Special Christmas Services in your Parish Church and across the Benefice Sunday 8th December 2024 4pm in All Saints, Hundon – Carols by Candlelight Saturday 14th December 2024 6pm in St Peter & St Paul, Clare – Carols by Candlelight Sunday 15th December 2024 5pm in St Mary the Virgin, Cavendish – Carols by Candlelight Tuesday 17th December 2024 7pm in St John the Baptist, Stoke by Clare – Carols by Candlelight Friday 20th December 2024 6pm in St Mary the Virgin, Poslingford – Carols by Candlelight Tuesday 24th December 2024 (Christmas Eve) 2pm in St Peter & St Paul, Clare – Family Crib Service & Carols 3pm in All Saints, Hundon – Family Crib Service & Carols 4pm in St John the Baptist, Stoke by Clare – Family Crib Service & Carols 5pm in St Mary the Virgin, Cavendish – Family Crib Service & Carols 7pm in St Leonard, Wixoe – Carols by Candlelight 11.30pm in St Peter & St Paul, Clare – Midnight Mass Wednesday 25th December 2024 (Christmas Day) 9am in St John the Baptist, Stoke by Clare – Family Christmas Eucharist 11am in St Peter & St Paul, Clare – Family Christmas Eucharist
By the time that you read this, I will have already begun my extended sabbatical which starts on 1st September and runs until the 26th November. Sabbaticals are an important part of ministerial life, providing an opportunity for clergy to recharge their batteries, deepen their faith, and return to their ministry with renewed energy and focus. In the Church of England extended sabbaticals are granted by the bishop to parish priests once every 10 years (although because of COVID and a backlog of clergy waiting, I’ve had to wait almost 12 years for my turn to come around!) To facilitate this, I will be stepping back from the day-to-day responsibilities of parish and deanery life to focus on personal spiritual growth, study, and rest. During this time, I am planning to go back to my old Theological College in Oxford as well as travelling down to the archives of the Royal Asiatic Society (of which I am an elected Fellow) in London as I continue my research into Early Christianity in India. I will also be going to a monastery in Belgium for a retreat and then catching up with friends both here in the UK and in Germany. Finally, I will be spending some extended time in South India, visiting the churches and communities with the Apostle Thomas founded there, as well as meeting up with friends and former work colleagues from when I lived and worked in India. As you can imagine there has been much planning involved, but I am confident that the team of lay ministers and visiting clergy will ensure that the regular services in the Benefice will happen as usual. As a Benefice we are blessed with a wonderful Curate, The Revd Dr Karen Smith, who will be there for all your pastoral needs, including Baptisms, Weddings, and Funerals. She is supported by The Revd Liz Paxton, an experienced and recently retired Parish Priest. (Should you need to contact Revd Karen, she can be reached on 07751 932408 or 01440 594036, or by email at drkarensmith@me.com) May I encourage you to use this time as an opportunity to deepen your own spiritual lives and to support one another. Please continue to pray for me as they embark on this journey of renewal, and also for the people I will meet and worship alongside in India. I look forward to returning back refreshed and inspired at the end of November - just in time for all the Christmas events and activities. May God’s peace and love be with you all. With love and blessings Mark The Revd Mark Woodrow (Rector)
The Olympic Games have captured the world’s imagination for centuries. Athletes from across the globe come together to compete in a spirit of friendship and fair play. While our church may not have a stadium or a medal ceremony, we too are engaged in a great spiritual race. Just as athletes train rigorously to achieve their goals, we as Christians are called to train our minds and hearts through prayer, Bible study, and service. Like the Olympic torch, which is passed from one runner to another, we are to share the light of Christ with those around us. At its best our church is like a team, working together towards a common goal: to build up the Kingdom of God. We have different strengths and talents, just like the athletes in different disciplines. Some are gifted teachers, others are skilled at hospitality, and still others excel at prayer or music. Whatever our role, we are all essential members of the team. The Olympics are a celebration of human achievement, but they also highlight the importance of perseverance, dedication, and overcoming obstacles. Our Christian journey is often filled with challenges, but with faith in God, we can overcome any hurdle. Just as athletes push themselves to their limits, we are called to strive for spiritual excellence. Just think about the story of David and Goliath. David, a young shepherd boy, who faced a seemingly insurmountable challenge. Yet, with courage and trust in God, he emerged victorious. With God, all things are possible. While medals and trophies are awarded to Olympic champions, our ultimate reward is the crown of life that awaits those who love the Lord. As we continue our spiritual race, let us encourage one another, support each other, and celebrate our victories, big or small. Just as the Olympics bring people together from different cultures and backgrounds, our church should be a place where people from all walks of life can come together in unity. Let us strive to be a welcoming community, where everyone feels valued and loved. So, let us embrace the spirit of the Olympics and apply it to our Christian lives. Let us train diligently, support our teammates, and persevere in our faith. Together, we can achieve great things for the Kingdom of God. With love and blessings Mark The Revd Mark Woodrow (Rector) P.S. If you haven’t visited the Poslingford Olympic Scarecrows yet I would encourage you to do so – they are wonderful and it was great that the church was able to host their building!
