SANTA MARGARITA CHURCH, MENORCA

NEWSLETTER – AUGUST 2024

For more information:

Email Carole Brayford at info@anglicanchurchmenorca.com Or talk to the Revd Paul.

NEWS FROM JULY 2024

Es Castell Fiesta and Santa Margarita Patronal Festival

The major part of the Es Castell fiesta took place on 24/25 July celebrated with the usual enjoyable gusto by old and young alike. On the evening of 24 July Paul is usually invited to celebrate Vespers with the clergy at the Catholic church in Es Castell. On the 25th there’s the mass in the RC church where Paul is invited to sit with the dignitaries (mayor, etc) and then afterwards to process down the street with them.

Our celebration of the Santa Margarita Patronal festival was moved from 20 July because of a major fiesta event on that day, and celebrated on Sunday evening 21 July at 7pm with the usual procession from El Roser Catholic church to Santa Margarita for a short service, after which we shared refreshments with our neighbours and friends.

Anglo-American Cemetery.

This is in an obscure corner of Mahon harbour on the north side, accessible only from the water, or an obscure staircase not far from “little Venice”. It dates back to the late 18thc. and is the resting place for those who could not be interred in the local cemeteries that were only for Roman Catholics at that time - Protestants including Anglicans. In June, Paul again presided over the annual memorial service to honour those interred there. Paul has written a fascinating article about the cemetery, together with photographs, which was published in the July edition of Roqueta. A copy is on the church website and is recommended reading.

Area Deans’ Annual Forum.

In early June, Paul joined the Annual Area Deans' Forum which took place in Brussels. Area Deans are appointed by the Bishop and work in collaboration with the Archdeacons to support clergy and chaplaincies in their deaneries. A deanery is a subsection of an archdeaconry, and in the Diocese in Europe, there are 7 archdeaconries, which are divided into 18 deaneries. More information can be viewed at https://www.europe.anglican.org/news/latest-news/area-deans-meet-brussels

Wedding Anniversary.

Audrey and Lawrence Perrin celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on 11 July. In August, when their family are in Menorca they will be holding a blessing at Santa Margarita followed by cava and refreshments. They received a card of congratulations from King Charles, and we send them our warmest congratulations too.

Natalie’s Blessing.

Natalie, from Belgium, and her husband, Paulo, originally from Brazil, had their wedding blessed last year at La Mola. Natalie is now expecting a baby and a service of blessing for Natalie was held with Paulo and her parents Dirk and Marline.

Ordination in Brussels Cathedral.

As we reported in last month’s newsletter Daleen who has visited us several times and who was mentored by Paul was ordained in Brussels in June. Here are some more photos of a very happy occasion. Please pray for her and her chaplaincy in Lisbon

AUGUST AND FUTURE EVENTS 2024

Chaplain’s Holiday.

Paul (and Kate) will be taking a well earned holiday from 1-23 August. We will be welcoming the Rev. Michael Higgins, as locum priest, during that time to lead our worship. There will be a recorded service of Morning Prayer each week for those who worship online.

August Lunch.

David Green, our Church Warden, is co-ordinating a lunch at Trattoria Vianello, Mahon for when Michael Higgins is with us. Details will be advertised very soon. There will be a sign up sheet on the church notice board.

Lunch at the Cricket Club in July was postponed but we hope to rearrange a date in October.

September Social Event.

Thursday 12 September at 4pm. Johnny and Jan Wright have very kindly offered to host a tapas afternoon at their home. If you plan to join them we have been asked to contribute a plate of nibbles or some drinks. It would help in the planning if you can let Johnny know in advance what you can bring. (Or message Paul or Carole and the details will be forwarded.)

Golf Tournament – September.

We will be holding another golf tournament this year on Friday 27 September. Details to follow shortly.

Harvest Lunch – Sunday October 20th.

Details yet to be finalised.

GENERAL

Digital Card Reader.

The new Digital Card Reader is having teething problems but hopefully will be in working order soon !

Chaplaincy Council.

The next meeting of the council will be on 17 September 2024.

Members of the Chaplaincy Council for this year are David Green, Church Warden, and Liz Astley, Carole Brayford, Colin Guanaria, Suzanne Hodges (treasurer), Heike Pieper, and Margaret and Trevor (the two Archdeaconry Synod representatives).

The weekly services of Holy Communion are recorded.  If you are not on island or cannot be in church but would like to follow the service, contact Paul and he will send the link.

New Church Website !  

Our new web address is : www.anglicanchurchmenorca.net

If anyone is willing to host a future social event – coffee morning, afternoon tea, or simple tapas that would be much appreciated.  Please let Carole know.  

NEW LUNCH VENUE RECOMMENDATIONS ALWAYS WELCOME !

If you would like to support the ministry of Santa Margarita, the Anglican Church in Menorca, then you can do so by clicking the Donate button below.

Your donation will be very gratefully received.