New Possibilities We are entering an exciting time in the churches of the URC’s Ipswich & East Pastorate. All the five congregations have moved away from the Covid restrictions, though on Sundays in church we are continuing to seat some distance apart when not in friendship or family groups. We are still aware that some of our number are still feeling vulnerable. Broadly speaking we are getting back to normal, even if some activities haven’t restarted yet. And we do realise that some activities and hall hires have ceased entirely. Some people have taken the last few years to reconsider time commitments and therefore have withdrawn their involvement in some activities, both in church and in the rest of society. In church, in Elders and Church Meetings, we are beginning to think and explore the new possibilities in this post Covid world. Especially now with the dislocations arising from the war in Ukraine and in particular the cost of living crises, on top of isolation and anxiety caused by Covid, there are needs arising to which each church is uniquely placed to respond. Of course, it will take discernment and prayer to turn any good idea into a God inspired initiative. We are also aware that our resources, especially people who are willing to volunteer, are less than before Covid, making the discernment process even more vital. But I guess, at least for me, the most exciting event in the next month or so is the ordination and induction of Adam Earle to this pastorate.

Adam and his wife Gillian have already moved into the 2nd manse in Ipswich and are well on their way to settling in. His induction on the Sunday 24th July will be a step change for the 5 churches and I am very much looking forward to working in partnership with him as we lead the churches. He brings a wealth of experience, but is new to ordained ministry so may take a time to fully find his footing. I am also going on my much delayed Sabbatical starting September through to November, and re-joining you during Advent. I would trust that this year with both Adam and I available and hopefully Covid less of an issue, we might have a fuller palette of Christmas activities for the first time in 3 years. So it is time for change and opening of possibilities. In the book of Isaiah (43:18,19) the prophet writes of God saying- ‘Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Let’s pray for the perception and discernment to see the new things that God is wanting to do in and through us, as we serve our communities and worship Him in all the facets of our lives. David

Church Secretary’s Notes This month sees the culmination of a lot of planning & organising and the start of a new era for St John’s. As you (hopefully!) know by now the Ordination & Induction of our new minister, Adam Earle, will take place at St John’s on 24th July at 3 pm. Adam will be working with David as joint ministers to our local 5 church group. An exciting prospect. There are still several tasks need completing before and on the day, so please add your name to the list in the lobby if you can help in any way. Better several people doing small tasks than a few over loaded. The Pre-School break-up for the summer on the 15th July so that leaves a ‘clear’ week for a lot of the cleaning, gardening, furniture moving & equipment testing to be completed. On the morning of 24th July, Rev Lythan Nevard, the moderator of the Eastern Synod, will be preaching at Castle Hill in the morning before taking part in Adam’s induction in the afternoon. This service will be live streamed. Elders felt that with all the preparation for the induction service, we would not be showing this at St John’s and so there will be no morning service on that day. Of course, you will be welcome to go to Castle Hill if you wish or watch it online at home. Adam will be residing at the manse in Holkham Close when he finishes his course. Thanks to all who’ve helped get it ready. Soon be time for a well-deserved summer holiday for us all! Thanks, Adrian Bible Study Our Pastorate monthly Zoom Bible Study for July will be on Tuesday 12th at 10.30am. We normally base our study on the Lectionary readings for the following Sunday. The Gospel passage is therefore Luke 10: 38-42, describing Jesus’ visit to the home of Martha and Mary. Our study this time will be led by

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Thought for the Day