This coming Candlemas, on Sunday the 1st of February, will be celebrated as a Benefice Service this year as we welcome our Bishop, Bishop Stephen, to North Lafford. Candlemas is a time of welcome. It is another name for the feast of the Presentation of the Lord. Forty days after Jesus’ birth, Mary and Joseph bring Jesus to the temple for the traditional rites of purification and dedication. It is the final Epiphany revelation as the two other characters in the story, Simeon and Anna, meet Jesus and his parents and declare to all present, especially Anna, that she has met the Messiah. Simeon declares his praise to God in the very famous song known as the Nunc Dimitis (Luke 2.29-32). The story is bittersweet, the welcome by Simeon and Anna must have gladdened their hearts, but at the same time it would have caused some anxiety at Simeon’s prophesy of a sword piercing Mary’s heart. She would hold on to those words as she did with those of the shepherds as her son grows and became wise.

This is also a time of reflection for us too as we think about where we are in our own stories of discipleship. In only a few short weeks we will enter the season of Lent, a time of personal reflection and an opportunity to join in with the Lent exploration, which this year will be a reflection on the Holy Spirit in our lives (more details to follow). Wherever we might be in our faith journeys, the Holy Spirit is very much there to encourage us as we seek to pray, learn, serve and worship together as church community in parish and Benefice. I pray that you are able to take some time to sit and just be with Jesus and his teachings. No matter how old we might be our Lord Jesus will always open up something new in our lives together with him.
With every blessing.
Reverend Al.

On Friday 16th January we had an Inspection of our Church Bells and surprisingly it was reported they are in good condition. The work done in the early 1900s by Carr's of Smethwick has stood the test of time. .
In the afternoon we had a group of Bell ringers to ring them which was delightful.
Our monthly coffee mornings start again on Saturday 7th February. All are welcome.

The Carol Service this year was a wonderful attendance. After the Service Mince Pies, Tea and Coffee was served, which was such a lovely ambience for the start of Christmas.

If you have ever wondered which Bible Passages you could be reading throughout the week check out our 'Your Bible Is Not Just For Sunday' a weekly recommendation this week we are looking closer at Joy within scripture To find out what readings are recommended check out the attachment and be inspired by God's word.

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Benefice Community – All Sorts Back on the 12th January 2026

The Benefice all age outreach offering continues on Mondays at 2pm in the Winchelsea Centre Ruskington. The space is designed as a time for fellowship, activities, and conversation for people of all ages. Please come along and enjoy time with friends and perhaps make some new ones. You are always welcome.

In St Edith's joined with the congregation of St Mary's Evedon at 9.30am. Join us as we celebrate together in worship, praise and fellowship

Sunday@3 – 18th of January 2026

Being a follower of Jesus is very much part of Our Story as Christians. At Sunday@3 this time round we explored what being a follower of Jesus meant to us individually and collectively. There were some truly wonderful insights from those who came to worship. From nervousness about telling others, being gentle when doing so the wonder of invitation to Come and See and the power of personal and collective prayer. . We had an activity which involved magnets, a maze and putting it all together to follow Jesus. Miya was the champion colouring person this time around, with Bruce a close second! Thank you to everyone who came along, and we hope that you might join with us for February’s offering, the 15th at 3pm at All Saints. You are always welcome.

Come and join us for our Ash Wednesday Service. The start to our Lenten Season.

ALL SAINTS LENT LUNCHES
Lent Lunches are simple fare, soup (a few different recipes), Bread with some cheese and tea or coffee where we meet in fellowship

The Lunches will be held in the Winchelsea Centre between 12.30pm and 1.30pm
Tuesday 24th February
Tuesday 3rd March
Tuesday 10th March
Tuesday 17th March
Tuesday 24th March
Why not come along and join us. You are always welcome.
You can sign up on the sheet at the back of church or email
[email protected]
Donations are welcome but not obligatory
Any excess funds will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Society

Join us for refreshments and good conversation at our monthly coffee morning