Bishop Colin Announces His Retirement!

On January 24th, the Bishop of Coventry, the Right Reverend Colin Bennetts, announced his retirement with effect from December 1st 2007. He will be 67 years old.

"I would like to see a confident, growing church, inspired by the Gospel ... "

According to the Coventry Diocese website, since moving to Coventry with their four grown-up children, two sons and two daughters, Bishop Colin and his wife Veronica are now busy grandparents with six grandsons and one honorary granddaughter.

Speaking of his hopes for the future, Bishop Colin says:

"I would like to see a confident, growing church, inspired by the Gospel, serving the community and not taking itself too seriously. However I would like to stress that I am here for the rest of the year and not hanging my mitre up just yet!”

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You can read more about Bishop Colin's career and his retirement plans at either BBC Coventry & Warwickshire or on the Church of England's Coventry Diocese home page.

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Bethlehem School Collection: £99.65

Thanks to all who gave so generously at our annual Carol Singing collection in December. The charity being supported for 2007 was the Syrian Orthodox Christian St. Aphrem School at Beit Jallah in Bethlehem. Flecknoe carol singers raised £99.65 for the school - an excellent amount from such a small village!

Many thanks again to those who donated money, and also to the carol singers themselves for their marvellous singing.

COMING SOON: Fishy Fun at Flecknoe's Family Service

NEXT FAMILY SERVICE: Sunday 4th February.
Apparently, the theme for our family service on Sunday 4th February at 4pm involves a fishy tale! All are very welcome at this children-oriented service which is now becoming established on our church calendar for the first Sunday in every month. In our service on March 4th, we will look into Lent and learn the significance of this period of the church year.

All very welcome!