Elizabeth McFarlanes last service

Elizabeth will be taking her last service in Marlow at 10.30 am on Sunday 29th May in All Saints Marlow. This will be the only service that day so do come along and give thanks for Liz's time in Marlow and wish her well as she completes her studies and starts her new role as chaplain and fellow of St John's College Oxford.

5th Sunday Picnic!

We will be having a picnic on Sunday 29th May, 4.00pm in Bisham churchyard, by the river - in the church if it is raining! Bring your picnic, rugs, chairs.....and come and share time with your friends. Paul will lead us in a time of prayer for Elizabeth McFarlanes future, the interregnum(s), the search for a new rector and other things Encounter is involved with.

Elizabth McFarlane leaving Marlow team

Announcement from Elizabeth McFarlane, published on 1st May 2011

I shall be leaving Marlow at the end of May, having last Wednesday (27th April) been elected as chaplain and fellow of St John’s College, Oxford.

The deanery is ready and prepared to help the team with the extra work on my departure, and I plan to complete my doctoral thesis over the summer before taking up my new post in the autumn.

There will be plenty of time for goodbyes in the coming month, but at this point I want to thank you all for your support and encouragement over the last four and a half years.

Please come to the joint team service on 29th May, (further details to follow) at which I shall preside for the last time in the parish.

I'm sorry that this has been embargoed so long, but the election could only take place at the governing body meeting, and the college has been on Easter vacation.

Yours,
Elizabeth

from Paul, written on behalf of the Leadership Team.

We offer Elizabeth our prayers and best wishes in her new appointment. We thank God for her ministry here and the lives she's touched. We trust that her new role will use and develop her God-given gifts yet further.

We are sad to see Elizabeth depart at this moment in our shared life. Nonetheless, we are confident that God will provide as we face an additional vacancy amongst our clergy team.

We only have a few weeks before Elizabeth leaves. Please be comforted to know, therefore, that there has already been a range of discussions to plan for ministry in Marlow. Today marks a simultaneous public announcement here and at St John's college. The leadership team has begun and will continue to ensure that our Team of churches can be held together and find new ways of flourishing.

The Bishop, Archdeacon and Rural Dean all offer their commitment to support us in our shared life and ministry. The Archdeacon's words read as follows
“the diocese and deanery are committed to supporting us during both vacancies, particularly with regard to the provision of clergy cover. Obviously this won't be the equivalent of two full-time clergy, but will hopefully enable us to continue to provide for worship over the period of vacancy.”

We shall publish as much information as possible as soon as possible, so we are all in tune with our plans for ministry and our progress in making new appointments. In the meantime, please join us on May 29th as we say our farewells and pray Elizabeth on her way.

Paul and the Leadership Team

Easter Sunday - CTM Prayer and Praise

Join with the Marlow Churches to celebrate Jesus' Resurrection, Winter Hill car park, Sunday 24th April 8-8.30am.

Services for Holy Week - Good Friday

There will be a Watch in All Saints' Marlow from 6, with a Solemn Liturgy Eucharist at 9.30.

There will be Messy Church for our younger members in ASM from 10 to 11, we then encourage everyone to go across to the park and join the Open Air Churches Together in Marlow Service at 11.30.

If getting messy does not appeal do come and join the CTM service at 10.00 at the United Reform Church, Oxford Rd (near Claytons), followed by the Walk of Witness at 11.00 when we walk a cross down the High St, ending in the park for the service.

Then back to ASM for a meditation between 12 and 3 - you can come and go from this event.

Services for Holy Week - Maundy Thursday

This year people are invited to open their homes to their neighbours in Christ to share a simple symbolic meal at 7pm before we gather at All Saints Marlow at 9pm for the final stage of our agape meal.

Following this there is an invitation to join a prayer vigil until midnight.

If you would like to eiether host a meal or be part of a meal please contact Paul Hinckley and/or the Parish Office

Services for Holy Week - Part 1

• There will be a series of services leading up the Easter weekend-


• Monday 18th: 8pm at St Marys Marlow Bottom led by Paul


• Tuesday 19th: 8pm at All Saints' Bisham led by Gabrielle


• Wednesday 20th at St John the Baptist, Little Marlow, led by Elizabeth