PCC of Dorchester and West Stafford

Working Together in 2009

The new PCC of Dorchester and West Stafford was formally established on 2nd April 2009 and we welcome the closer links that this brings with Revd Dr Jane Culliford being deployed to the village. Other significant personnel changes being the ordination as Priest of Joanna Lacy Smith and, in May, Harold Stephens installed as Canon at Salisbury Cathedral.

Benefice services have been well supported particularly the confirmation service when we were pleased to welcome Bishop David for his first visit following his serious illness. A further 8 candidates were also confirmed in October at the Cathedral. Another first was in September when the newly appointed Bishop of Sherborne made his first visit to the parish to preach at the Benefice Evensong at West Stafford. This was also their harvest festival and thanksgiving for the Restoration of the Roof; a joyous occasion and a chance to come together socially over the generous hospitality offered after the service. An earlier successful visit took place on Palm Sunday with the Benefice walk from St Peter’s out to West Stafford for tea in the sunshine followed by evensong.

The Fully Alive programme in Lent not only brought in many people from across the diocese but also gave us four stimulating talks by Father Timothy Radcliffe. As a follow up to this programme a well-supported Benefice retreat was arranged at Hillfield Friary with a second taking place in November. Revd Sue Langdon led this latter one with the theme ‘Life and times of God’. Both were thoroughly enjoyed by all who took part. LPAs in the Benefice have also benefited from a day with other Deanery LPAs with sessions on Listening Skills and Working with Vulnerable Adults.

At the benefice conference in 2008 a number of priorities were identified and work on these continues. The Communications group meets regularly and has overseen work on Pews News as well as taking responsibility for this Review. Keys, the Benefice project at St Peter’s every Thursday lunchtime, has extended a welcoming hand to many visitors, provides a place to be quiet or stop to chat and has built good links with adults with learning difficulties and their carers. Short prayers are said in the church at midday and give an opportunity for quiet reflection.

An Emmaus Programme, which is inspired by the story of the Road to Emmaus in Luke’s Gospel, began in the autumn with a social meeting in the Victoria Hotel. From this first meeting two house groups were formed and will continue into 2010.

Links with young people continue to flourish, particularly through Vicky Thurtell’s work in schools. At Manor Park School the lunch club, led by Richard Betts and Allen Knott, has a membership of approximately 30 children whilst the ‘Tiddlers’ Under 5s services held at St Peter’s have proved popular. So far they have held services for Harvest, Remembrance and Christmas with others planned for appropriate festivals. The young adults of the benefice have had four meetings for Sunday breakfast, prayer and discussion.  At St. Mary's a new Young People's group began in the autumn to support the growing number of older children and young people in their membership of the church.  Similarly Toddler Praise at St. Mary's continues to grow slowly, meeting twice a month.

The Ecology group is working to inform and encourage us to support green policies particularly in reducing the amount of paper, cutting down on energy use and, wherever possible, leaving the car at home.

The Theology Group had four meetings in the year, attracting numbers form 35 – 50 at each meeting.

In November the Darwin Day held at the museum attracted 170 people. It was organised jointly by the County Museum and the Benefice with excellent speakers.

Volunteers from the parish were involved in the ‘impact’ Fun Day ecumenical event held at Sandringham Fields, with BBQs behind the United Church for 2 days prior to the main event.

The IT course, started at St George’s 2 years ago in collaboration with Age Concern continues to be a valued community service. As well as word processing and use of the Internet a course on digital photography has also been added.

At Poundbury building has begun for the Quiet Space and the soon to be lease signed. Funding has been promised by the churches for leasing costs but more needs to be raised for the running costs. The Rev Geoff Turnock has accepted the post of Warden designate.

The clergy and Licensed Lay Ministers form the ministry team at a formal level.  They meet regularly.  However, the ministry of the church comprises the work of all – lay, licensed, ordained.  The extensive work of Lay Pastoral Assistants, of Sunday School teachers/leaders (or equivalent), Churchwardens, vergers and of so many others informally remind us that it is the whole “Body of Christ” in this place which is the Church.