Let’s try something different!

Let’s try something different!

As the nights are drawing in and the weather seems to be turning, we can look back at a positive summer in the Benefice.

The great success of the Benefice Weekend and other events has been cause for great celebration as we have learned a little bit more about our churches, our communities, and each other. Just over a year after the creation of the Benefice, we have much to be proud of and much to look forward to as we live and learn, change and grow together in Christ.

There have been many challenges along the way too. The attendance at the Archdeacon’s visitation made it clear that people find it difficult to relate to such a large group of churches. In addition, we have heard people say that they wish they had their ‘own vicar’ once again, this isn’t an unreasonable request. We all want to feel that our voice is heard, and that someone understands what our churches are going through.

This is why the stipendiary clergy will be taking responsibility for a smaller group of churches. The Benefice remains a Rectorial Benefice, and all decisions affecting the wider church and the future will need to be made at the Benefice Council, however each church has been assigned their own ‘team vicar’ to be a first point of contact for pastoral and church issues. They will be your advocate at the clergy and wider ministry team meetings and will attempt to understand all the issues that affect your church and community.

Having made the decision to try this, we then looked at the ways in which the Benefice could be divided naturally. I will be looking after the communities of Magor, Wilcrick and Llanmartin, all physically close together comprising the churches of St. Martin’s, Llanmartin with ‘Underwood’, the beautiful church on the edge of the woods St. Mary’s, Wilcrick and the Benefice Church in Magor. The Revd. Jeremy will be looking after the churches of Undy, Redwick and Goldcliff, splitting the population centre of Magor and Undy and travelling across the levels to the historic villages on the levels. The Revd Celia will be looking after the churches of Nash and Llanwern on the edge of the City of Newport, with the equally historic churches of Bishton and Langstone serving the people who live in those communities, all within a few minutes’ drive of the Vicarage.

As part of a larger benefice we are all entitled to feel that our voice is heard however small our church may be. These changes will hopefully help us to feel involved with something good, something new, and something that, God willing reflects the love of Christ to the communities around us and the wider world.

Our non-stipendiary clergy, the Revds. Natalie and Alison will be assisting with all the usual tasks around Magor, Undy and other churches when the need arises. Our Lay Eucharistic Ministers will continue to provide a full ministry throughout the Benefice, supporting the mission and worship.

It goes without saying that your prayers and support are needed as always.

With blessings and peace,

Mark

The Revd Mark Lawson-Jones (Team Rector)