Dear friends,
New Year's Day falls on a Sunday in 2012. This gives us a fairly rare opportunity to celebrate the occasion in a church service; details of all Church Services in the Benefice are to be found above under Services. The 1st January is also celebrated in the Church's Calendar as the feast of the Naming of Jesus - a name which means "God saves".
As we begin a New Year, we may be thinking of new beginnings - hoping that our heartfelt resolutions will last well into the New Year! We might also be thinking about the purpose of our lives. That might sound deep - but we all need to have purpose in our lives. In the midst of all our uncertainties, hopes and fears over what this new year may bring, it is reassuring to know that our lives, and our world, are part of God's much bigger purposes - "this" is not all there is!
We are reminded, on the 1st January, that God's purposes are seen supremely in Jesus - in the weakness and vulnerability of a baby, but yet a baby who saves the world from sin and death! A baby who grew to be a man. Through this man God saves us from our weakness and selfishness, our pride, the damage we inflict on ourselves and others. In this man there is the promise of a real new beginning, for us and for our world.
Please join us at church to celebrate and give thanks for the meaning and purpose in our lives; for the love and acceptance that surrounds us, and to God who loves and cares for us, just as we are, more than any human being could. You've got nothing to lose and everything to gain!
May God bless you and grant to you, and to all whom you love, a truly happy and blessed New Year.
With every blessing.
Stephen
Rev'd Stephen Abbott
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Monday, December 26, 2011
Open Door
Some people have suggested that it would be helpful if it were possible to have a time when they could come to talk with me without having to phone first or make an appointment. Starting in the New Year, I will be available once a month in the Benefice Hall next to Wickhambrook church for anyone who would like to discuss anything with me - it might be a question about the faith; something to do with Church life; a personal or family difficulty - anything really, it's up to you. I thought we could trial this for, say, six months, usually on the last Saturday of the month from 10.00am until 11.00am, or later if needed. Please feel free to come along or let me know if you think some other arrangement would be better. The first "Open Door" will be on Saturday 28th January at 10.00am at the Benefice Hall.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Toys for under privileged children in Bury Social Services care
At the Toy service at Wickhambrook this morning we received, and
Father Stephen, blessed 25 presents for under privileged children in
Bury Social Services care.
Stephen will be taking your presents to Bury Social services this week.
A very big thank you to all who donated. But the biggest thank you
will be from the children who receive these gifts from our Benefice.
Father Stephen, blessed 25 presents for under privileged children in
Bury Social Services care.
Stephen will be taking your presents to Bury Social services this week.
A very big thank you to all who donated. But the biggest thank you
will be from the children who receive these gifts from our Benefice.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Rector's View - December 2011
Dear friends,
The first Christmas morning that little Linda was able to read she was allowed to hand out the family gifts from under the Christmas tree. According to their family custom, the person who gave out the presents could open the first parcel. After all the gifts were distributed, with loving care, Linda kept looking and looking around the tree. Linda's father asked, "What are you looking for, dear?" Linda replied, "I thought Christmas was Jesus' birthday and I was wondering where his present is. It looks as though everyone has forgotten him."
It's a good point - who would hold a birthday party and then forget to invite the person whose birthday it is?! It is easy, in all the excitement of Christmas, to forget why we are giving gifts, why the decorations are up and so on.
Unless carefully watched, the Christmas rush can spoil our celebration of Christmas. "I wrap, send, clean, cook and worry that no one is left out", said one lady. "I worry about whether the money will stretch far enough, whether the turkey will fit into the oven, and how best to place the chairs around the table." It has been said that once the Christmas season is over, many people find that they are ninety days ahead with their calorie intake, and ninety days behind with their bills!
Our celebration of Christmas would lose much if we really managed to opt out of all the presents, entertaining and decorating. A tin of baked beans without friends or relatives would not be the same! But our celebration of Christmas also loses much if we fail to make time to relax and worship, to ponder with awe the real meaning of Christmas. Let us then have a really joyful celebration of our Lord and Saviour's birthday - and this can certainly include appreciating the good things, which God has given us to enjoy. But let us also make sure that all the rushing, cleaning, cooking and decorating does not destroy the peace, goodwill and joy which ought to characterise the festival of Christ's birth.
