Congratulations to councillor Alan Dowden, Valley Park parish councillor, who was made mayor of Test Valley
yesterday. It was great to stand alongside him as his chaplain at the ceremony in Andover.
Isn't it great that mayors still invite chaplains to support them! What a privilege that we're invited to pray at the start of all Borough Council meetings, and to get involved in civic services (I have two flag raising ceremonies in my diary already!). It's an amazing opportunity, to bring Jesus into local government and to be able to pray for those who lead us even as they have their meetings together. I'll be sharing the role with the vicar of St Mary's Church, Andover, to keep the travelling down a bit!
Together here at St Francis, we're Alan and Celia's local parish church, so do join me in supporting them prayerfully.
The rest of the newsletter is here.