On Saturday 30th June 2024, The Rt Revd & Rt Hon Martin Seeley, Lord Bishop of St Edmundsbury & Ipswich Ordained our Curate, The Revd Dr Karen Smith, to the priesthood.Surrounded by family, friends and parishioners, it was a very special occasion and we give thanks for all who have guided and supported Karen as she discerned God's call to serve.
None of us really like to think that one day we will die, but one day we will all be called home to Glory!So have you thought about how you might leave a lasting legacy for your Parish Church, after you are gone, and help to ensure that it is there to help and support future generations?Making a gift in your Will to your Parish Church will help it to:* Grow its ministry* Carry out vital refurbishments* Serve the local communityAnd now you can write your will for FREE thanks to the Church of England partnership with FareWill.For more information visit: https://farewill.com/edsandips-diocese
Lent is a wonderful season for considering how we can follow Jesus more purposefully. One way we can do this is in our service and support of our neighbours, near and far. Our brother and sister Christians in our link diocese of Kagera are far away from us geographically, but they are close to us in Christ. So the Bishops’ Lent Appeal in 2024 is focussed on:Faith in Action - Transforming Lives in KageraOur aim through the appeal is to support farming initiatives and good practice in agriculture, training of evangelists and clergy at Kagera Christian Theological College (KCTC), and resourcing of pastors in their parishes. We will also continue our support for healthcare in the region through the Diocesan hospital.Farming initiativesThe Church and Community Mobilisation Process (CCMP), led by Thomas Shavu, gives people the skills and motivation to become self-sufficient and lift themselves out of poverty. It changes mindsets and gives people hope for the future. CCMP helps people with training and equipment, and by providing seeds for drought resistant crop varieties to manage better in the face of climate change.Dixon of Nyamiaga says:“I used to irrigate my crops with basins or pots, a method that was hard and time-consuming. However, since learning about and acquiring a foot pump, my life has changed. The foot pump is a simple and affordable solution that has made irrigation much easier and more efficient. I want to express my gratitude to CCMP for providing the skills and knowledge that enabled me to adopt this technology. Now, I can tend to my crops more effectively, leading to better yields and improved livelihood”.Veronica, of Kabalekela Village says:“Gratitude overflows from my heart to CCMP for building me a 1,000 litre rainwater tank. As a widow, the lack of water was a constant challenge. I had to walk 3 kilometres with my daughters to find water, but since this tank was built, I get enough rainwater and have time to rest. Thank you, Church of England, for being a beacon of hope on my journey.”Jesca says: “Receiving the better seeds from CCMP for tomato and eggplant was a turning point for my family. In the past, our harvests were uncertain, and we struggled to make ends meet. But with these improved seeds, things have changed. The seeds are hardier and more resistant to diseases, ensuring a high yield. We not only had enough for our family but also surplus to sell at the local market.These better seeds have not only given me better harvests, they have given me a better life. I feel empowered as a woman and provider for my family. I am proud of the knowledge I gained in growing these crops, and I have been able to share my expertise in my community. I am not just planting tomatoes and eggplants, I am creating a better future for my family.”Clergy training and resourcingKagera Christian Theological College (KCTC) runs courses in theology and practical skills. As well as preparing priests for ordination, the college trains lay evangelists, who play a vital role in parish life across the diocese.Obed, a Diploma student at KCTC says:“Life here at KCTC is very exciting in different areas, it enriches not only our spiritual life but our physical life also. We learn how to use the bible in different areas of life, preaching, teaching and caring for people. We also learn environmental conservation skills like agriculture, tree planting and animal keeping – I will use these skills when I leave college. I give great thanks to those who have supported me and pray that God will bless them.”Newly trained evangelists were given more than just their certificates when they graduated from KCTC last November. They were also given avocado seedlings from the CCMP nursery to plant on their smallholdings. Avocado is a good cash crop, so as well as food the plants will provide income for the new graduates to help support their families.Last year the college planted 4,000 trees on nearby land, and plan to plant at least 6,000 more. Environmental sustainability is their aim as they mitigate the impact of climate change.With money from the last Lent Appeal, Kagera Diocese was able to buy five motorbikes for priests. Bishop Darlington blessed them at a special ceremony, saying how much transport helps with outreach. After the blessing, a loud Amen was sounded with the horns. (link to video). Revd Jotham Kabirigi says his bike will really help him spend more time ministering to his people rather than spending so much time walking the dusty roads between parishes.HealthcareThe Diocesan hospital at Murgwanza provides vital healthcare to the area, serving around 365,000 people. The nearest referral hospital is an eight hour drive away, so Murgwanza is working hard to train local specialists.Our Diocese is sponsoring Dr Elia Ethan, studying for a Master’s in Ophthalmology at Kilimanjaro Christian University Medical College.Elia sends us regular updates on his progress: “Praise the Lord. The hands have started to coordinate with brain. Nice moments. I did three cataract surgeries today. I thank God, my surgical skills are becoming better day by day. God bless you for sponsoring my studies.” How to givePlease give generously in 2024 to help Kagera Diocese achieve its vision of ‘Life given in its fullness’. John 10:10. You can donate online here or download the donation form available here.
