Dear friends,
The last few years have seen an extraordinary revival of interest in the beliefs and practices of the first Christian communities in the British Isles. People hunger for a rhythm of worship which has roots, which reflects the human concerns of our time, yet also lets heaven into our everyday world - an expression of Christianity which enables them to enjoy God's presence, to experience awe and to express spontaneity, variety and local colour.
Celtic Christianity brings us back to our common Christian ancestry and heritage and cuts through the numerous divisions and barriers that have been created by Christians over the last thousand years or so. It offers a simple, yet deep, approach to prayer and worship.
Worship was central to the life of the Christian communities which flourished in the British Isles between the sixth and tenth centuries AD. These communities went about their daily tasks conscious of God's presence and blessing in even the most mundane aspects of life. They steeped themselves in the language and images of the Psalms. They regularly met together to praise God, to express their deep penitence to Him for their failings, and to ask for His protection in a dangerous and threatening world. Their worship was characterised by simplicity, freshness, rhythm and brevity.
Celtic spirituality can refresh our ways of coming into God's presence and speaking with Him. It naturally and powerfully finds the presence of God in all things - the reality of His protective power and enfolding love, the blessings of creation, the closeness of the angels and the hosts of heaven, and a real sense of the communion of saints.
Celtic Christianity has become an important part of my own spirituality and discipleship and I have been associated with the Iona Community for many years. I find Iona refreshing and invigorating - if you ever get the chance why not visit Iona? There are also a good number of books about Celtic Christianity. If you would like to find out more, I would be happy to recommend some further reading.
A Celtic Benediction
Deep peace of the Running Wave to you.
Deep peace of the Flowing Air to you.
Deep peace of the Quiet Earth to you.
Deep peace of the Shining Stars to you.
Deep peace of the Son of Peace to you.
With every blessing.
Stephen
Rev'd Stephen Abbott
On a personal note...
Anne and I celebrated our Silver Wedding Anniversary when we were on holiday in Jersey last month. We would very much like to have a further celebration with our friends in the Benefice, now that we are home.
I am very pleased to say that Archdeacon John Cox has agreed to Celebrate and Preach at the Benefice Service at Wickhambrook on 14th August at 10.00am, during which we will also renew our Wedding vows. It was Archdeacon John who brought us to this Diocese, when he interviewed me for the Incumbency of Brandon in 1996.
Everyone is warmly invited to join us for this joyful occasion and for refreshments in the Benefice Hall afterwards. Hope to see you there.
Stephen & Anne
Monday, August 1, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Suffolk Open Churches Week (6-13th August)
Every time I pass a church
I pay a little visit
So when at last I’m carried in
The Lord won’t say ‘Who is it?’
(Spotted in the church of St Peter and St Paul, Bergh Apton, Norfolk)
Open Churches Week is an annual event celebrating the rich heritage of Suffolk’s magnificent churches
For more information please see
http://www.stedmundsbury.anglican.org/index.cfm?page=yourchurch.content&cmid=444
I pay a little visit
So when at last I’m carried in
The Lord won’t say ‘Who is it?’
(Spotted in the church of St Peter and St Paul, Bergh Apton, Norfolk)
Open Churches Week is an annual event celebrating the rich heritage of Suffolk’s magnificent churches
For more information please see
http://www.stedmundsbury.anglican.org/index.cfm?page=yourchurch.content&cmid=444
Stansfield Pet Service
Why not join us for the Pet Service at Stansfield church on Sunday 31st July - 11am. Pets services are always fun and a light hearted way to show how important your pets are to you.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
July News Letter
Dear friends,
The word "holiday" comes from the Old English word for "Holy Day". It was a day off work to join in festivities and other celebrations of a special day in the Church's calendar - a Saint's day or other occasion. Nowadays the dictionary defines a holiday as "an extended period of recreation, especially away from home or in travelling; a break from work." Nonetheless, the spiritual dimension is still there, if we think about it - the origin of the word "recreation" is, of course, "to create again; renew".
Whether we are fortunate enough to be looking forward to a holiday away from home, or enjoying periods of recreation whilst staying at home - now called a "staycation", the opportunity is the same - the chance to relax and unwind, to have a well-earned break from the daily routine, to "re-charge our batteries" and to start again refreshed and renewed. But does it always work out that way? While we are away from home, away from all the pressures of daily life, we feel back in control. We may think that we have rediscovered our true selves. But when we arrive home to the bills and the deadlines perhaps it all seems like a dream. It was great whilst it lasted, but back to earth nothing has really changed.
As Christians we encounter God in the midst of our daily lives, amongst all the challenges, frustrations and disappointments, as well as in the more joyful times. Situations are not changed by escaping from them, but by seeing God in them and by discovering His will and purposes, for ourselves as well as for the people amongst whom we live and work. When, with God's help, we see with the eyes of Jesus, we become aware of how we must respond and we move forwards in hope and trust. One thing is clear - God gives us new opportunities every day to know Him and to serve Him.
Holidays are indeed great fun and a welcome and necessary time of rest and relaxation. But true RE-CREATION comes only by living each day consciously in the presence of God.
