Good evening!

And just like that, June is finished and we are halfway through the year!

Quite a lot to tell you so I’ll get straight on with it.

I am going to be away next week, leaving early Sunday morning in fact. I will be putting an out of office on my emails because the working day on the course I am attending is so long, I would prefer not to deal with anything that can wait a few days. If you need to be in touch with urgency then please leave a message on my answerphone and I will get back as soon as I can. Obviously I won’t be able to rush to you and so Canon Stephen James has very kindly offered to be available in the event of any pastoral emergencies (Kevin is away on holiday next week). Stephen can be reached on his email –  and his phone number is 01873840229. Thank you so much to Stephen for offering this, I am very grateful.

Because I am away there will be no Just Five Minutes next week and no LIFT next Thursday. Normal service will be resumed on Monday 11th July for those things, and I will be in church on Sunday 10th, including a Pet Service in Llangybi at 3pm that day, which you are very welcome to come to, with or without your pet!

If you’re not sure where to go to church this Sunday – 3rd July, can I suggest you consider St. Mary’s in Usk at 10.30am. Rev’d Helen Rees will be presiding and she will be very ably accompanied at the altar by Sarah Rosser, our new curate. This will be Sarah’s first service with us so it would be lovely to offer her a warm welcome. I understand there will be cake after the service, which I will be very sorry to miss!!

Finally, can I ask for your prayers please? You’re such faithful praying people and I know it gives great comfort to those who are prayed for – I would specifically ask that you pray for all those involved at a local level with the Ukrainian people who are living in the area. There are many events happening, and hosts continue to collect new people from airports. The number of Ukrainians in our midst is growing, including in our schools, and I am aware that the need for support is high, and the work is emotionally stretching. That said, there is some amazing stuff going on and local efforts are really making a difference to the wellbeing and stability of people who need our help. Thank you to you all, whatever you are doing.

And that I think is that. My second daughter secured a place in university this week so we are going to celebrate!

With love to you all,

Sally xxxx
— 

	Rev’d Sally Ingle-Gillis
Vicar, Heart of Monmouthshire Ministry Area
Monmouth Diocese
07813 264429