Mullavilly Symbol

LOOKING IN ~ LOOKING UP ~ LOOKING OUT

As part of this latest newsletter, there are things that have caused me great concern over the last few months, and issues that I feel I need to share with you. This is because I believe that each of us need to reflect on what it means to be a 'member' of Mullavilly Parish, and what it means also, to live out our Christian faith on a day to day, week to week basis.

It will also provide areas that can and should be prayed for, as we seek a way forward for each of us as individuals and as & church and wider parish, in its mission and ministry.

In the last pack that went out to all 340+ families in our parish, there was inside a little flyer to ask all the ladies of the parish to indicate the type of activity or event they would like to see planned or organised for them.

Out of 340+ personal invitation flyers, received 1 (one) reply.

To say I was disappointed and disheartened is an understatement. This had been one of those occasions where we decided to ask, rather than assume, what is wanted or needed by others, while at the same time weighing up the words, 'sure there is nothing for women, especially young women, in the parish’. I could of be course come up with a few suggestions and ideas, but they would useless, if people do not want to participate or become involved. The same issue applies for all our age groups, whether it is children, teenagers, young adults, men, older folk, or others.

This led me to think about all the organisations and activities that normally run in the parish. We have, and have had in the past, absolutely fantastic leaders, and people who served their church and God faithfully for many years, in many different ways and on many different occasions.

To each and every one of them we are extremely grateful, yet we need recognise that it can no longer be left up to one or two people to do everything.

However, since 'Lockdown 2020' and our return to normal parish and church life, this has changed dramatically.

I feel I need, in black and white, to highlight where we are as a parish are, in terms of involvement and help at various levels. The reality of this, will, in time determine what continues or doesn't when all organisations begin again in September.

Some groups have already started back, some haven't.
Some groups started and have stopped due to the lack of leaders or helpers.

This is one of those moments where we need to ask the hard questions and listen to some hard answers, as well as possibly make some hard decisions:

  • What commitment am I going to make to church attendance and to worship for myself and my family, and to set an example to the next generation?
  • What do we want our Parish to provide for our children, young people, older folk? And are you prepared to help or lead in any of these groups?
  • Are we happy that we can no longer provide a Parent and Toddler Group or Children or Youth Work within our Parish and Community?
  • As a member of Mullavilly Church and Parish -what can I offer to God through my time or talents, gifts and abilities?

This is our parish, our church and as our Parish Mission Statement reminds us:

"To Know Christ and to make Him Known"


As well as living out its Vision in Church attendance, involvement and outreach:

“That it may be a house of prayer, a centre of Christian teaching and witness within the community to God's redeeming love.”

Sunday School: only 50% of our children have returned to Sunday School and some of our young Sunday School teachers have gone to University;

Church Mice: Créche (Sun) Leaders required to open and begin again in September;

Bumblebees Parent and Toddler Group (Tues): Helpers required to open again;

Mothers Union (Tues): Treasurer, Secretary and Enrolling Member needed as well as new members.

Ladies’ Ministry: Someone to take on leadership in the formation of this group;

Young at Heart (& Monthly Soup Lunch) (Wed): Leaders required to begin again.

Bowling Club: Mon & Thurs -Leaders and Helpers required to begin again;

Youth Group Leaders required to begin again in Sept (monthly);

Choir: New Members, young and older, always welcome -musicians also!

Rainbows & Brownies (Monday): New Members always welcome;

House Groups: New Members always welcome -hope to begin again in September;

Badminton Club (Wednesday): New Members always welcome;

Apple Blossom Baby Basics: very busy, but can always do with extra help;

Parish Reader: A calling from God to help and assist at Sunday Services;

Parish Visitor: A valued role to assist the Rector in the visiting the wider parish;

Practical help to assist in helping to keep our church/grounds/hall in good order ;

Other Activities as and when announced always require help and support.

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