Dear Friends,
As another Christmas draws near we turn our thoughts towards the birth of Christ and journey to Bethlehem to hear the wonderful events surrounding his arrival. This year though, we weep with all those who are caught up in the terrible violence and bloodshed in the Middle East. It is hard for us to comprehend what is happening and no doubt like me you wonder how a lasting peace can ever be found.
As usual we shall gather and sing our favourite carols, hear from scripture about Jesus’ birth but this year with our hearts and minds sharing the pain and suffering in the Middle East. So dear friends, let us continue to hold the events in the Middle East in our prayers and we pray that the light of Christ may indeed bring hope and comfort to those caught up in such darkness and pain.
In other news, at the end of December we will say goodbye to Revd Rob Harper who has been on placement with us for three months, and we welcome Revd Diane Komorowski who will be with us for January and February on placement. The current plan is to re-advertise the post of associate priest again in March. Please see Diane’s introductory letter below and I am sure we will give her a good welcome as she begins her time with us in the benefice.
“Hi I’m Revd Diane Komorowski, and I’m currently a curate at St George’s Lupset and St James’s Thornes. I’m going to be joining you for a couple of months from the beginning of January on a placement and I’m looking forward to getting to know you all and seeing what’s going on across the four churches. I’m a mum to two teenage kids and wife to Mick who, because he works til midnight tends not to make it to church.
Before ordination I have had a varied career including multifaith chaplaincy, working for the diocese in the vocations team and working as a legal assistant. I like going for walks with our dog Nico, and working as a chaplain to the Wakefield Air cadets. I also like science and crocheting.
I’m really looking forward to getting to know you and ministering alongside you all over the two months of my placement. Blessings, Diane.”
God’s Blessing this Christmas and all the best for the New Year and thanks again for all your help, love, care and support over 2023 as we journey together in the North Wakefield Benefice, Glenn
Rev Glenn Coggins, Vicar of the United Benefice of North Wakefield