Information event for older people to be held on Tuesday 8th May 10am - 3pm at the W.I. Hall Wickhambrook.
A free lunch will be served.
The event is organised by The Church of England in Suffolk working with Age UK Suffolk.
Come along, be our guests and meet people from the organisations that support older people. You will have discussions about what they provide and talk about what you think is needed to live an independent and enjoyable life. There will also be an opportunity to be part of a local group to discuss services you need in your area. Places are FREE but must be reserved. To book your place please complete the reply slip and send it back by Friday the 27th April. A letter will be sent to you confirming that you have been allocated a place.
Please complete and return to:
Susan Gogarty,
Age UK Suffolk,
14 Hillview Business Park,
Old Ipswich Road,
Claydon,
Ipswich,
IP6 0AJ
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Rector's View - March 2012
Dear friends,
Mothering Sunday
Mothering Sunday is the fourth Sunday of Lent. Traditionally, it was a day when children, mainly daughters, who had gone to work as domestic servants were given a day off to visit their mother and family.
Mothering Sunday, this year, falls on 18th March. We will be celebrating the day with services across the Benefice. At All Saints', Wickhambrook there will be a short, informal Family Service at 9.30am. At All Saints', Stansfield there will be a short, informal Family Service at 11.00am. During the service there will be a baptism and a welcome into our Church Family - so, two reasons to celebrate! All Christians have the opportunity to give thanks for our mother the Church, which loves us and nurtures us and cares for us from birth to death. It is also, of course, an opportunity to give thanks for, and to, our own mothers and to show our appreciation for all that they do for us. For those of us who have lost our mothers it is an opportunity to say thank you for all that they have done for us, and to pray that God will care for them and look after them, as they looked after us, and to pray that through God's mercy we may be re-united with them one day. As part of the service, flowers will be blessed and given to all the ladies present. If you are free, why not join us? You will be most welcome.
Annual Church Meetings
The most important meetings in the life of a Parish Church are the 'Meeting of Parishioners', at which Churchwardens are elected for the coming year, and the 'Annual Parochial Church Meeting' (APCM) for members of the church electoral roll, at which the PCC is elected, the accounts and annual report adopted, reports received, and questions of general church interest discussed.
Over the next few weeks all seven parishes of the benefice will be holding their annual meetings. It is always disappointing when there is a low attendance. It is vitally important that as many people as possible attend these meetings to ensure that they are truly representative and that decisions reached have the consent of the majority.
Above all, it is vitally important that we come together prayerfully, with open hearts and minds, as together we try to discern God's will for our parishes for the coming year.
Mothering Sunday is the fourth Sunday of Lent. Traditionally, it was a day when children, mainly daughters, who had gone to work as domestic servants were given a day off to visit their mother and family.
Mothering Sunday, this year, falls on 18th March. We will be celebrating the day with services across the Benefice. At All Saints', Wickhambrook there will be a short, informal Family Service at 9.30am. At All Saints', Stansfield there will be a short, informal Family Service at 11.00am. During the service there will be a baptism and a welcome into our Church Family - so, two reasons to celebrate! All Christians have the opportunity to give thanks for our mother the Church, which loves us and nurtures us and cares for us from birth to death. It is also, of course, an opportunity to give thanks for, and to, our own mothers and to show our appreciation for all that they do for us. For those of us who have lost our mothers it is an opportunity to say thank you for all that they have done for us, and to pray that God will care for them and look after them, as they looked after us, and to pray that through God's mercy we may be re-united with them one day. As part of the service, flowers will be blessed and given to all the ladies present. If you are free, why not join us? You will be most welcome.
Annual Church Meetings
The most important meetings in the life of a Parish Church are the 'Meeting of Parishioners', at which Churchwardens are elected for the coming year, and the 'Annual Parochial Church Meeting' (APCM) for members of the church electoral roll, at which the PCC is elected, the accounts and annual report adopted, reports received, and questions of general church interest discussed.
Over the next few weeks all seven parishes of the benefice will be holding their annual meetings. It is always disappointing when there is a low attendance. It is vitally important that as many people as possible attend these meetings to ensure that they are truly representative and that decisions reached have the consent of the majority.
