Paul, you're hired!

It could have been Christmas or Easter the church was so full. In fact it was 29 June, a brilliantly sunny summer evening, when the St Mary’s congregation joined friends, family and other well wishers for the first Communion celebrated by Assistant Curate Paul Hambling as an ordained priest. A busy weekend saw Paul ordained on the Saturday at the Cathedral in Bury St Edmunds, followed by the all-important first Communion. St Mary’s, where Paul has made such an impression working alongside Rector Kevan, gave strong support on both days – sending its own coach party on the Saturday (see p 19) and packing the church to the rafters on the Sunday. As Michael Booth noted in the pew sheet, 'Paul has now served his apprenticeship and the Bishop has officially set the seal. Today, Paul, you’re hired!'

Inside this Issue ...

From the Rector Parish Pump Spiritual Life My faith - by Stephen Cole The people’s font Coping with bereavement

A big hand for the bells Junior Outlook Good read! What’s on Curate’s corner