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Fr Nigel to leave in November

26 September 2021

It was announced last week that I will be leaving the Chaplaincy in November.

 

Sadly Covid and Brexit have been the final blows to our finances, and full time ministry as it now stands is no longer really viable - we have also been running at a considerable deficit for some years.

 

It is not what I had originally planned and hope for - as I had hoped my initial contract would be renewed, but I have to be realistic and think this is the best solution to enable the Chaplaincy to take stock and plan for recovery as we emerge from the pandemic.

 

Please keep Caroline, Jen and the Chaplaincy Council in your prayers as they take on more responsibility, and I would also value your prayers as I prepare to leave and take up my new ministry in two parishes in the Halifax area of West Yorkshire.

Good News...

22nd April 2021

We will re-open Los Boliches for Services on Sunday 9 May:

11.00am Sung Eucharist

5pm Evening Prayer

This is an important day for our Chaplaincy, so all Services will be held at Los Boliches.

This will give everyone chance to see the improvements that have been made to create a really good resource for the on-going mission and outreach of our whole Chaplaincy.

In line with the present rules and regs we can safely accommodate 50 people at the moment.

To make sure we can accommodate everyone, it is important to book a place for the service you plan to attend on Sunday 9 May - many churches in the Diocese and UK have been operating a booking system for many months now! Please drop a line by Fri 7 May to  Fr. Nigel (email below) simply stating the service you plan to attend on Sunday 9 May. This is for everyone’s safety and well-being ~ thank you!

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Update on our Renovation and Renewal Project...

26th March 2021

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UK Government guide for UK Nationals living is Spain before 1st January 2021

11th February 2021

 

If you were legally living in Spain before 1 January 2021, your right to remain living and working here is protected.

The UK Government has produced a useful leaflet that covers the following sections:

  • Living and working

  • Healthcare

  • Driving

  • Education

  • Voting

  • Travel

  • Pensions
     

You can view or download the leaflet here

Let us pause, pray and remember

Friday 29th January 2021

 

In the UK last week, it was reported that the number of Covid-19 related deaths had passed the 100,000 mark.

 

The Archbishops of Canterbury and York  - the Most Rev’d & Rt Hon Justin Welby and the Most Rev’d & Rt Hon Stephen Cottrell, invite the nation to pause, pray and remember the 100,000 people ‘known to God and cherished by God.”

 

They said – “100,000 isn’t just an abstract figure - each number is a person: someone we loved and someone who loved us."

 

"Death doesn’t have the last word. In God’s kingdom, every tear will be wiped away."   In their letter to the Nation they say:

 

Dear friends,

As we reach the terrible milestone of 100,000 deaths from COVID-19, we invite everyone in our nation to pause as we reflect on the enormity of this pandemic.

100,000 isn’t just an abstract figure. Each number is a person: someone we loved and someone who loved us. We also believe that each of these people was known to God and cherished by God.

We write to you then in consolation, but also in encouragement, and ultimately in the hope of Jesus Christ. The God who comes to us in Jesus knew grief and suffering himself. On the cross, Jesus shares the weight of our sadness.

We therefore encourage everyone who is feeling scared, or lost or isolated to cast their fears on God. We also know that poorer communities, minority ethnic communities and those living with disabilities have been afflicted disproportionately and cry out for the healing of these inequalities. During this pandemic, we encourage everyone to do all they can to live within the guidelines and constraints given by government following the advice of the Chief Medical Officer and Chief Scientific Adviser. We show our commitment, care and love for one another by ensuring we do everything we can to stop the virus spreading.

None of this is easy. Very many of us are experiencing isolation, loneliness, anxiety and despondency like never before. Many people have lost their livelihoods. Our economy struggles. Also, the necessary restrictions we live with have also prevented us from being alongside loved ones as they died, or even at their graveside. All grief profoundly affects us, but this pandemic grief is so hard.

Therefore, we need to support each other. We do this by following the guidelines. But we also do it by reaching out to each other with care and kindness.

One thing we can all do is pray. We hope it is some consolation to know that the church prays for the life of our nation every day. Whether you’re someone of faith, or not, we invite you to call on God in prayer. Starting on 1 February we invite you to set aside time every evening to pray, particularly at 6pm each day. More than ever, this is a time when we need to love each other. Prayer is an expression of love. A number of resources will be made available on our website.

Finally, we write of hope. We are grateful for the hope we have because of the service of our NHS and social care staff. What a blessing and lifeline for our nation. We are grateful for the service given in local communities by clergy, other frontline workers and so many good neighbours. We are grateful for the hope of the vaccine. It is a testimony to the God-given wisdom and gifts of scientists and researchers. We urge everyone to take the vaccine as soon as it is offered to you.

Most of all, we have hope because God raised Jesus from the dead. This is the Christian hope that we will be celebrating at Easter. We live in the hope that we will share in his resurrection. Death doesn’t have the last word. In God’s kingdom, every tear will be wiped away.

Please be assured of our prayers. Please join us.

 

A prayer for those who mourn

Gracious God,
as we remember before you

the thousands who have died,
surround us and all who mourn

with your strong compassion.
Be gentle with us in our grief,
protect us from despair,
and give us grace to persevere
and face the future with hope
in Jesus Christ our risen Lord. Amen.

Update on Covid restritions

Saturday 16th January 2021

 

Following the news on Friday evening of the latest restrictions for our region, the Chaplaincy Council have made the difficult decision to close each worship centre with immediate effect for at least two weeks. 

This was not an easy decision, but there is now clearly a global concern that the different strains of Covid-19 present an increased risk infection to all age groups. While every precaution has been taken in our Churches, there is a risk of infection as people gather before and after the services. We are simply following the majority of Churches in the UK, who have closed for these reasons, despite being able to remain open for worship in their latest lockdown.

Please pass this news on to your friends who may not use the internet and to anyone else in your usual ‘bubble’ so that no one turns up at Alhaurin, Calahonda or Los Boliches for a service. We hope to be able to open for Sunday 31 January - but will send an email to confirm.

As we have been saying throughout this difficult time, please be in contact with Fr Nigel, Caroline or the Wardens if you simply need a chat, prayerful support or just quiet reassurance at this time. If there is someone you know who would value a call at this time, then please do email us in confidence – and then this can happen.

With prayers and best wishes,
Fr Nigel

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