We know what Eric and Ernie would have probably replied! What do you think?
You will be well aware that over the past few months we have been trying to get the Parish Link " right". It is different again this month! Confusing?
We have tried to include everything you have asked for, like the Sunday Service duty lists; we have also been pleased to receive various contributions from members of our congregations. A new item in this edition is the "Nature Note" you will find on page 15. A request from two of our three churches for the prescribed readings to be included has meant changing the format of the "Team Lists". We keep trying!
We know that some of the items will appeal to some of you and not to others. That is inevitable with a mixed readership - all ages and various interests. But we must consider what exactly our Church magazine is for. Information, first and foremost, about what is happening week by week in our churches and who does what, with contact names and telephone numbers. Then there is the stuff that is really important to all of us: prayer, the Bible, inspirational ideas - and a bit of teaching. Last but not least, something to interest or entertain and an odd bit of fun.
So how are we doing? What else would you like to see included? Or is there anything you find unnecessary to which we should give a rest?
And what about the layout? Is that O.K.? The cover? Did you prefer colour?
We thought of issuing a questionnaire, but they are never satisfactory - the right questions are never asked - so we leave it to you. Please do let us know what you think about the content and layout of the magazine and whether there is anything you think needs to be changed.
Another question being considered by both our P.C.C.s is the distribution of the "Link". Ought it to be distributed free to every home in our parishes? Or ought it to be distributed only to those who say that they would like to take it, "order" it and pay for it? Cogent points are made in support of either point of view; it may not be easy to be sure of coming to the right answer.
The magazine actually costs between 25p and 30p a copy to produce, which adds up to quite a lot for our churches to pay for over a year - And it has to be paid for, whatever is decided! Where should the money come from?
What do you think? Should a charge be made for the "Link"? Or should we regard it as a unique mission opportunity to reach out to our nonchurch-going friends and neighbours? Or is there a third way?
The P.C.C.s will shortly be faced with making their decision, so do let P.C.C. members know what you feel would be right.
Jean Healey