Join us in Clare Parish Church (St Peter & St Paul), for our annual "Christingle at Candlemas" ServiceSaturday 27th January 2024 from 3pmEveryone Welcome!There will be a retiring collection to support the work of "The Children's Society"
Special Christmas Services in your Parish Church and across the Benefice Sunday 10th December 2023 4pm in All Saints, Hundon – Carols by Candlelight Saturday 16th December 2023 6pm in St Peter & St Paul, Clare – Carols by Candlelight Sunday 17th December 2023 5pm in St Mary the Virgin, Cavendish – Carols by Candlelight Tuesday 19th December 2023 7pm in St John the Baptist, Stoke by Clare – Carols by Candlelight Friday 22nd December 2023 6pm in St Mary the Virgin, Poslingford – Carols by Candlelight Sunday 24th December 2023 (Christmas Eve) 2pm in St Peter & St Paul, Clare – Family Crib Service & Carols 3pm in All Saints, Hundon – Family Crib Service & Carols 4pm in St John the Baptist, Stoke by Clare – Family Crib Service & Carols 5pm in St Mary the Virgin, Cavendish – Family Crib Service & Carols 7pm in St Leonard, Wixoe – Carols by Candlelight 11.30pm in St Peter & St Paul, Clare – Midnight Mass Monday 25th December 2023 (Christmas Day) 9am in St John the Baptist, Stoke by Clare – Family Christmas Eucharist 11am in St Peter & St Paul, Clare – Family Christmas Eucharist For more information visit: www.stourvalley.org.uk
We are delighted to welcome the Preston St Mary Popup Choir to Clare as they reprise their successful "Songs from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and other Shows" under the musical direction on Lyn Davis and accompanied by Sara Whymark.This fun, family friendly performance will have you tapping your feet and singing along to some of the most popular songs from "Joseph" and a host of other popular musical shows.FRIDAY 6th OCTOBER 2023 AT 6.30PM (Doors Open at 6pm)Entry by Donation (Suggested £10 Adults / £5 Children)All funds raised will go towards supporting the work of St Peter & St Paul Church, Clare
Book your tickets now for this wonderful concert on Thursday 17th August 2023 in St Peter & St Paul Church, ClareDoors Open at 6pm, Performance Starts at 6.30pmTickets available in Advance or on the Door by donation(www.luceatchoir.co.uk/events)Luceat Choir
On Saturday 1st July 2023 at 10.30am, Dr Karen Smith will be Ordained a Deacon in the Cathedral, and will begin the next phase of her journey of faith.At that time Revd Karen will become our Benefice's Curate and will work alongside Revd Mark to serve all in our local community, whilst continuing her own study and development in a more practical way. The Role of a Deacon in the Church of England is described in the Ordinal as follows: "Deacons are called to work with the Bishop and the priests with whom they serve as heralds of Christ's kingdom. They are to proclaim the gospel in word and deed, as agents of God's purposes of love."In due course (usually 1 year) it is hoped that Karen will be ordained as Priest, assuming additional responsibilities, but a Priest also always remains a Deacon.Do Pray for Karen and her family as they prepare to move to their new home, and for all across this diocese and beyond who are preparing for Ordination.
In the diocese we are very fortunate that our 2 Bishops are very active and enjoy getting out and about in the parishes.Often this is for a special occasions, such as Confirmations, but every now and again they are able to join in with the everyday life in a parish and benefice, and it is to this which we are looking forward to welcoming The Rt Revd Dr Mike Harrison, Bishop of Dunwich to join and lead our Sunday Communion Service, and then afterwards to take some time to enjoy refreshments and conversations with us.Everyone is welcome to join us. Why not bring a friend!