Children And Young People In The Church
We were all very sad when the Jam Club (Jesus and me) collapsed, due to a lack of both children and helpers. The Jam Club met on the first Sunday of each month at 9.30am in the Benefice Hall next to All Saints' Church, Wickhambrook. It was a lot of fun and enjoyed by those who attended, both children and adults. The children ranged in age from three to ten. A theme for the day was chosen with activities, songs and games linked to it. The children joined the congregation towards the end of the service for a blessing and to show them what they had done that morning in the Jam Club and the congregation loved to see them.
We would love to relaunch the Jam Club, to which children and leaders from all seven parishes in the Benefice would be most warmly welcome. If you would be interested in your children attending the Jam Club would you please let me or a Churchwarden know, so that we can assess likely interest? Similarly, if you would be prepared to be a leader or helper please let us know. As well as leaders, (we can provide resources and materials to help you plan the sessions) we need people to help set up the Benefice Hall - this includes putting the tables up, preparation with the arts and crafts, helping during Jam Club itself, and assisting with refreshments afterwards. This is for about two hours, from 9.00am - 11.00am. If we had enough people it wouldn't even have to be every month. Children are not only the Church of the future, but a much valued part of the Church today. What a joy it would be to have children involved in the life of the Church again. Please help, if you can.
With every blessing.
Stephen
Rev'd Stephen Abbott
The word "holiday" comes from the Old English word for "Holy Day". It was a day off work to join in festivities and other celebrations of a special day in the Church's calendar - a Saint's day or other occasion. Nowadays the dictionary defines a holiday as "an extended period of recreation, especially away from home or in travelling; a break from work." Nonetheless, the spiritual dimension is still there, if we think about it - the origin of the word "recreation" is, of course, "to create again; renew".
Whether we are fortunate enough to be looking forward to a holiday away from home, or enjoying periods of recreation whilst staying at home - now called a "staycation", the opportunity is the same - the chance to relax and unwind, to have a well-earned break from the daily routine, to "re-charge our batteries" and to start again refreshed and renewed. But does it always work out that way? While we are away from home, away from all the pressures of daily life, we feel back in control. We may think that we have rediscovered our true selves. But when we arrive home to the bills and the deadlines perhaps it all seems like a dream. It was great whilst it lasted, but back to earth nothing has really changed.
As Christians we encounter God in the midst of our daily lives, amongst all the challenges, frustrations and disappointments, as well as in the more joyful times. Situations are not changed by escaping from them, but by seeing God in them and by discovering His will and purposes, for ourselves as well as for the people amongst whom we live and work. When, with God's help, we see with the eyes of Jesus, we become aware of how we must respond and we move forwards in hope and trust. One thing is clear - God gives us new opportunities every day to know Him and to serve Him.
Holidays are indeed great fun and a welcome and necessary time of rest and relaxation. But true RE-CREATION comes only by living each day consciously in the presence of God.
Children And Young People In The Church
We were all very sad when the Jam Club (Jesus and me) collapsed, due to a lack of both children and helpers. The Jam Club met on the first Sunday of each month at 9.30am in the Benefice Hall next to All Saints' Church, Wickhambrook. It was a lot of fun and enjoyed by those who attended, both children and adults. The children ranged in age from three to ten. A theme for the day was chosen with activities, songs and games linked to it. The children joined the congregation towards the end of the service for a blessing and to show them what they had done that morning in the Jam Club and the congregation loved to see them.
We would love to relaunch the Jam Club, to which children and leaders from all seven parishes in the Benefice would be most warmly welcome. If you would be interested in your children attending the Jam Club would you please let me or a Churchwarden know, so that we can assess likely interest? Similarly, if you would be prepared to be a leader or helper please let us know. As well as leaders, (we can provide resources and materials to help you plan the sessions) we need people to help set up the Benefice Hall - this includes putting the tables up, preparation with the arts and crafts, helping during Jam Club itself, and assisting with refreshments afterwards. This is for about two hours, from 9.00am - 11.00am. If we had enough people it wouldn't even have to be every month. Children are not only the Church of the future, but a much valued part of the Church today. What a joy it would be to have children involved in the life of the Church again. Please help, if you can.
With every blessing.
Stephen
Rev'd Stephen Abbott
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Christian Aid Week Donations
This year the Bansfield Benefice and the Churches Together for Wickhambrook and Kirtling donated £322 to Christian Aid to assist with their work.
Friday, June 3, 2011
June News letter
Dear friends,
One of the most important festivals in the Church's year falls in June this year. I thought it would be worthwhile this month to say something about it and why it is important.
Sunday 12th June is Pentecost, still known to many people as Whit Sunday. Pentecost is, in fact, a much older term, which has recently come back into use. It comes from a Greek word meaning the "fiftieth day" - being the fiftieth day since Easter. Compared to Christmas and Easter, Pentecost has often been regarded as a bit of a Cinderella festival. Actually it is a very important festival. It commemorates the day; ten days after Jesus withdrew His physical presence to Ascend to Heaven, when the Holy Spirit descended on the disciples to strengthen them and to guide them to live as Christians. It is for this reason that Pentecost is sometimes called the Church's birthday. The Holy Spirit came to them and transformed them from a group of timid and cowardly people, concerned with saving their own skins, to an effective Church, boldly proclaiming the Gospel without fear or favour. We read about it in Acts chapter 2.
