From the Ministry team ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’ Appropriate words, I think, to reflect on at the start of a New Year. They come from the penultimate chapter of the last book of the Bible, Revelation. The book begins with the words ‘The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who testifies to everything he saw – that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.’ ‘Behold, I am making all things new’ comes from an encouraging passage looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, when John hears a voice saying ‘Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.’ Then there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain. And the voice is heard to say ‘I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.’ Those who put their trust in what Jesus achieved by his death on the Cross can look forward to this. I don’t know how well you know the Bible, but in my experience there is always more to learn and to encourage us. And I am therefore looking forward to the Bible Society’s ‘The Bible Course’ which will be running for 8 weeks on Tuesday evenings from 13th January in Earl Stonham Village Hall. If you would like to join us, please let us know. In any event, may I wish you a Happy New Year. Henry StanfordReader
The Bible Course 2026 The Bible Course is running next year starting on Tuesday 13th January 2026. It explores the big story of the Bible giving a beautiful view of God’s purpose for planet earth – stretching back to creation and forward to eternity. Through the course, we will learn how to make sense of the Bible for ourselves and discover where we fit into the story. If you have ever wondered what relevance this best- selling book has today or feel uncertain where to start reading it for yourself, or simply curious to know more, then you are most welcome to join the course! It is a great opportunity to explore the Bible like never before. Why not invite a friend to come with you. No prior knowledge is required. The course runs for 8 weeks starting on 13th January at 6pm in Earl Stonham Village Hall. There is a warm supper with wine beforehand. To book a place contact either Anne or Henry Stanford annestanford@btinternet.com or 07766830977
FROM THE MINISTRY TEAM What can give us all an identity and a sense of security? It must be different for each of us, and we do identify with others when we recognise something as being worthy of attention, we get that sense of security when we are with others of like minds; the times when we share our homes with families and friends when we have something to celebrate. Our homes become places of security because we identify with others in a common cause. The phrase, “It’s coming home” has an air of expectation when we hear that chant of supporters encouraging their team. They identify with each other expecting that their team will win that longed for trophy. It’s going to happen. The trophy is coming home. That trophy has been someone else’s, also giving them a common identity and a sense of security. That trophy does give a sense of identity and a sense of security to whoever holds it, but it is only held temporarily. There is an air of expectation as we prepare our homes for Christmas, those places of our identity and security with that sense of wonder with joy. But it can be tinged with sadness in those whose loved ones have died. Those loved ones helped us to experience that feeling of security, contributing to our identity as we shared special moments with them during their life on earth. There is another air of expectation within our churches as we prepare to celebrate our Christian identity in the birth of the Baby whom, I assure you, provides that permanent security we can all search for and then discover in the ups and downs of our lives. This is an open invitation to join with us, sing carols and ponder, an opportunity for all to recognise that that something whose birth and identity which we celebrate is worthy of our attention and yours. That birth does and will contribute to a major part of our identity and the source of our security. Not as in our transient troubled world but in a permanent place of peace. Come and identify yourself, get to know us and be part of our security. We will welcome you. On behalf of all The Team, I wish you A Christmas filled with Joy and Peace followed by a Year of Expectation and Discovery. Judy Hailes Reader
Earl Stonham church is open every day from 10-4 and on Sundays from 12-4pm (to allow for services), and the churchyard remain accessible, though of course subject to government rules.You should not come to the church if you or anyone in your household has or may have had Covid or been in contact with anyone who has, have tested positive or are required to self-isolate.To us it is a very special place to worship where everyone is always welcome to visit, just to sit for a moment or to explore further.Do come and see our “very fine” (Betjeman), “one of the finest in Suffolk” (Jenkins), “beautiful, amazing, wonderful” (me) carved hammerbeam roof and look up at the angels. “Much of interest inside” (B), a “virtuoso display of Suffolk woodwork” (J).
