SO ST JAMES’ CHURCH is to become Grimsby Minster! This development was announced by the Bishops of Lincoln and Grimsby last Wednesday and we are all thrilled at the news. It represents a vote of confidence in what we trying to do here and raises the profile of the town. In addition the programme of regeneration in the area is given fresh impetus.

WITH THE HONOUR comes even more responsibility. Engagement with the community remains a priority as does playing our part in supporting and encouraging the splendid work already being done by the parishes and churches of North East Lincolnshire.

SUNDAY 16 MAY at 10.30am is when the Bishops of Lincoln and Grimsby, together with the Archdeacon of Stow and Lindsey, will be coming to St James’ to bestow Minster status on the Church. I hope you will all be there to join in this historic celebration and we shall also be inviting congregations of the District Churches as well as Civic representatives.

WE ARE BACK ON COURSE with the Daily Bread Food Larder and the basket has reappeared in the South Transept. April is the month that St James’ promises to support this initiative to support families in crisis and I know you will be as generous as possible with your gifts. Next month we shall resume our support for Harbour Place.

ST JAMES’ HOUSE and St James’ Square will be the subject of discussion, proposals and consultation over the coming months. The architects who will lead the process are to be chosen at an interview panel in the St James’ Centre on Friday. Jo Middleton has been invited to join this panel and so the Church will be part of the decision making.

NEXT SUNDAY has all the appearance of a very busy day. The annual St George’s Day service for the Scouts is at 2.00pm and the Parish AGM will be held in Church at 7.00pm. This is the occasion when we elect our Churchwardens and Church Councils for the coming year and hear about our hopes for the future.

FAMILY HISTORY is back on the agenda in the St James’ Centre later this month. A new introductory course will start on Wednesday week between 2.00pm and 4.00pm and on the following day between 7.00pm and 9.00pm. These lead into a ten week programme and booking can be made via the Parish Office.

ADVANCE NOTICE of a Parish Walk on Sunday 9 May through Brocklesby Woods. Details will be available on the desk from next Sunday.

OFF TO THE PALACE on Friday and everyone tells me it will be a memorable occasion. A bit of name-dropping in next Sunday’s sermon?.

Michael Hunter, Rector