Above all, it is vitally important that we come together prayerfully, with open hearts and minds, as together we try to discern God's will for our parishes for the coming year.
Mark
As many of you know, our younger son, Mark, is in Manzini, Swaziland for three months, volunteering with Skillshare International, an organisation which seeks to reduce abuse against women and children, through education, counselling, and court observation. Mark is using his legal training to help those who are vulnerable and who have few other people to help them. Skillshare International describes its vision in these words "Our vision is of a world without poverty, injustice and inequality where people, regardless of cultural, social and political divides, come together for mutual benefit, living in peaceful co-existence".
Some of you kindly sponsored Mark, and I often get asked how he is getting on, thank you for your interest and concern. I am pleased to say that he has settled well and seems happy and fulfilled in his new environment, tackling such challenging work. If you would like to read Mark's account of his experience so far, please go to: http://asambeni.blogspot.com/
Full details of our services for Holy Week and Easter can be found on the Services section of the website. Everyone is most welcome to attend any or all of our services.
With every blessing.
Stephen
Rev'd Stephen Abbott
As many of you know, our younger son, Mark, is in Manzini, Swaziland for three months, volunteering with Skillshare International, an organisation which seeks to reduce abuse against women and children, through education, counselling, and court observation. Mark is using his legal training to help those who are vulnerable and who have few other people to help them. Skillshare International describes its vision in these words "Our vision is of a world without poverty, injustice and inequality where people, regardless of cultural, social and political divides, come together for mutual benefit, living in peaceful co-existence".
Some of you kindly sponsored Mark, and I often get asked how he is getting on, thank you for your interest and concern. I am pleased to say that he has settled well and seems happy and fulfilled in his new environment, tackling such challenging work. If you would like to read Mark's account of his experience so far, please go to: http://asambeni.blogspot.com/
Full details of our services for Holy Week and Easter can be found on the Services section of the website. Everyone is most welcome to attend any or all of our services.
With every blessing.
Stephen
Rev'd Stephen Abbott
Friday, February 24, 2012
Lenten Lunches
We are holding Lent lunches each Tuesday during the season of Lent in the Benefice Hall at 12.30pm. The lunches will be simple and we are aiming to donate to charity the proceeds from these lunches. So if you are available please do come along both to enjoy the food and company as well as to help a number of charities during this Lent time.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Rector's View - February 2012
Dear friends,
This year Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, falls on 22nd February. The best way to begin Lent is to attend the Celebration of the Eucharist at All Saints', Wickhambrook at 7.00pm on that day. There will be Imposition of Ashes at the Eucharist, for those who wish to receive it.
The service on Ash Wednesday is still conducted in much the same way as it was a thousand years ago. The priest dips his thumb in ashes, produced by burning some of last year's Palm Crosses, and makes the mark of a cross on people's foreheads, saying to each person: "Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return. Turn away from sin and be faithful to Christ." The Ash from the Palm Crosses serves as a vivid reminder of the fickleness of human nature - how the happy crowds singing 'hosanna' would, in less than a week, be screaming 'crucify him'. Lent is a time for sorrow and self-denial, but with a confidence in the forgiveness of God, which is limitless and freely given to those who ask for it in good faith.
Traditionally, Lent has been a time to give up something we enjoy, but many now make a resolution to do something positive and constructive during this period - 'taking up', rather than 'giving up.' This might be setting aside time each day to read from the bible and/or from a Christian book - there are many Lent books for sale in Christian bookshops. It may be visiting someone who is lonely; attending a mid-week Eucharist, or setting aside extra time for prayer and meditation. There are many possibilities, as long as what we choose to do helps us to grow in love for God and for other people. Please think and pray about how you will observe Lent for the love of God - what about attending our Lent course?
Our Lent Course this year is entitled: "Handing on the Torch" We shall meet on Monday 27th February and on Mondays 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th March at 7.30pm in the Benefice Hall. Everyone is very welcome.
Christianity is the largest movement our world has ever seen. It continues to grow at an immense pace - especially in Asia (including China), Africa and Latin America. At the same time, Christianity in the West struggles to grow and - perhaps - even to survive. In this course we consider some of the reasons for this and what it might mean for individual Christians, for churches and for Western culture, in a world where alternative beliefs are increasingly on offer.