Thank you so much to everyone who supported the Operation Christmas Child Shoebox appeal. Fifty five completed shoeboxes have been sent from our Benefice to bring some Christmas joy to deprived children. Jesus said that what we do for other people we do for Him, and I am sure that these are the sort of Birthday presents He is delighted with! Let's see if we can do even better next year!
I look forward to seeing you at one or more of our Christmas services. Our Carol Services are on Sunday 18th December at 4.00pm at Denston and at 6.00pm at Stradishall and on Christmas Eve at 5.00pm at Stansfield. Then, later on Christmas Eve, we celebrate the Midnight Mass at St. Peter's, Ousden, beginning at 11.30pm. The Benefice Service on Christmas morning is at Stradishall at 10.00am.
May God grant to you and to all whom you love, a truly happy and blessed Christmas.
Open Door
Some people have suggested that it would be helpful if it were possible to have a time when they could come to talk with me without having to phone first or make an appointment. Starting in the New Year, I will be available once a month in the Benefice Hall next to Wickhambrook church for anyone who would like to discuss anything with me - it might be a question about the faith; something to do with Church life; a personal or family difficulty - anything really, it's up to you. I thought we could trial this for, say, six months, usually on the last Saturday of the month from 10.00am until 11.00am, or later if needed. Please feel free to come along or let me know if you think some other arrangement would be better. The first "Open Door" will be on Saturday 28th January at 10.00am at the Benefice Hall.
With every blessing.
Stephen
Rev'd Stephen Abbott
The first Christmas morning that little Linda was able to read she was allowed to hand out the family gifts from under the Christmas tree. According to their family custom, the person who gave out the presents could open the first parcel. After all the gifts were distributed, with loving care, Linda kept looking and looking around the tree. Linda's father asked, "What are you looking for, dear?" Linda replied, "I thought Christmas was Jesus' birthday and I was wondering where his present is. It looks as though everyone has forgotten him."
It's a good point - who would hold a birthday party and then forget to invite the person whose birthday it is?! It is easy, in all the excitement of Christmas, to forget why we are giving gifts, why the decorations are up and so on.
Unless carefully watched, the Christmas rush can spoil our celebration of Christmas. "I wrap, send, clean, cook and worry that no one is left out", said one lady. "I worry about whether the money will stretch far enough, whether the turkey will fit into the oven, and how best to place the chairs around the table." It has been said that once the Christmas season is over, many people find that they are ninety days ahead with their calorie intake, and ninety days behind with their bills!
Our celebration of Christmas would lose much if we really managed to opt out of all the presents, entertaining and decorating. A tin of baked beans without friends or relatives would not be the same! But our celebration of Christmas also loses much if we fail to make time to relax and worship, to ponder with awe the real meaning of Christmas. Let us then have a really joyful celebration of our Lord and Saviour's birthday - and this can certainly include appreciating the good things, which God has given us to enjoy. But let us also make sure that all the rushing, cleaning, cooking and decorating does not destroy the peace, goodwill and joy which ought to characterise the festival of Christ's birth.
Thank you so much to everyone who supported the Operation Christmas Child Shoebox appeal. Fifty five completed shoeboxes have been sent from our Benefice to bring some Christmas joy to deprived children. Jesus said that what we do for other people we do for Him, and I am sure that these are the sort of Birthday presents He is delighted with! Let's see if we can do even better next year!
I look forward to seeing you at one or more of our Christmas services. Our Carol Services are on Sunday 18th December at 4.00pm at Denston and at 6.00pm at Stradishall and on Christmas Eve at 5.00pm at Stansfield. Then, later on Christmas Eve, we celebrate the Midnight Mass at St. Peter's, Ousden, beginning at 11.30pm. The Benefice Service on Christmas morning is at Stradishall at 10.00am.
May God grant to you and to all whom you love, a truly happy and blessed Christmas.
