All posts by deanerysynod
Rev James Hutchings on “The Bible and Me” Podcast
Listen to Rev James Hutchings from St Mary Barnes on “The Bible and Me” podcast from Precept.
James has worked in banking. He also has a keen interest in politics and once put himself forward to be an MP in a London constituency.
Deanery Synod 6th July 2021
This was held via Zoom at 7:30pm on Tuesday 9th July. See below for agenda and minutes
Green Tau Blog from Christ Church, East Sheen
https://greentau.org/
What is a green ‘tau’? Tau τ is the Greek letter similar to the English T. Tau itself developed from the Phoenician letter Tāw X (from which the Hebrew letter Tav ת is also derived). In ancient times, tau was used as a symbol meaning eternal life or resurrection. In Hebrew tav means mark and this was the sign marked on the foreheads of those who lamented their sins (Ezekiel 9:4). For early Christians tau became an apt symbol of the cross on which Jesus was crucified.
Francis of Assisi used the tau as his mark when signing his letters and other writings. The tau cross, often made of wood, is worn by many Franciscans across the world. Francis is widely known as the saint who spoke with the birds, and to the hungry wolf in Gubio – he worked out a deal between the wolf and the people of Gubio such that they could live together in harmony. Francis was the author of the canticle ‘Brother Sun, Sister Moon’ – probably the first piece of literature written in Italian. Francis understood that everything in creation had been made by God and was deserving of equal love and respect and should be treated as brother or sister. In 1979 Pope John Paul II declared St Francis as the patron saint of ecologists, reflecting not only Francis’s love for all creatures, but also his intuitive understanding of the interconnectedness of the whole of creation. I therefore chose a green tau to represent my desire to live sustainably, protecting the earth.
Judith Russenberger
Follow Judith’s Green Tau Blog at https://greentau.org/
Welcome to New Clergy
Mortlake and East Sheen Team Ministry
Welcome to Rev Sylvie Collins-Mayo who has joined the Mortlake and East Sheen Team as curate. She was welcomed at All Saints, East Sheen on 27th June.
St Mary Magdalene, Richmond
Congratulations and welcome to Rev Charlie Smith, who was ordained deacon at Southwark Cathedral on Saturday 26th June. Rev Canon Wilma Roest described the service as “prayerful, beautiful, holy and solemn”. She was welcomed to St Mary Magdalene as their curate on Sunday 27th June.
St Phillip and All Saints and St Luke’s Kew
Congratulations to Rev Dr Melanie Harrington on her Collation and Induction as the new vicar of St Phillip and All Saints with St Luke’s, Kew on Wednesday 23rd June. She was welcomed by both parishes at her first services on Sunday 27th June.
Welcare JUNE Newsletter
Outside Worship
As the warm weather arrives but Covid restrictions still persist, many churches are moving outside!
St Mary Magdalene, Richmond is concluding all Sunday services outside so the congregation can sing!
Community Hymnalong at St Michael and All Angels, Barnes
St Michael and All Angels 
St Mary’s
Farewell to Some Friends
Farewell to Rev Canon Tim Marwood
On Sunday 16th May, St Peter’s Petersham said goodbye to Rev CanonTim Marwood who has retired after 13 years at St Peter’s.
Tim said to his parishioners:
“It has been my privilege to be your parish priest for almost 14 years. Building on the good foundations laid by The Revd Richard Bentley, my predecessor, with the aid of the many talented lay people of St Peter’s we have taken the worship and mission of the church forward in many ways for which I am profoundly grateful.
Everyone has “their time” in a role and I have enjoyed my time at Petersham .”
Farewell to Rev Nigel Worn
On Pentecost Sunday (23rd May) St Anne’s Kew said goodbye to Rev Nigel Worn their vicar for 20 years, who has also retired. At his final service, Nigel was presented with a book of photographs with memories of his time at St Anne’s and the church wardens paid a beautiful tribute.
Nigel’s final week was marked with a series of outdoor events that his parishioners could participate in.
St Mary Magdalene are Looking for a Bass Choral Scholar
St Mary Magdalene, Richmond are looking for a bass choral scholar for the academic year 2021-2022. More information and application pack can be found at www.richmondteamministry.org/stmary/music.
Zoom Ephesians Study Group from St Mary, Barnes
St Mary’s, Barnes, are running a series of Zoom study groups on the Letter to the Ephesians, 6-7pm each Monday from 7th June to 5th July.
The theme has been chosen as it seems apt for this moment in time:
* an inspiring spirituality to help us in this new season
* a profound sense of God’s gift to us of peace and grace in Christ
* teaching on how to live together with others in community, using the gifts of the Spirit
If you would like to take part email Rev James Hutchings revdjames@stmarybarnes.org