine as we continue our journey through church events across the autumn. Many thanks again to all who have contributed and to Ellie for kindly pulling all the information together. At the moment there’s nothing much to report on filling the post of a new associate priest so please keep on praying.
On a positive note we welcome Revd Rob Harper with us from 1st October on a three month placement—please read Rob’s introductory letter below and I am sure we will give him a good welcome as he begins his time with us in the benefice:
“My name is Revd Rob Harper, and I am currently a Curtate at St John’s Wakefield. I studied at St Hilda’s college at Mirfield and prior to being ordained I worshipped at Holy Trinity Rothwell for many years; over the years I have worshipped in a very broad range of churches. I have started my fourth year of a part time curacy as a self-supporting Minister. As part of my curacy, I am starting a placement with you in October, and I am looking forward to meeting you all.
I have two grown up children; Ben is 22 years old, and Susie is 19 years old. I enjoy baking, travel, reading and outside activities. I also enjoy art and watching films. I have recently returned from a family holiday to Northumberland where I walked barefoot to Holy Island following the traditional route from the mainland. Rooting ourselves in the past helps us to know where we should be looking forward to.
I’m hoping to support Glenn in the four churches and serve you in the best way that I can. You may not see me every week and I am terrible at remembering names; however, I am sure there will be opportunities to get to know you all.
Best wishes, Rob.”
In other news we are working on a leaflet that will detail the projects we are progressing across the benefice; for example a team will look at how we take care and minister to families who approach us for a baptism. Discussions are also under way to hold another bereavement course in November and full details will be published in due course. Things are happening all the time so please keep up-to-date with the weekly newsletters.
God Bless and take care and please keep praying for an associate priest to join us. Glenn
Rev Glenn Coggins, Vicar of the United Benefice of North Wakefield
