Author Archives: Michael Teague

The Order of St Ethelbert – Honouring Long Service

On Sunday 15th October a special service was held in Hereford Cathedral to honour a number of people who had been recognised for their long service and contribution to the work of their churches in parishes all over the Diocese. From Ditton Priors, Margaret Griffiths received her award which was richly deserved.

Margaret, who is known to many both in the church and around the community, has tirelessly sought to help people, visit the sick, and has been churchwarden, verger and a member in the Mother’s Union.

A party of over 30 people from our local parishes attended the ceremony which was combined with a service of choral evensong and was a truly beautiful occasion.

Margaret would like to say thank you to all who joined her at the cathedral and those who sent their good wishes.

New Rural Chaplains

Eight new chaplains have been licensed to Borderlands Rural Chaplaincy our ecumenical partnership with the Shropshire and Marches Methodist Circuit.

The service on Saturday 22nd April was led by Honorary Assistant Bishop to the Diocese of Hereford, the Rt Revd Michael Bourke and Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury Methodist District Chair Revd Rachel Parkinson at Church Stretton Methodist Church.

More than 250 farming families were supported by the existing five chaplains in 2016, with issues such as farm succession, delays or problems with the Basic Payment Scheme (formerly the Single Payment Scheme or Single Farm Payment), Bovine TB  and Herefordshire Council’s decision to sell off its 45 smallholdings.

See full article and photos – New Rural Chaplains.

David Austin ‘Open Garden’ – Fantastic Afternoon!

I am writing this to say thank you to David and Penny Austin for opening their beautifully restored garden in aid of Cleobury North Church.

A beautiful warm and sunny afternoon provided the backdrop for several hundred people to enjoy the garden with its interesting and varied planting and landscaping. I was especially interested in the water features which exploited a wonderful mix of natural, traditional and contemporary design. I know we have come away with some ideas to use in our own “patch” and with greater enthusiasm to find space for more roses!

The atmosphere was really friendly and welcoming – we met many old and some new friends.

I also want to say thank you to the stalwart members of our churches who worked to man stalls, sell raffle tickets, and serve delicious tea and cakes.

Thank you for a splendid afternoon.

Mike Teague

PCC TREASURERS’ TRAINING WORKSHOP – 7PM, TUESDAY 13 JUNE, LUDLOW MASCALL CENTRE

A reminder that the diocesan Finance team will be holding the first treasurers’ training workshop of the year on 13th June.  A treasurer is far more than ‘just a book-keeper’ as well as keeping financial records in accordance with charity law, they can help a PCC to develop a sustainable approach to all aspects of its ministry and mission.  The evening will be a good opportunity to get up-to-speed with the latest guidelines, and to meet and learn from fellow treasurers.  Dates for additional workshops will be circulated in due course.

If you would like to attend, please register your interest by emailing finance@hereford.anglican.org or ringing the Diocesan office in Hereford on 01432 373300.

Help for Parishes

The diocese welcomes our two new Parish Giving Advisers from Monday 3rd April: Mr Richard Jones will be based in Hereford, and Revd Valerie Smith in Ludlow.  Richard has been a PGA in Monmouth & Llandaff; Val has been an SSM in our Diocese since 2009. Funded by grant money from the Church Commissioners, their primary role is to be out ‘on the road’ meeting with PCCs, treasurers, incumbents and congregations to encourage and enable them to identify and find the resources necessary to fund ministry and mission locally and in the wider diocese.

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