Congratulations to Andrew and Danya Cushing on the birth of their son, Jackson Paul, on 1^st June in Tennessee, USA. A grandson for Mike and Janet Cushing.

26^th March Laura Jayne Barnes & Craig Curtis at All Saint’s Church, Altcar, Formby.

23^rd March 2016 Gladys Ryan

31^st March 2016 Marie Harrison

We send our love and prayers to Carol and Maurice Brown, Gladys’ daughter and son-in-law and to Geoff Harrison, Marie’s husband, and Lyn & Ian Fenton, Marie’s daughter and son-in-law and to the rest of Geoff and Marie’s family.

A number of other members of our congregation have lost loved ones in recent months and we send them all our sympathy and prayers in their loss.

Sickness - In the last few months a number of our church family have been unwell, several have been in hospital and some have moved into residential homes.We assure them all of our love and prayers.

Prayer - If you have a person for whom you would like us to pray, their name can be circulated around our prayer chain - information to Judith Harvey 787500 or e-mail: Judith.harvey44@sky.com There is also a prayer book on the table in the prayer corner of the church for anyone to write in their prayer requests. These prayers are then used in our Communion Service on a Wednesday morning.

It is with a sad heart that I write to share with you some news regarding Probationer Deacon Yasha Mashoko. The District Probationers Committee (DPC) met on 27^th April. The role of the DPC is twofold and includes elements of both pastoral support and assessment. Having studied all the relevant paperwork and holding appropriate conversations with Yasha and myself the Committee did not feel it was right for Yasha to proceed forward to ordination. In addition, the committee concluded that the expected competencies are unlikely to be achieved in the near future. The DPC therefore recommended that her training be brought to an end. As a matter of pastoral care, and following protocols, the Chair of District has suspended Yasha from all ministerial work.

For the time being Yasha and her family will continue to live at the Manse. Please hold them in your prayers at this difficult time. Pastoral care and support will continue to be offered by myself, the District Probationers’ Secretary, District Chair and the Diaconal Order. Please also hold in prayer those who must shoulder extra burdens at this time, including your minister, Malcolm. I assure you that all involved, including the congregation, remain in my prayers.