The difficulty a lot of people have is that they find it difficult to believe in something, or someone, they cannot see. But on that basis they shouldn't believe in wind, electricity or gravity! We cannot see those things, but we know they are there by the effect they have - for example wind filling the sails of a yacht or turning the sails of a windmill; electricity powering a light bulb or giving someone a shock; gravity stopping us from floating about and coming down to earth with a bump! Fair enough, you might say, but how do we see the effect of the Holy Spirit, so that we know that He is there? Well, in a number of ways.
Firstly, as mentioned above, we have the transformation of the disciples and the birth of the Church. The disciples were united in purpose as one body. They all understood each other, even if they didn't speak the same language. Still, today, when we see barriers broken down, old grievances reconciled, past wrongs forgiven, love conquering hatred, hope overcoming fear, often against all odds and expectations, we see the Holy Spirit at work. Sometimes He breaks into our world like a mighty rushing wind - I believe we can see His hand in the destruction of Apartheid, the pulling down of the Berlin Wall and movements for peace, justice and democracy around the world. Equally wonderfully, sometimes He comes as a gentle breeze, transforming the lives of individuals, families and communities. For me, the best "check-list", is still that given by St. Paul, in Galatians 5 : 22 - 25. Here he describes "The fruit if the Spirit" - if someone is open and receptive to the Holy Spirit and have welcomed Him into their lives, then the Holy Spirit will bring forth fruit in their lives. Paul lists these as "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control". When someone has welcomed the Holy Spirit into their lives the results are as obvious as a windmill driven by a strong wind.
We will be celebrating the feast of Pentecost with a service for the whole Benefice on Sunday 12th June at 10.00am at St. Mary's church, Lidgate. If you are free, why not join us for this special occasion?
With every blessing.
Stephen
Rev'd Stephen Abbott
One of the most important festivals in the Church's year falls in June this year. I thought it would be worthwhile this month to say something about it and why it is important.
Sunday 12th June is Pentecost, still known to many people as Whit Sunday. Pentecost is, in fact, a much older term, which has recently come back into use. It comes from a Greek word meaning the "fiftieth day" - being the fiftieth day since Easter. Compared to Christmas and Easter, Pentecost has often been regarded as a bit of a Cinderella festival. Actually it is a very important festival. It commemorates the day; ten days after Jesus withdrew His physical presence to Ascend to Heaven, when the Holy Spirit descended on the disciples to strengthen them and to guide them to live as Christians. It is for this reason that Pentecost is sometimes called the Church's birthday. The Holy Spirit came to them and transformed them from a group of timid and cowardly people, concerned with saving their own skins, to an effective Church, boldly proclaiming the Gospel without fear or favour. We read about it in Acts chapter 2.
The difficulty a lot of people have is that they find it difficult to believe in something, or someone, they cannot see. But on that basis they shouldn't believe in wind, electricity or gravity! We cannot see those things, but we know they are there by the effect they have - for example wind filling the sails of a yacht or turning the sails of a windmill; electricity powering a light bulb or giving someone a shock; gravity stopping us from floating about and coming down to earth with a bump! Fair enough, you might say, but how do we see the effect of the Holy Spirit, so that we know that He is there? Well, in a number of ways.
Firstly, as mentioned above, we have the transformation of the disciples and the birth of the Church. The disciples were united in purpose as one body. They all understood each other, even if they didn't speak the same language. Still, today, when we see barriers broken down, old grievances reconciled, past wrongs forgiven, love conquering hatred, hope overcoming fear, often against all odds and expectations, we see the Holy Spirit at work. Sometimes He breaks into our world like a mighty rushing wind - I believe we can see His hand in the destruction of Apartheid, the pulling down of the Berlin Wall and movements for peace, justice and democracy around the world. Equally wonderfully, sometimes He comes as a gentle breeze, transforming the lives of individuals, families and communities. For me, the best "check-list", is still that given by St. Paul, in Galatians 5 : 22 - 25. Here he describes "The fruit if the Spirit" - if someone is open and receptive to the Holy Spirit and have welcomed Him into their lives, then the Holy Spirit will bring forth fruit in their lives. Paul lists these as "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control". When someone has welcomed the Holy Spirit into their lives the results are as obvious as a windmill driven by a strong wind.
We will be celebrating the feast of Pentecost with a service for the whole Benefice on Sunday 12th June at 10.00am at St. Mary's church, Lidgate. If you are free, why not join us for this special occasion?
With every blessing.
Stephen
Rev'd Stephen Abbott
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Fund Raising - Lent Lunches
Many thanks to everyone who supported the Lent Lunches. The sum of £140 was donated to the Churches Together charity - The Bethlehem Arab Society for Rehabilitation.
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