Update 16th January 2021

Hello Church & Friends,

We experimented last Sunday 10th January 2021 with a 'Facebook Live' service from Barlaston Church. We were pleased with the way it all worked and very grateful for all the positive feedback received.

We shall be broadcasting on Facebook Live Barlaston Church Group each Sunday at 10.30am approx. For those not on Facebook the service will be available later on in the day via the church website https://stjohnsbarlaston.co.uk/

THE CHURCH BUILDING IS CURRENTLY CLOSED AND THERE ARE NO SERVICES ON SUNDAYS OR WEDNESDAYS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

For those of you who were hoping to receive a Children's Society Collecting box please contact Margaret Twigg for further information on 01782 351159

There will be a meeting of the PCC on ZOOM 7.00pm Wednesday 27th January 2021.

For those of you who like to keep up with the Diocese I've added some words from the Bishop of Lichfield with regard to Matthew & Sarah Parker who recently moved into Broughton Crescent and were worshipping with us until the recent lockdown.

"I am writing to let you know that the planned consecration of Matthew Parker as Bishop of Stafford on 28 January has been postponed due to the Covid pandemic. It is hoped it will take place as soon as conditions are more suitable.

In view of this, on 28 January, I will instead be licensing Matthew as Episcopal Vicar for the Stafford Area. Although he will not be in episcopal orders, this will make it possible for Matthew to undertake the pastoral and administrative duties of the Bishop of Stafford until such time as he can be consecrated.

One of his early tasks will be to consult with myself over the appointment of a new Archdeacon of Stoke. In the meantime, Matthew will continue to work with +Alistair Magowan as Acting Archdeacon and Terry Bloor as Associate Archdeacon.

Matthew said: “I am very much looking forward to reengaging with the work of the Stafford Episcopal Area, albeit not exactly in the way I had expected! We are all getting used to our best laid plans changing at the last minute but God is good and faithful and continues to use us all to bear witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ, not least in these unsettling times. I am deeply grateful for the support given to the Area in recent weeks by my Area colleagues, Gemma Trueman, Bishop Alistair, Lucinda Wray-Wear and Preb Terry Bloor and it will be great to work alongside them as Episcopal Vicar until such times as a consecration service can safely take place.”

Even though, for reasons beyond our control, Matthew cannot be consecrated as Bishop of Stafford this month, we are looking forward to working with him in his new role which will largely mirror the responsibilities of a bishop ahead of his consecration. Please pray for Matthew and Sarah at this time of new challenge and opportunity."
Stay Safe, take care, blessings

Dennis Croome.