Blessings from the Vicarage

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

In this month of November, we remember…

• those who have died, whom we love but see no longer (All Souls’ Day on 1st Nov at 6pm);

• those who gave their lives for us during World Wars I and II (and subsequently) (8th Nov);

• those whom we should all be looking to protect - in, through and by giving love (Safeguarding Sunday 15th Nov)

• Jesus Christ on Christ the King Sunday (22nd Nov) who lived, suffered, died and rose again that we might know God’s infinite, healing, comforting and eternal love.

• those who give their valuable time volunteering for the churches and both villages (Volunteer Sunday 29th Nov 10.30am).

• …to prepare for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ at the Advent Carol service (29th Nov, 6pm)

Phew, it’s going to be a busy month! And that is after a very busy October what with Bishop Paul Davies coming to baptise and confirm our candidates (see below), the pet service, Harvest festival supper, 3 harvest services and lots of marriages for 2027 coming in! Busy, busy, busy…

In that busy time, those who are part of the production, management and distribution team had a very positive meeting concerning the parish magazine, so you will begin to see a few changes starting in January 2027… But before I go into that, here is something to share with you about the importance and value of parish magazines…

A reflection and prayer to start the day with Ruth Jennings: BBC Radio 4 prayer for the Day

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0032gkb

“Our church has its own monthly magazine. In an age where many magazines have been digitalised, it’s great to get an actual booklet in your hands. Each month has a letter from the rector, some stories of trips taken by parishioners maybe information about overseas missionaries. Sometimes some stories from Sunday School. Within our church family, it’s always pretty special if your photo is in the magazine. And if you’re on the front page, well that’s far more of a privilege than making into Vogue or the Times!

The magazine is distributed quite widely amongst anyone with even a passing interest in the church. I remember being surprised when a lady stopped me in the local park because she recognised my children from the church magazine. It takes a lot of work from volunteers to put it together and then distribute it in the community…

The magazine and the faithful delivery help people get a sense of what’s going on in the church without the help of a screen, and they feel involved. They are a reminder to all who receive them, that they are loved, cared for and valued by Jesus and by the church, his representatives on earth. Lord, today give us the courage to be kind, to go out of our way to show love and bring light and that through us, our families, friends and neighbours would know your deep love for them. Amen

Our parish magazine contains so much interesting, useful and diverse information I wonder how the editors get it all in! But although it is the church that has always produced this invaluable booklet, it is now very much a village collaboration project, and to that end, as of January it will be called the ‘Village Magazine’. Other changes will include extra colour pages for advertising (to help cover costs of printing which have increased) and single copies of each magazine will now cost £1.50 in line with other villages’ magazines. However, if you subscribe for a year, the cost will stay the same £12 per year, so why not subscribe rather than buy individual copies? How about paying a year’s subscription as a Christmas present for a loved one?! (Just a thought 😊) A monthly subscription would enable you to know more about the monthly/seasonal changes, as well as all that is going on throughout the year with the different village groups, as well as the special church services. And who knows – when you see how much goes into our magazine, perhaps you might think of volunteering to help distribute it, or come on the team who produce it!

Do email the parish magazine manager if you would like to subscribe or help in any way. Thank you. And please know that you are loved, cared for and valued by Jesus, by the church and by all who contribute to it in any way.

With love and prayers,

Jane