§§§
Open Door
Some people have suggested that it would be helpful if it were possible to have a time when they could come to talk with me without having to phone first or make an appointment. Starting in the New Year, I will be available once a month in the Benefice Hall next to Wickhambrook church for anyone who would like to discuss anything with me - it might be a question about the faith; something to do with Church life; a personal or family difficulty - anything really, it's up to you. I thought we could trial this for, say, six months, usually on the last Saturday of the month from 10.00am until 11.00am, or later if needed. Please feel free to come along or let me know if you think some other arrangement would be better. The first "Open Door" will be on Saturday 28th January at 10.00am at the Benefice Hall.
With every blessing.
Stephen
Rev'd Stephen Abbott
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Christmas cards from Kagera
Christmas cards from Kagera are available from the Diocesan Office, Ipswich. They are £3 per pack of 6.
http://www.stedmundsbury.anglican.org/index.cfm?page=governance.content&cmid=53
A great way to support Kagera's children.
http://www.bansfieldbenefice.org.uk/benefice/kagera.html
http://www.stedmundsbury.anglican.org/index.cfm?page=governance.content&cmid=53
A great way to support Kagera's children.
http://www.bansfieldbenefice.org.uk/benefice/kagera.html
Sunday, November 13, 2011
From the Pew Leaflet ...
Samaritan’s Purse – Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Appeal. Many thanks to everyone who kindly supported this appeal. Fifty five completed boxes have been sent to bring joy into the lives of deprived children – our highest total for three years! Well done everyone. Let’s see if we can do even better next year!
Toys donated at the Toy Service at Wickhambrook, at 9.30am on Sunday 4th December, will again be given to children in the care of Bury Social Services. All donations will be gratefully received and really are appreciated. We ask that the presents are wrapped and have a label on them indicating whether the present is for a boy or a girl, as well as the age of the child to receive it.
There will be a candlelit concert given by Kate Witney, Soprano, and Robert Foster, Lute, with supper, at Stansfield Church on Friday 9th December at 7.00pm. Tickets, at £13.50 each, are available by emailing contact@bansfieldbenefice.org.uk for further details.
There will be a four course Christmas supper at the Shooting Lodge, Stradishall, on Tuesday 13th December at 7.00pm. Tickets, at £12.50 each, are available by by emailing contact@bansfieldbenefice.org.uk for further details.
All Events can be found at http://www.bansfieldbenefice.org.uk/events/
If you, or someone you know, might be interested in exploring the possibility of preparing for Confirmation in 2012 please let the Rector know by the end of the year.
Toys donated at the Toy Service at Wickhambrook, at 9.30am on Sunday 4th December, will again be given to children in the care of Bury Social Services. All donations will be gratefully received and really are appreciated. We ask that the presents are wrapped and have a label on them indicating whether the present is for a boy or a girl, as well as the age of the child to receive it.
There will be a candlelit concert given by Kate Witney, Soprano, and Robert Foster, Lute, with supper, at Stansfield Church on Friday 9th December at 7.00pm. Tickets, at £13.50 each, are available by emailing contact@bansfieldbenefice.org.uk for further details.
There will be a four course Christmas supper at the Shooting Lodge, Stradishall, on Tuesday 13th December at 7.00pm. Tickets, at £12.50 each, are available by by emailing contact@bansfieldbenefice.org.uk for further details.
All Events can be found at http://www.bansfieldbenefice.org.uk/events/
If you, or someone you know, might be interested in exploring the possibility of preparing for Confirmation in 2012 please let the Rector know by the end of the year.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Rector's View - November 2011
The Healing Ministry - My personal involvement with the healing ministry goes back to my ordination. I would like to hear from people as to whether or not they might appreciate the introduction of a regular healing ministry service into the life of the benefice. The service would take place in the context of the Eucharist and there would be the opportunity, for those who wish it, to receive the laying on of hands and anointing with Holy Oil. In addition there would also be prayers for healing and wholeness, a short address or meditation, and perhaps specially chosen readings. One possibility might be to make this a regular Sunday morning service on fifth Sundays.
It is important to understand the nature of Christian healing. It is not an alternative to conventional medicine, but rather works in partnership with it. Christian healing is about being made whole - becoming confident and rounded people, growing in God's image. It is about resolving inner conflicts and fears; taking away guilt and hardness of heart; and bringing us mature peacefulness and strength to accept God's will, whatever that may be. The healing ministry is a Sacrament in which we encounter Christ the healer in a personal, sometimes powerful, way.