The course booklet, written by Canon John Young includes questions aimed at provoking wide-ranging discussion. Each group member needs a course booklet, which will be available at the first session and costs £3.50. This is the only expense involved in this five session course. An interesting feature of this course is that there is an accompanying CD, in which distinguished Christian speakers give some input into each session.
The participants on the course CD are Archbishop John Sentamu - the Archbishop of York, Clifford Longley - RC author, broadcaster and journalist and Rachel Lampard - who has responsibility for the Methodist Church's engagement with political issues. Bishop Graham Cray - Archbishops' Missioner and leader of the Fresh Expressions team - provides the Closing Reflection at the end of each session. Dr David Hope - former Archbishop of York - introduces this course.
There will also be the opportunity to chat informally over tea or coffee. Please consider joining us, if you are able to.
With every blessing.
Stephen
Rev'd Stephen Abbott
This year Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, falls on 22nd February. The best way to begin Lent is to attend the Celebration of the Eucharist at All Saints', Wickhambrook at 7.00pm on that day. There will be Imposition of Ashes at the Eucharist, for those who wish to receive it.
The service on Ash Wednesday is still conducted in much the same way as it was a thousand years ago. The priest dips his thumb in ashes, produced by burning some of last year's Palm Crosses, and makes the mark of a cross on people's foreheads, saying to each person: "Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return. Turn away from sin and be faithful to Christ." The Ash from the Palm Crosses serves as a vivid reminder of the fickleness of human nature - how the happy crowds singing 'hosanna' would, in less than a week, be screaming 'crucify him'. Lent is a time for sorrow and self-denial, but with a confidence in the forgiveness of God, which is limitless and freely given to those who ask for it in good faith.
Traditionally, Lent has been a time to give up something we enjoy, but many now make a resolution to do something positive and constructive during this period - 'taking up', rather than 'giving up.' This might be setting aside time each day to read from the bible and/or from a Christian book - there are many Lent books for sale in Christian bookshops. It may be visiting someone who is lonely; attending a mid-week Eucharist, or setting aside extra time for prayer and meditation. There are many possibilities, as long as what we choose to do helps us to grow in love for God and for other people. Please think and pray about how you will observe Lent for the love of God - what about attending our Lent course?
Our Lent Course this year is entitled: "Handing on the Torch" We shall meet on Monday 27th February and on Mondays 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th March at 7.30pm in the Benefice Hall. Everyone is very welcome.
Christianity is the largest movement our world has ever seen. It continues to grow at an immense pace - especially in Asia (including China), Africa and Latin America. At the same time, Christianity in the West struggles to grow and - perhaps - even to survive. In this course we consider some of the reasons for this and what it might mean for individual Christians, for churches and for Western culture, in a world where alternative beliefs are increasingly on offer.
The course booklet, written by Canon John Young includes questions aimed at provoking wide-ranging discussion. Each group member needs a course booklet, which will be available at the first session and costs £3.50. This is the only expense involved in this five session course. An interesting feature of this course is that there is an accompanying CD, in which distinguished Christian speakers give some input into each session.
The participants on the course CD are Archbishop John Sentamu - the Archbishop of York, Clifford Longley - RC author, broadcaster and journalist and Rachel Lampard - who has responsibility for the Methodist Church's engagement with political issues. Bishop Graham Cray - Archbishops' Missioner and leader of the Fresh Expressions team - provides the Closing Reflection at the end of each session. Dr David Hope - former Archbishop of York - introduces this course.
There will also be the opportunity to chat informally over tea or coffee. Please consider joining us, if you are able to.
With every blessing.
Stephen
Rev'd Stephen Abbott
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Funds Raised for the Children's Society - £629
Over the Christmas and Season of Light period which includes Chirstingle the Bansfield Benefice is proud to report that we have raised £629 for the Children's Society:
Stansfield Carol service - £259
Christingle service - £70
Children Society boxes - £300
Many thanks to all those who contributed.
