February letter from Wendy Haslam – Lay Reader

As you know, Allerton church is in an interregnum. The vicar along with the organist left us in mid-August.  So how are we coping?

The initial challenge was to continue to provide the Sunday worship. Clergy come to help us with services as required. It is much more difficult to find an organist but so far we have managed. We are very grateful to them. The services over Christmas were a real tribute to everyone who pulled together. And what is more, we all seemed to enjoy ourselves.

Church attendances have stayed stable. As we move into the New Year it may feel a little daunting for some of us. Can we really keep up the pace? Can we continue to find the organists? Are we up to the special services that we have in and around Easter? Well, we seemed to manage over Christmas, so why not?

An interregnum does offer the opportunity for a church to grow and discover new talent. Each person has something to offer.  The church is not the building or the vicar, it is the congregation. We have a great group of committed people who ensure that the church does more than just hold a service each Sunday.

The church can be seen in the village. We are part of the community and the community is part of us. As a group of people, we hope to move forward rather than stand still.  That is our challenge as we step out in faith. We journey together. As we journey we walk with those who are hurting, or unwell. With those who rejoice.  With those who grieve. That is the reality of being church. We are ordinary people trying to do the best that we can for God.

Please do join us anytime. Everyone is needed and is so welcome. 

Wendy Haslam

Allerton Churchwarden's Newsletter for February 2012

A Splendid Festive Season!

Such was the activity during the Christmas and New Year season that it's difficult to know where to begin. So we'll take easy route and start at the beginning!

The Christmas Fair at the start of December was well supported and over £300 was raised.

Our Family Service took place the next day with a Family Communion service the following week. The Christingle Service took place during the late afternoon of Sunday 11 December. The service on Sunday 18 December also included the annual Nativity Play which was much enjoyed by all present including the Ven. Judith Rose with Richard Kilburn as organist. With over 126 people present the church was packed for the Carols by Candlelight Service that same evening. As always there was a full church for The Christmas Day service and we thank the Rev. Mike Haslam for coming to Allerton on a very busy day in order to take what proved to be a lovely service.

For the Christmas and New Year season the church was decorated with beautiful floral arrangements and we would like to take this opportunity to thank those (often unsung!) who devote so much time and effort to the preparation of the church.

The Epiphany Service was held on the third Sunday in January and we are grateful for the gifts received (now delivered to the Salvation Army)

Gift Day this year is Sunday, 12 February and the Wardens will be in the church after the morning service and up until noon to receive any donations. These will be more than welcome! Alternatively, donations can be processed via our Treasurer, Andrew Midgley.

Ash Wednesday is on 22 February and at 11.30am a short service will be held in Allerton Church led by Rev. Christine Nelmes. After the service the Lent Lunch takes place between noon - 2pm at the home of Gina and Bryan Blake (Mulberry House) in Stone Allerton. As in previous years we're planning to hold a Lent Course on Thursday evenings between 7.30 - 9.0.pm (guaranteed!). The course "Handing on the Torch" prepared by The Diocese of York will begin on Thursday March 1st.

Finally, some (like us!) are probably awaiting news as to when new arrangements for the future organisation of the churches in Allerton and Mark have been agreed so that the interregnum (which was reputedly going to be reasonably short!) can come to a conclusion. Discussions are on-going but the only advice that we can give at this juncture is don't hold your breath!

Dot and Henry.

Contacts

Parish Priest: Interregnum, please contact Churchwardens

Churchwardens: Henry Pomeroy: 01934 713542 & Dot Puddy: 01934 712167
P.C.C. Secretary: Jo Hillman - 01934 713828

Services

Every Sunday at 9.15 a.m.
Family Services once a month
The Quest Club for young people meets regularly.

Allerton Church Rota & Diary

Latest Church Rota

Latest Church Diary

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Church History

A church has stood at Chapel Allerton at least since 1176 and would have been smaller than the present building with a simple nave with narrow windows and no aisle or chancel. At some stage in the fifteenth century a chancel was added but then little was altered until 1638 when a major restoration took place with larger windows in the nave.

In 1859 the then rector, the Reverend James Coleman supervised a virtual rebuild of the church which was clearly in a bad state of repair. In the rebuild the church was stripped bare and it is then that the aisle and vestry were added. Only a few traces of the old church remain visible, though a twelfth century window can be found in the South wall.

Today the church is little changed from the rebuild 150 years ago, though a kitchen and toilet were added as a millennium project. Fabric repairs have ensured the church is well maintained and loved.

Interesting Links

• Quest Club
• A Church near You
• Bath & Wells Diocese
• Bath & Wells Celebrates 1100 years
• Mark Church
• Wells Cathedral