Sometimes God does choose to restore people physically. More usually He heals us by enabling us to accept ourselves; to trust Him; to restore our relationship with Him and with others; and to help us relax in His presence - both here and hereafter.
This kind of ministry is now high on the agenda of the Church of England and features prominently in the Common Worship services material. It is, in short, mainstream worship in the Church of England. I am convinced that this kind of ministry has a place in our regular pattern of worship and will enrich our benefice life and the provision of a fuller Christian ministry here.
It is important, however, that people are properly prepared for this ministry and know what to expect and what not to expect. If there is interest in this, I would propose to talk and preach about it further, before it is introduced to the Benefice.
Do, please, feel free to talk with me, or ask any questions which you may have, or let me know your thoughts and observations.
November 13th is Remembrance Sunday, when we remember those who lost their lives in war. The scale of suffering and loss of human life is so great that it is difficult for us to comprehend. We must remember, however, that those numbers are made up of individuals – someone’s father, or husband, or son. We remember them not so as to glorify war but to remember those who gave their all in the cause of peace and in the struggle for a better world, free from discrimination, prejudice and oppression. We honour their memories by continuing to work, in our own day, for a better society. The Benefice joins together for a service at St. Peters Church, Ousden at 10.00am. Then we are invited to gather for the Churches Together united Act of Remembrance at Wickhambrook War Memorial at 12.00 noon.
If you, or someone you know, might be interested in preparing for Confirmation in 2012 please contact me by the end of December. There is no need to make a firm commitment at this stage, but it would be helpful to know who is interested in exploring the possibility.
You can read the latest news around the Benefice and in the wider Church on the Benefice blogspot. Please go to the following: http://bansfieldbenefice.blogspot.com/. This can also be accessed from the Benefice Website home page
With every blessing.
Stephen
Rev'd Stephen Abbott
It is important to understand the nature of Christian healing. It is not an alternative to conventional medicine, but rather works in partnership with it. Christian healing is about being made whole - becoming confident and rounded people, growing in God's image. It is about resolving inner conflicts and fears; taking away guilt and hardness of heart; and bringing us mature peacefulness and strength to accept God's will, whatever that may be. The healing ministry is a Sacrament in which we encounter Christ the healer in a personal, sometimes powerful, way.
Sometimes God does choose to restore people physically. More usually He heals us by enabling us to accept ourselves; to trust Him; to restore our relationship with Him and with others; and to help us relax in His presence - both here and hereafter.
This kind of ministry is now high on the agenda of the Church of England and features prominently in the Common Worship services material. It is, in short, mainstream worship in the Church of England. I am convinced that this kind of ministry has a place in our regular pattern of worship and will enrich our benefice life and the provision of a fuller Christian ministry here.
It is important, however, that people are properly prepared for this ministry and know what to expect and what not to expect. If there is interest in this, I would propose to talk and preach about it further, before it is introduced to the Benefice.
Do, please, feel free to talk with me, or ask any questions which you may have, or let me know your thoughts and observations.
***
November 13th is Remembrance Sunday, when we remember those who lost their lives in war. The scale of suffering and loss of human life is so great that it is difficult for us to comprehend. We must remember, however, that those numbers are made up of individuals – someone’s father, or husband, or son. We remember them not so as to glorify war but to remember those who gave their all in the cause of peace and in the struggle for a better world, free from discrimination, prejudice and oppression. We honour their memories by continuing to work, in our own day, for a better society. The Benefice joins together for a service at St. Peters Church, Ousden at 10.00am. Then we are invited to gather for the Churches Together united Act of Remembrance at Wickhambrook War Memorial at 12.00 noon.
***
If you, or someone you know, might be interested in preparing for Confirmation in 2012 please contact me by the end of December. There is no need to make a firm commitment at this stage, but it would be helpful to know who is interested in exploring the possibility.
***
You can read the latest news around the Benefice and in the wider Church on the Benefice blogspot. Please go to the following: http://bansfieldbenefice.blogspot.com/. This can also be accessed from the Benefice Website home page
With every blessing.
Stephen
Rev'd Stephen Abbott
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