JANUARY 2025
Carols by Candlelight
took place on Christmas Eve. The church was full as people came to hear the familiar Christmas story and sing well-loved carols. Our thanks go to Mother Jessica for making this such a special service; to Sarah for playing the organ; to the readers; to Elaine and Jamie for keeping control of the young as they placed the figures in the stable; to the team of youngsters who took the collection; to the Chatwin family for organising the mulled wine and mince pies and last, but certainly not least, to the flower team for decorating the church. 
Thank you
to everyone who donated Christmas gifts for the homeless. We were able to take a full box to Stonepillow where it was very gratefully accepted.
The Benefice of Fishbourne and Apuldram
A historic moment: from 1 January 2025 our new benefice comes into effect. The Pastoral Scheme affecting the benefice was made by the Commissioners on 18 December 2024. The new benefice will be known as “The Benefice of Fishbourne and Apuldram” and will belong to the archdeaconry of Chichester and the deanery of Westbourne.
In view of the different patronage of both churches “the right of presentation to the new benefice shall be exercised alternately by His Majesty in right of His Crown and shall be exercisable by the Lord Chancellor on His behalf who shall have the first turn and the corporate body established for the Cathedral Church of The Holy Trinity in Chichester.” In lay terms, this means that future new incumbents will be chosen alternately by the Crown and the Dean of Chichester. Mother Jessica will of course be the first incumbent of the new benefice.
Looking back at 2024
The PCC, in conjunction with the architects, continued to discuss options on the Garden of Remembrance. Some initial ideas had to be discarded due to high cost but agreement was reached on an outline proposal and Mother Jessica submitted this to the DAC.
The Quinquennial Report was finalised in June and, while there were minor problems, thankfully it did not throw up anything major. Although not an item in the Quinquennnial Report, the notice board, having fallen down, was moved to the top of the car park where it is much more visible.
Regarding the Parish Contribution to the diocese in 2025, the Treasurer said that Apuldram and Fishbourne had been asked to pay £81,445, of which Apuldram’s 18% share would amount to £14,660 if paid at 100%. In 2024 we were paying £12,500 (at 85%). The PCC agreed that Apuldram’s contribution in 2025 should be at 90%, totalling £13,194.
Rymans garden opened in April and again in June and September. Our thanks go to the Chatwins for the opportunity to fund raise through serving teas. 6th June brought the D-Day commemoration at DQSC and in the church a flower festival and history of Apuldram’s part in that event. Harvest Festival was held at the end of September and the Pet Thanksgiving service in October. November brought the Laying up of Boats service followed by lunch at DQSC, with Remembrance Sunday a week later. November was also the month when Appledram Lane was closed for drainage works, the result of which has yet to be tested. Advent Sunday fell on 1st December, leading up to the Christmas celebrations. As always we are grateful to Mother Jessica for guiding us safely through this past year.
The post Christmas church year
continues with the festival of Epiphany on 6th January. This feast day commemorates the visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus.
The 40th day of Christmas is Candlemas on 2nd February when the presentation of Jesus at the Temple is commemorated. This date is also an ancient festival marking the midpoint of winter, halfway between the shortest day and the spring equinox. 
St Mary’s Meeting Room is available to hire Please email [email protected] for information