St. George’s Church, Cullercoats
Pastoral Group Report to APM
April, 2026
As you are aware, St. George’s has been without an incumbent since 30th June, 2024. However, during the time since then, the Pastoral Group has continued to meet bi-monthly, as it always did prior to Father Adrian’s retirement.
There are currently five members of the group, (Ann, Eleanor, Pauline, Shaun & myself,) and each of us has been given different people to support.
The agenda at each meeting covers those who are in care homes, those who receive the Sacrament at home, sick communicants, those whom we telephone, text or visit regularly, (usually once a month,) others with whom we maintain contact and Safeguarding.
The members also check and update the newsletter intercessions and monthly lists and monitor how many people receive the weekly newsletter by email. This currently stands at ninety.
The group looks at the pastoral attendance list, notes any newcomers to the congregation and, for the second year running, did the yearly statistics which are required by the Church of England.
Up until December, 2025, we sent first wedding anniversary cards to those married in church, but this has now been taken over by Helen. Thank you, Helen. We have a regular slot in the weekly newsletter and would be grateful if you could check with the group before adding anyone to the newsletter prayer list, as not everyone is comfortable with having their names publicised.
Sadly, we have recently lost four members of the church family, Edith, Wren, Joe and Lorna, and I would ask that we sit in silence for a few minutes to remember them and all that they have given to the church and community. Someone recently showed me an old magazine and it was interesting to read, for example, that Lorna had, at one time, been Parish Secretary.
PAUSE FOR RELECTION
We could not run the pastoral group without the support of so many people, the bishops and priests who celebrate the Eucharist, Carol who compiles the newsletter and readings and others outside the pastoral group who give lifts, friendship and support to our parishioners, welcome newcomers and visitors to our congregation and provide refreshments after the Sunday and Thursday Eucharists.
Our grateful thanks go to you all.
Margaret Patterson
(Reader & Pastoral Group Co-ordinator)