Dear friends,
I went over to Stansfield Village Hall's film night to watch Paddington Bear. I went filled with images from our news of migrants climbing fences and clambering aboard lorries, floundering in overcrowded boats, overrunning holiday destinations, taxing border controls, and being turned away at sea as well from these shores… I found it most poignant then to be reminded by a children's story as to why this vast flood of humanity were crossing to Europe.
The fictional bear from mythical darkest Peru, had lost his parents and his uncle, his elderly aunt could no longer care for him. His aunt remembered the British Explorer who assured them of the warm welcome that would await them in Britain, and that children looking for a family could simply wait with their case on a station platform wearing a label with a plea of care. The story's premise is based not on any myth, but the scarred wound of our own history, the vast European migrations pre-and post-war, and our own attempts to provide safe keeping to London's children during the Blitz. Today's migrants have no case nor any to send them on their journey with the hopeful plea of labels attached, the only labels they have to wear are those we give them.
Whatever fears we may guard against, we should remember those whose fear is such that they have fled, those whose house, whose livelihood's, whose families have been taken from them, that they, each of them, mother, father, brother, sister, child should risk all they have left, even if only themselves, to look for welcome and opportunity, to build again that which we seek to guard, security home and family.
The test is before us this day in the gospel of Jesus' word Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother Mark 3.35. Our solidarity with Jesus - who is Messiah to the poor, those who mourn, the meek, the hungry, the thirsty, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, the persecuted Mathew 5.3-12 - is to fulfil the blessing He proclaimed, for these truly belong to His family, and they are God's children.
Rev'd Brin Singleton
Rector
Wednesday, July 1, 2015
Monday, June 1, 2015
Rector's View - June 2015
Dear friends,
This month our Diocese celebrates the enthronement of our new bishop, bishop Martin. So we share the expectation of the nation as we look to what a new term of service in leadership might bring. Bishop Martin will be encouraging our Diocese in the pledges made before his enthronement that we should look for growth in God just as we see growth in our countryside, in field hedgerow and garden, all witnessing to God's growth through this season. This growth reveals nature's creative energy, which comes to bloom with or without our aid, as with faith, God's call to all peoples, which continues with or without the Church's aid. Of course in our landscape of field and garden as well our landscape of faith, the fields of our hearts, we can encourage and nurture that growth by being alert to need and opportunity. Just as our landscape is managed for growth so is our faith through prayer which enables responsive actions to restore and nurture signs of growth.
Bansfield benefice seeks to open the doors of our churches, houses of prayer, to our villages wherever we can, and Sunday by Sunday villagers can rely on regular service patterns in the call to share our gatherings of prayer. But sometimes we need a little help to enter into the prayer life of our Church, for those who find it hard to still mind and body in focusing toward God, prayer labyrinth's have provided an active route toward such prayers of which the psalmist writes ‘Lord You will show me the path of life, You will fill me with joy in your presence’ that we may find that God centred stillness ‘be still and know that I am God’. I hope you will seek out our labyrinth mown in the grass of the glebe field next to Wickhambrook church, and accept the invitation to walk this path of prayer open to growth in God. I hope you will find encouragement in the years ahead to share such fullness of life as is God's purpose for creation. I hope you will accept opportunity for prayer wherever this may be offered, and share with us our vision for growth in God.
Rev'd Brin Singleton
Rector
This month our Diocese celebrates the enthronement of our new bishop, bishop Martin. So we share the expectation of the nation as we look to what a new term of service in leadership might bring. Bishop Martin will be encouraging our Diocese in the pledges made before his enthronement that we should look for growth in God just as we see growth in our countryside, in field hedgerow and garden, all witnessing to God's growth through this season. This growth reveals nature's creative energy, which comes to bloom with or without our aid, as with faith, God's call to all peoples, which continues with or without the Church's aid. Of course in our landscape of field and garden as well our landscape of faith, the fields of our hearts, we can encourage and nurture that growth by being alert to need and opportunity. Just as our landscape is managed for growth so is our faith through prayer which enables responsive actions to restore and nurture signs of growth.
Bansfield benefice seeks to open the doors of our churches, houses of prayer, to our villages wherever we can, and Sunday by Sunday villagers can rely on regular service patterns in the call to share our gatherings of prayer. But sometimes we need a little help to enter into the prayer life of our Church, for those who find it hard to still mind and body in focusing toward God, prayer labyrinth's have provided an active route toward such prayers of which the psalmist writes ‘Lord You will show me the path of life, You will fill me with joy in your presence’ that we may find that God centred stillness ‘be still and know that I am God’. I hope you will seek out our labyrinth mown in the grass of the glebe field next to Wickhambrook church, and accept the invitation to walk this path of prayer open to growth in God. I hope you will find encouragement in the years ahead to share such fullness of life as is God's purpose for creation. I hope you will accept opportunity for prayer wherever this may be offered, and share with us our vision for growth in God.
