The last time you received an update from us on what’s new at St. Collen’s, we were about to begin the major project of restoring and repairing the church tower. Well--it is a great joy now to see the tower work at St Collen’s finished. The clock face is stunning we’re sure you’d agree. The complete undertaking turned out to be much more extensive and took longer than at first anticipated. Since the cost was more than expected as well, we had to delve heavily into our reserves. Consequently, we are planning some fundraisers, such as the car boot sale we recently held. We hope you will support us in our efforts to replenish our funds, so we can continue to serve the community by making the church available for services and other activities.

As you may be aware, Andrew, the Vicar, has moved on to Holy Trinity in Llandudno with his wife Mary who has become Archdeacon of Bangor. Their girls will soon be off to university. Mary’s parents, Daphne and Charles, have also moved to Llandudno. The loss of both families leaves a big hole in our community.

We have been well looked after by a variety of clerics and lay readers, but it is a joy to confirm that a permanent appointment has been made. The Reverend Lee Taylor, currently serving in Croydon Minster, will join us as Associate Vicar of the Llangollen group of churches which includes St. John’s, Trevor Chapel and Llantysilio. His installation will take place at St. Collen’s on 9 December 2018 at the 11:00 am service. All are invited to join us in welcoming him. Some of you may have read what the Reverend Lee Taylor wrote on Llanblogger to introduce himself. Suffice it to say he is young, energetic and appears to have a healthy sense of humour mixed with a desire to, and to quote his words, ‘be a visible witness to the Gospel in the ‘public square’ and to be available to anyone in need’.

The date for our Harvest celebration is October 7. The 11 o’clock service on that day will be followed by a Ploughman’s Lunch in the Community Hall. We hope you will be able to join us for this special service.

To help with preparations, if you are able to attend, please
contact Stephanie on 01978 861774.