IN the national press last week there was a headline "We've given up on church going, but not Christianity." How true that is of the people who live in the parish of Penwerris, Falmouth. They have given up on their church, but they expect it to be there for their baptisms, weddings and funerals. Bud do they support it?

Last Sunday, Easter Day, was the last service that Father David Smith took as incumbent of the parish of Penwerris. I won't say the church of St Michael and All Angels was full, because it wasn't, but there was someone in every pew. Does it take a retirement or resignation to make you realise what you may miss?

When we have baptisms, weddings and funerals the church is full. But do those people realise how much it costs to keep the church open? Before we do anything we have to insure the buildings so that the public can come in, then we have to heat and light them. We are talking in terms of over £1,000 a month.

This is directed to the Anglican people of Penwerris. How much do you contribute to keep the church open and not just St Michael and All Angels, but the Church of the Holy Spirit too?

At this moment in time, we owe over £40,000 to the Common Fund of the Diocese of Truro, but where was their pastoral care when Father David needed it and the congregation of Penwerris needed it? They turned the other cheek. Heard of that before? Will you turn the other cheek? Or will you support us during the interregnum? There will be a service at St Michael's each Sunday at 9.30am and at the Church of the Holy Spirit each Wednesday at 10am.

If you want the church in Penwerris to continue, then support us!

Miss B A Meade, churchwarden and secretary, Penwerris PCC