Chaplain´s Notes,

The Parsonage, Holy Trinity, Funchal

January 2024

My dear friends,

I trust you are well and may I wish you all a belated happy, peaceful and healthy New Year.

I have just returned from two weeks in Wales where it was dry, sunny and cold (-5C). It was so good to be home and to spend time with my family. In December, our Christmas services went ahead as planned with Nine Lessons and Carols on Friday 22nd December followed by mulled wine and mince pies. Then On Sunday, Christmas eve we had a service as usual at 11.00 a.m. and then Midnight Mass at 11.00 p.m. On Christmas day, we had two services of Holy Communion, one at 8.00 a.m. and another at 11.00 a.m. I am pleased to say that the services were well attended and my thanks to all those who supported us.

In January we had a very interesting talk about Bletchley Park code breaking operations during the Second World War, arranged by Jean, including a super supper prepared by Jonathan. The event was well attended and mythanks to both Jean and Jonathan for making the evening such a success.

Also in January we held a Kings Dinner on the 6th January to mark Epiphany. Again this eventwas well supported and my thanks to Jonathan for all of his hard work in preparing a threecourse meal for over forty people.

I write this letter on the eve of flying to Spain for the annual Synod. I am looking forward verymuch to catching up with friends and colleagues in the coming five days.

Upon my return of course we will fast be approaching Lent and our Carnival Dinner I know is planned for the 9th February. On the 14th of February which is Ash Wednesday there will be an ‘ashing’ ceremony as part of the Communion service and then on the 21st February and for four consecutive weeks there will be Lent Bible study including a light lunch, for which there will be a charge of 5 euros, with all proceeds being donated to the homeless charity in Funchal, Sopa Do Cardoso. The theme of the Lent Study this year will be Watch and Pray.

We held a Church Council Meeting in January, before I went to Wales, at which I announced that I had tendered my resignation to Bishop David, indicating that I would not continue in thepost of Chaplain in Madeira after the end of June 2024. I was initially licensed to the Parish for five years and that period expires in the summer this year. It has been quite a challenging experience here at Holy Trinity but nevertheless most enjoyable. My thanks to the Wardens and Church Council members over my period of tenure, who have all supported me and the church’s mission in this place.

With my love and prayers as always.

Fthr. Michael.

On God alone my soul in stillness waits, from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation. Psalm 62 v1-2