Swanage URC

At long last we’ve updated our website to make it far more user friendly, far more interactive and hopefully far more informative!

Ironically my first posting is also my Pastoral Letter for this month.

Please let us know what you think of our new site!

Dear Friends,
As the AGM approaches I always start to think about the year that has just past. I consider our successes, our failures and our missed opportunities.

We have had many successes during 2007. Lots of things have happened in our church life, and the fabric of our buildings has been improved.

I think it would be fair to say that the most significant event of 2007 was the preparations for, and the weekend of, the ‘Preach with a View’ in November.

Thinking of the year ahead and our Vacancy, it is clear that we are very much in the same situation, but a little wiser. There is very little that we can do to hasten the call of a Minister, except pray - as well, of course, to make certain that we continue to keep our Church a vibrant and ministering fellowship. We will not attract a new minister if we start to become ‘tired’ and look as if we are running down.

So many people have put in so much effort over the last 28 months that we must keep up the impetus.Therefore, I am pleased to be able to report that the Elders have agreed to two new groups which will be formed within the next few weeks. More information on these at the AGM.

Let us hope and pray, as we approach the third anniversary of Dave’s departure from Swanage, that we will soon have his replacement in the Manse. But a word of caution - we must make sure that we, together with Wareham, choose the right person for our Church, our Communities, and our partners in the other denominations.

Thank you all for everything you are doing and will be doing during the coming year.

Jim Farrer
Church Secretary

ERIC PETROSSIAN ONE-MAN SHOW - A REVIEW BY JOHN BARRY

On 9th February 2008, Swanage URC hosted an unforgettable evening of drama when the one-man play entitled ‘Kindom Come: the Life of Christ’ was performed by the professional actor, Eric Petrossian, from BBC New Talent.   The play was the opening event in the Lent Programme of Churches Together in Swanage and District, and attracted an audience of about 200 people.
The actor brought to life most of the principal events in Jesus’ ministry, combining all
four gospels, and playing over 30 different characters himself.   It was indeed a most
moving and memorable experience.

 SIX MONTHS IN NICARAGUA

On Wednesday 16th April, Ren, a member of Swanage URC, will talk about the six months she spent in a small village in Nicaragua setting up a Montessori School. This is sure to be an interesting evening and everyone is welcome.