Stansfield Carol service - £259
Christingle service - £70
Children Society boxes - £300
Many thanks to all those who contributed.
World Development Newsletter January 2012
FAIRTRADE FORTNIGHT AND THE BIG BREW
Fairtrade Fortnight runs from 27 February – 11March 2012. The new Church Action Guide is now available free from the Fairtrade Foundation www.fairtrade.org.uk as well as lots of other materials and resources.Take a Step for Fairtrade by organising a Big Brew event in your church. The theme this year is “Help Families to Flourish”. All you need for holding an event is available from Traidcraft www.traidcraft.co.uk/bigbrew, including a free resource pack, church worship resources, school resources, etc. If you phone 0845 330 8900 to order this (item code 59400) you should be able to get it without a postage charge.
Please do let me know if you are planning a Big Brew event. Or better still send me a report with photos after the event!
LENT
If you are looking for a Lent course, there are many to choose from, but choosing one with a global perspective will give a new dimension to your study. One such has been produced by USPG on the theme of 40 Days of Peace. The aim of this course is to inspire congregations to consider what it takes to find peace in their own lives – and to become peace-makers in the world. The study course can be downloaded from www.uspg.org.uk/peace.Or if you want some ideas for personal action during Lent join the Tearfund carbon fast for daily actions and prayers (www.tearfund.org/carbonfast).
WORLD MISSION GROUP LEALFETS
The World Mission Group has been busy producing a series of new / updated information leaflets. The topics are: world development; Kagera link; fairtrade & trade justice; the Millennium Development Goals; & Five Marks of Mission. All of them can be downloaded from the Diocesan web site www.stedmundsbury.anglican.org Or free copies are available from me. The complete set comes in an attractive A5 folder. If there are any opportunities when you can use copies of these do please let me know – we want them to be used!INFORMED PRAYER FOR THE WORLD
Being better informed in our prayers for the world is something we should all strive towards. There is an absolutely brilliant resource designed to help with this which is produced weekly by Christian Concern for One World (www.ccow.org.uk). You can have it emailed directly to you each week by contacting maranda@ccow.org.uk. It provides all the links you need to understand key global issues. I highly recommend it.COMING UP IN 2012
Finally, watch this space for events in Suffolk this year.A special focus on the issue of Water is planned for early summer. A growing global issue – with floods and droughts – lack of running water & sanitation for many – potential for conflict over scarce resources.
In July & August Suffolk is host to Olympic Teams from Rwanda, Azerbaijan and Brazil (gymnastics). The Bishop of Kigali will be here to support the Rwandan team and events are being planned.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Christingle Service - St Margaret's Cowlinge - 4.00pm (15th Jan 2012)
Local children and their families will be taking part in The Children's Society's Christingle service at St Margaret's Cowlinge - 4.00pm (15th Jan 2012) . Money raised will help runaways and children forced from home to have somewhere safe to go and someone sound to turn to. If you would like to join in this magical candle-lit church service or want more information please contact the Rector.
The Christingle service aims to raise £100 for The Children's Society. We will be joining 5,000 other churches and schools across the country to raise £1million to help the charity continue its good work.
At the service, children will make a Christingle - an orange bearing a candle, red ribbon and decorated with sweets. The highlight of the service is when all the Christingle candles are lit, shining light into darkness.
Each year The Children's Society helps over 50,000 children and young people through its 90 projects across the UK. It helps children at risk on the streets; children in trouble with the law; young refugees; children with disabilities. Please help us support the work of the charity by attending our service. You can be sure of a warm welcome. We look forward to seeing you all there.
The Christingle service aims to raise £100 for The Children's Society. We will be joining 5,000 other churches and schools across the country to raise £1million to help the charity continue its good work.
At the service, children will make a Christingle - an orange bearing a candle, red ribbon and decorated with sweets. The highlight of the service is when all the Christingle candles are lit, shining light into darkness.
Each year The Children's Society helps over 50,000 children and young people through its 90 projects across the UK. It helps children at risk on the streets; children in trouble with the law; young refugees; children with disabilities. Please help us support the work of the charity by attending our service. You can be sure of a warm welcome. We look forward to seeing you all there.
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