Rev'd Brin Singleton
Rector
Friday, May 1, 2015
Rector's View - May 2015
Dear friends,
The month of May heralds many new beginnings, not only summer's arrival nor only the early bloom of a new political landscape, but also a new beginning in the pilgrimage of faith. Faith's new beginning is told in the story of Christ's Ascension that His Spirit should descend into the hearts of His followers.
Whichever political parties have won power their followers will be beginning the descent from the heights of campaign promises to begin the work of their realisation.
Just so in the story of Christ's risen life, His Ascension and His sending of that power from on high, the Holy Spirit, enlivens in His followers the reality of Christ's new beginning. A new beginning in the hearts of all who witness to His love in the world today. For Christ's followers their witness, through the Spirit's advocacy, is seen after the Way of Christ, both as a journey in faith and the realisation of God's Kingdom at hand. Our testimony is to that which has been seen and heard through countless generations from the Acts of the Apostles, the Acts of the early Church, to the Acts of the Church today. The campaign promises of faith, the values of God's Kingdom will not be buried nor forgotten because they are that very reality whom the tomb could not contain, Jesus risen, seen afresh in every generation in those who in Christ proclaim the blessings of God's Kingdom.
Hear again the manifesto of faith, the Acts of our discipleship:-
God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.
God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.
God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.
God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.
God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
Mat 5:3-10 NLT
Rev'd Brin Singleton
Rector
The month of May heralds many new beginnings, not only summer's arrival nor only the early bloom of a new political landscape, but also a new beginning in the pilgrimage of faith. Faith's new beginning is told in the story of Christ's Ascension that His Spirit should descend into the hearts of His followers.
Whichever political parties have won power their followers will be beginning the descent from the heights of campaign promises to begin the work of their realisation.
Just so in the story of Christ's risen life, His Ascension and His sending of that power from on high, the Holy Spirit, enlivens in His followers the reality of Christ's new beginning. A new beginning in the hearts of all who witness to His love in the world today. For Christ's followers their witness, through the Spirit's advocacy, is seen after the Way of Christ, both as a journey in faith and the realisation of God's Kingdom at hand. Our testimony is to that which has been seen and heard through countless generations from the Acts of the Apostles, the Acts of the early Church, to the Acts of the Church today. The campaign promises of faith, the values of God's Kingdom will not be buried nor forgotten because they are that very reality whom the tomb could not contain, Jesus risen, seen afresh in every generation in those who in Christ proclaim the blessings of God's Kingdom.
Hear again the manifesto of faith, the Acts of our discipleship:-
God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.
God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.
God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.
God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.
God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
Mat 5:3-10 NLT
Rev'd Brin Singleton
Rector
Friday, April 3, 2015
Easter Day Services
Please join us for Easter Day services at
Wickhambrook - Dawn Eucharist at 6.00am
Ousden - Holy communion at 9.30am
Stradishall - Holy communion at 11.00am
The Wickhambrook Dawn Eucharist is followed by an Easter breakfast at the Rectory.
Wickhambrook - Dawn Eucharist at 6.00am
Ousden - Holy communion at 9.30am
Stradishall - Holy communion at 11.00am
The Wickhambrook Dawn Eucharist is followed by an Easter breakfast at the Rectory.
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Rector's View - April 2015
Dear friends,
Whilst news of war and threat continues and we seem locked into its endless cycle of destruction and loss, it is something of a miracle to hear of the restoration of Iraq's Mesopotamian Marshes. Saddam's ruthless destruction had engineered the loss of 93% of the 7,700 square miles of marshes on account of dissidents taking refuge in this once primitive Eden.
So how could any man offer hope of new life here between the Tigris and Euphrates now made desert by dread willed drainage schemes, and suffering from instability in ongoing power brokering as this fractured country seems set against hope or new beginning.
Amongst those returning to their homeland Azzam Alwash, an engineer in the States, used his expertise to co-ordinate and deploy resources in breaching the drainage canals, and managing the re-flooding of desert. His vision to re-instate this Eden has been rewarded with the Goldman Environmental Prize for grassroots activists, but he himself acclaims his reward to be some years away, when he can bring his children to see this first Iraqi national park not only providing sanctuary and security for wildlife but also for its peoples and nation.
What a miraculous vision for those who pray daily God's Kingdom come on earth as in heaven at your hand and at mine, we can be the change we want to see.
Easter celebrates new life begun in the vision and sacrifice of the one man Jesus, who through his self-sacrifice bought hope in love and knowledge of God the world over. His life, though seen to have been bought to an end on the cross, was begun again as the tomb's walls holding back the waters of life were breached and news of His rising again poured over a peoples parched of hope. In encounter after encounter, even to this day, Jesus meets us to answer our thirst and fills us with new life.
No matter how lost, or dark our despair, in Jesus we all can begin again, in Him is new life begun.
Alleluia Christ is risen.
