Speakers at an ecumenical symposium held in Ciutadella at the end of July, with the subject of 'Peace.'

SANTA MARGARITA CHURCH, MENORCA

NEWSLETTER – SEPTEMBER 2024

For more information:

Email Carole Brayford at info@anglicanchurchmenorca.com Or talk to the Revd Paul.

NEWS FROM AUGUST 2024

Chaplain’s Holiday.

Welcome back to Rev. Paul (and Kate) who took a well-earned holiday for 3 weeks in August visiting family and friends and hopefully just relaxing (see photo with grandsons), although Paul seems to find that hard to do – see the photo of him officiating at St Jude’s Episcopal Church in Cupertino California. A quote from someone dear to him said “Send him on vacation and he finds work!!!!!!”

We were grateful to Rev. Michael Higgins, who we welcomed, as locum priest, to lead our worship during Paul’s absence.

Storms and Flooding.

Most of you will have seen the reports of the incredible rain that hit the island in mid August and the severe flooding which followed. So many places were badly affected including Es Castell, but especially Mercadal where bridges were washed away and vehicles washed into the (normally dry) river. Sadly a number of houses were also flooded. The clean up began promptly but there is a lot of mud to be cleared away and other damage repaired. A few photos are here, but the videos you can find on the internet show much better the awful ferocity of the flooding. Please pray for all those affected.

Wedding Anniversary.

Audrey and Lawrence Perrin celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on 11 July. In August, when their family were in Menorca a service of blessing was held at Santa Margarita with Michael Higgins officiating. This was followed by a celebration (with cava, cake and other refreshments). A card of congratulations received from King Charles together with an original wedding photo showing a very handsome couple were on display. We send them our warmest congratulations.

Chaplaincy Lunch – 14 August 2024

Whilst Rev. Michael Higgins was on the island a very enjoyable lunch was held at Trattoria Vianello in Mahon. Thanks to David Green for organising this. In the editor’s absence, a Church Council member was requested to take a photo for the Newsletter but sadly failed (!!) blaming the heat, thunder, lightning, heavy rain and hail during the meal – however far too valuable a member of the Council to be removed for dereliction of duty

Thanksgiving for the Birth of a Child.

A lovely service was held for Johnny and Jan Wright’s 2nd grandchild on the last Sunday of August. Granddaughter Stevie seemed very happy about the whole occasion!

SEPTEMBER AND FUTURE EVENTS 2024

September Social Event - Thursday 12 September at 4pm.

Johnny and Jan Wright have very kindly offered to host a tapas afternoon at their home to which we are all invited. It would be helpful if you could let Johnny know in advance if you plan to be there and if you can contribute a plate of nibbles or some drinks. Or message Paul or Carole and the details will be forwarded. In addition there will be a sign up sheet on the Church notice board.

Golf Tournament – Friday, 27 September.

Apart from being a fun occasion this annual event raises funds not only for the church but also for a major island charity. If you are a golfer and will be on island then do support it by signing up at the Golf Club or encourage other golfing friends to join. Malcolm Ellis is liaising with the Golf Club regarding the arrangements. If you (or your business) can sponsor a hole then Colin Guanaria or Malcolm will be glad to hear from you.

Harvest Lunch – a mid week day towards the end of October.

Date and details yet to be finalised – possibly under the trees at the Cricket Club for paella.

GENERAL

Mission Giving to Peru. We had an update from our contact in Peru regarding the 2 students we have supported. Joel has not yet been able to look for new work as he is still waiting to receive his education certificates. Melany has her Bachelor’s degree but has not been able to register in time for her new course; she will wait for the next course in September. Meanwhile she is working at a school with responsibility for a disabled child. Both students continue to be very positive about these minor setbacks and remain grateful for our support. We hope we can provide further support to other students in this current year.

Digital Card Reader. The new Digital Card Reader continues to have teething problems but hopefully will be in working order soon now that Paul has returned from vacation !

Chaplaincy Council. The next meeting of the council will be on 17 September 2024. Please pray for the discussions.

Members of the Chaplaincy Council for this year are David Green, Church Warden, and Liz Astley, Carole Brayford, Colin Guanaria, Suzanne Hodges (treasurer), Heike Pieper, and Margaret and Trevor (the two Archdeaconry Synod representatives.

The weekly services of Holy Communion are recorded.  If you are not on island or cannot be in church but would like to follow the service, contact Paul and he will send the link.

New Church Website !  

Our new web address is : www.anglicanchurchmenorca.net

If anyone is willing to host a future social event – coffee morning, afternoon tea, or simple tapas that would be much appreciated.  Please let Carole know.  

If you would like to support the ministry of Santa Margarita, the Anglican Church in Menorca, then you can do so by clicking the Donate button below.

Your donation will be very gratefully received.