The new Team Rector of the Parish the Revd Jonathan Haynes is to be installed at Christ Church at 7pm on Monday 4th November 2024. He kindly agreed to an interview which forms the basis of this post. Fr Alex Barrow at All Saints has also contributed to this discussion.

The Mission Action Plans for the Parish are subject to review and are primarily a matter for the church-going parishioners. Why are they welcoming people? What are they looking for? But they raise questions about what the community is, who participates in it and why?

This is an area where non-churchgoing parishioners of the Parish can contribute to the discussion. How do we view the community in East Sheen and Mortlake? What do we think the needs are? How can the Churches meet those needs in a focussed and creative way, perhaps in conjunction with the wider community? Are there aspects of the community in which you see injustice? This could entail poverty, loneliness, health challenges, access to public services.

In the recent Parish Newsletter Jonathan noted that music and sport were valued and important locally. He asked whether music ministry was something to be developed and whether we might find ways of celebrating our beloved sports, and ask where to find God on the river, golf courses, tennis courts, cricket, football and rugby pitches. Whether you are a practising Christian or not these questions are no less valid for the community at large.

PS Christ Church is looking for a new Musical Director.

PPS St. Marys is seeking a new Vicar.

For further information see www.mortlakeparish.org.uk

24 September 2024