Sacristans and Servers

PARISH CHURCH SACRISTY AND SERVERS’ REPORT
    It is good to have the use of the entire Church once more, enabling us to process properly, with the Organ finished and back in use.   When we have removed the large chests from the Garstang Chapel, this can again be used for services.
    During the year, we have celebrated Father Leonard’s 25 years as a Priest and Father John’s 50th anniversary, both very moving services.   On the 13th March, 2010, we have the celebration of Canon David Yerburgh’s 50th Anniversary in the Catherine Chapel.   He came to Cirencester as Curate and was ordained to the Priesthood in 1960.
    At the time of writing, we have on order a portable wooden Lectern for use in the Chapels, kindly donated by one of our Servers.   We have also acquired a White Burse and Veil for St. Lawrence, again donated by one of the Servers.
    We are hoping to open the Tower again this year to raise money for the Church Porch Campaign.   I should be grateful for offers of help with this.
    We are always pleased to hear from anyone who is interested in becoming a Server.   All ages are welcome, full training is given and we are a very friendly crowd.
    Finally, I should like to thank all the Serving Team, the assistant Sacristans, Eileen for washing the small linen and Jean who covered for Eileen, for their dedication and help during the year.
                                                                                    Brian Bruton (Head Sacristan)

HOLY TRINITY SACRISTANS
    We were sorry to lose Helena and Warwick from our Sacristy team last April but were pleased to welcome Clare and Alan Jones and Fiona and Ray Hawes to join Pat and Jim Harris, Hilary and John Lawrence and Jenny and Terry Hopegood with Jenny preparing the rota and acting as coordinator.  Each team is on duty early evening every fifth Saturday, firstly locking the Church.  The altar is then prepared with the credence table and lectern for Sunday worship, changing the altar frontals with the seasons and putting out the linen, candlesticks, filled wine and water vessels, service books and lectionary.  Back in the Vestry the wafers are counted out, chalices prepared and the Priests vestments laid out (all done in half an hour – not at all onerous).      These are enjoyable tasks undertaken in the peaceful secured Church. 
       If anyone else would like to join our team they will be very welcome.  Please ring Jenny and Terry on 653007 – training will be given and a check list is provided.