St Mary The Virgin

VICAR'S LETTER FOR OCTOBER 2008

Throughout Britain many parish churches are struggling on several fronts: Finance, the inability to process the increasing amount of legislation, and deteriorating buildings suffering from age and vandalism for starters. For all my years here in Middleton, St Mary's has been blessed with a goodly band of folk who care for the church here on behalf of the wider community which hopes that the church will always be there for family occasions like weddings, funerals and baptisms (christenings). They come and worship God, stump up a lorry load of dosh (£83000 turn over last years in costs) of around well over a £1000 a head annually. We also find some to give to works of charity around the world.

Many in our community already support and worship at other local churches, and some commute to other churches in the city. However there are a sizeable number of folk who live locally that do not lift a finger to help maintain the church they like to refer to as “theirs”. Folk are always reminding me of how strong their family connections are with St Mary's, but I have not seen much evidence of the support that would give validity to that claim. People bemoan the passing of local tradition and community cohesion (in my time here I have seen at least three youth organisations pack up with not so much as a thank you to the volunteers from the parents of the children involved). There are those that justify their lack of support because of the actions of some vicar or church member in the past – this is pathetic. I am very aware of the damage that the church does to people at times - they are very regrettable, exceptional and rare. The reasons folk give for withdrawing support are childish and a disgrace to those who call themselves Christians.

As my time at Middleton comes to a close after ten years, I would urge those who consider themselves friends of St Mary's to include the church in their time and finances. It is not fair that a small group of folk should carry the responsibility for those who call themselves
Church of England and do little or nothing for their church. Remember that the folk who come to church are busy people too, with their own problems and trials to bear. One elderly and faithful member of the C of E said to me recently when I was hearing of her deep and acute suffering, that “God is good”. I felt utterly helpless and was amazed at her faith. Come on let’s spread the load and share the work if Middleton is to keep the church it says it loves. Even if coming on a Sunday is not possible there are things everyone can do to help, from lending administrative support to hands on maintenance and financial generosity. All I ask is that if you disagree with me, fine, but don't come up with some excuse for not supporting your church because of something someone said 50 years ago. To all those who are grafting in all the churches of Middleton and Belle Isle I say – well done and keep up the faith!!

Your friend and priest, Robin.