THANK YOU
This is by way of both an update on St Michael‟s church roof and a thank you to all of you who have already responded to last month‟s appeal. The generosity of donations and offers of help from those who have responded to our plight has given the small group of people who look after St Michael‟s a much needed boost. As I write this, the appeal fund stands at £12,500. This is tremendous news as most of this money has been raised from local people or those who have strong connections with St Michael‟s and Shap. Having said that we have received one donation from Canada. A young lady who had been on holiday here last year saw our plight whilst on the internet, and as she still had some UK currency left, simply popped it in an envelope and sent it to me.
Although we have made a wonderful start, we still have some way to go to reach our target. We are particularly encouraged by the way various groups and indi- viduals in the community are seeking to organise fundraising . There will be a number of events happening over the next twelve months so please watch out for them and support them if you can. Shap Wells Hotel has also kindly offered to help, so again watch this space.
We now feel confident that with your continued support, St Michael‟s roof can be repaired. The architect has been instructed to draw up a specification and invite tenders so that we can at least start some of the work and stop any more water damage. However, the theft of lead from church roofs is an ongoing problem and only this morning I heard that Kirkby Stephens has suffered a similar fate. Therefore, before any repair work is undertaken it will be necessary to fit an alarm to protect the roof and this will cost an estimated £1,500.
St Michael‟s has been here for over 1200 years, generations of Shap families have worshipped within its walls, been baptised, married and had their funerals in it. They have celebrated all the great moments in the nation‟s history; indeed, St Michael‟s holds the history of this village within its very fabric. With your help, we will be able to pass on this wonderful building to future generations.
If you have not yet made a donation and feel you would like to do so it will be very welcome, simply post it through the vicarage letter box or get in touch with us if you would like someone to call and collect your contribution. You may also like to consider making a small but regular donation to St Michael‟s – remember it costs £400 a week just to keep our parish church open. You can contact me or one of our Church Wardens; Elaine Allison, Elsie Davidson, Wendy Fairer, Jean Jackson.

Thank you
Martin
Rev M Dew, Shap Vicarage. Tel 01931 716955

Priest in Charge:                                      Assisted by:
The Reverend Beverley Lock.                    The Reverend Martin Dew.
The Vicarage                                             The Vicarage
Orton                                                       Shap
Penrith                                                     Penrith
Cumbria                                                    Cumbria
                                                                 CA10 3LB
Telephone 015396 24045                            Telephone 01931 716955

Clerk to the PCC.
Alison Mott, 01931 716122

Church Wardens:
Mrs Jean Jackson 01931716671                Mrs Elsie Davidson
Ms Wendy Fairer.                                    Mrs Elaine Allison



Services: Every Sunday at 11am.
1st Sunday - Childrens/Family service.
2nd Sunday - Parish Eucharist
3rd Sunday - Parish Eucharist
4th Sunday - Lay Led Morning Prayer
Tuesday and Friday - Morning Prayer at 08.30am.
Wednesday - Holy Communion at 08.30am

Mothers Union meets monthly. 
Contact Janet Wood.   01931716273