Rev'd Brin Singleton
Rector
Whilst news of war and threat continues and we seem locked into its endless cycle of destruction and loss, it is something of a miracle to hear of the restoration of Iraq's Mesopotamian Marshes. Saddam's ruthless destruction had engineered the loss of 93% of the 7,700 square miles of marshes on account of dissidents taking refuge in this once primitive Eden.
So how could any man offer hope of new life here between the Tigris and Euphrates now made desert by dread willed drainage schemes, and suffering from instability in ongoing power brokering as this fractured country seems set against hope or new beginning.
Amongst those returning to their homeland Azzam Alwash, an engineer in the States, used his expertise to co-ordinate and deploy resources in breaching the drainage canals, and managing the re-flooding of desert. His vision to re-instate this Eden has been rewarded with the Goldman Environmental Prize for grassroots activists, but he himself acclaims his reward to be some years away, when he can bring his children to see this first Iraqi national park not only providing sanctuary and security for wildlife but also for its peoples and nation.
What a miraculous vision for those who pray daily God's Kingdom come on earth as in heaven at your hand and at mine, we can be the change we want to see.
Easter celebrates new life begun in the vision and sacrifice of the one man Jesus, who through his self-sacrifice bought hope in love and knowledge of God the world over. His life, though seen to have been bought to an end on the cross, was begun again as the tomb's walls holding back the waters of life were breached and news of His rising again poured over a peoples parched of hope. In encounter after encounter, even to this day, Jesus meets us to answer our thirst and fills us with new life.
No matter how lost, or dark our despair, in Jesus we all can begin again, in Him is new life begun.
Alleluia Christ is risen.
Rev'd Brin Singleton
Rector
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Lent Events 2015
This Lent why not join the Bansfield Benefice and Churches Together for our events? During Lent we will be meeting in the Bansfield Benefice Hall for:-
- Lent Lunches (Tuesdays at 1pm)
- Lent Group (Tuesdays at 2pm)
Rector's View - March 2015
Dear friends,
One of my favourite festivals (they're all my favourite) celebrates the close of our Church's wondering and delight in the infancy stories of Jesus. Not only does the Nativity story tie together Jesus' origin, Son of God, son of man, but weaves our wondering of God into the delight of new birth. The favoured festival – Candlemas, "The Presentation of Christ in the Temple", sets the scene of many families today celebrating new arrivals. Mother father and baby meet the family of faith, those who congregate in God's name, deliverance hope and praise are spoken for all their futures.
For our congregations celebrating this last look back at Jesus' nativity, of course there are candles – Candlemas – but too there is that looking forward to Jesus' return to the Temple. That day too our congregation processes along with the drama of these biblical stories, this time not with candles but with our palm crosses as we rehearse the praises of the crowd greeting Jesus' entry to Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.
When look back on the journey of our lives from infancy to adulthood, we can wonder at our purpose and expectancy in life. The rhythm of the Church's story of God's living among us reminds us there are times of preparation times of celebration, times of waiting times of trial, times of turning and new beginnings. Faced alone we flounder and fall, faced in company of friend, family even the family of faith, we find strength to stand even to grow, to look for hope and joy in deliverance.
This waiting time of lengthening days (lenten) do think of joining those who congregate in God's name to share in our story of hope, and share with us your story.
Yours in Christ
Rev'd Brin Singleton
Rector
One of my favourite festivals (they're all my favourite) celebrates the close of our Church's wondering and delight in the infancy stories of Jesus. Not only does the Nativity story tie together Jesus' origin, Son of God, son of man, but weaves our wondering of God into the delight of new birth. The favoured festival – Candlemas, "The Presentation of Christ in the Temple", sets the scene of many families today celebrating new arrivals. Mother father and baby meet the family of faith, those who congregate in God's name, deliverance hope and praise are spoken for all their futures.
For our congregations celebrating this last look back at Jesus' nativity, of course there are candles – Candlemas – but too there is that looking forward to Jesus' return to the Temple. That day too our congregation processes along with the drama of these biblical stories, this time not with candles but with our palm crosses as we rehearse the praises of the crowd greeting Jesus' entry to Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.
When look back on the journey of our lives from infancy to adulthood, we can wonder at our purpose and expectancy in life. The rhythm of the Church's story of God's living among us reminds us there are times of preparation times of celebration, times of waiting times of trial, times of turning and new beginnings. Faced alone we flounder and fall, faced in company of friend, family even the family of faith, we find strength to stand even to grow, to look for hope and joy in deliverance.
This waiting time of lengthening days (lenten) do think of joining those who congregate in God's name to share in our story of hope, and share with us your story.
- 1st Sundays each month 9:30am Ousden, 11am Stradishall
- 2nd Sundays each month 9:30 Lidgate, 11am Denston
- 3rd Sundays each month 9:30 Stansfield, 11am Cowlinge
- 4th Sundays each month 10, Family Worship Wickhambrook.
- 5th Sundays 10am, ‘Sung Matins’ see Bansfield Benefice website for service details:-
Yours in Christ
Rev'd Brin Singleton
Rector
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