NEWS
The editing of the new A5 hardback service book is ongoing and nearing completion. It is hoped to get it off to the printer before Christmas.
A Christmas hamper and a Christmas cake will be raffled at the Service of Carols and Readings on 19th December. Donations of suitable foodstuffs and drinks for the hamper would be much appreciated. Please liaise with Diana if you would like to contribute.
The Mustard Seed Relief Mission Love Box Scheme organised in Barsham by Cheryl has achieved a record number with 185 boxes being filled. Contributions have come not only from our church, but also from Beccles Lions, the Red Hat Ladies Society, from the Suffolk Stitchers and Knitters (thanks to Jenny Henwood), and 18 boxes from residents of the Foundry in Beccles (thanks to Jan and Geoff Jones). Many thanks to all who filled boxes, to the Beccles Lions for again funding the carriage and most of all to Cheryl for undertaking the enormous task of organising this exceptionally worthwhile project. The boxes were blessed on 27th October and are now on their way to Moldova.
The PCC met for routine business on 14th November. Previously, on 21st October, the PCC entertained our volunteer clergy to the annual ‘Clergy Lunch’, our way of expressing the whole congregation’s appreciation for their much-valued service.
Bridget and Cheryl attended the Diocesan Synod in late October and the Deanery Synod in early November.
Grateful thanks to Peter and Sarah Gascoyne, who have improved the choir vestry by mending and strengthening the hanging rail. The robes are now beautifully hung and labelled.
Following the charming display of produce arranged for Harvest Festival (front cover), the church was decked out in poppies for Remembrancetide. At our Remembrance service Neville Smith read the names of the Fallen, followed by the two-minutes silence and the National Anthem.
The following day at the Service of Remembrance at Barsham Village Hall, taken by Revd Jonathan Olanczuk, the Two-Minute Silence was observed at 11:00am, with the Last Post and Reveille played by a trumpeter from the Sir John Leman High School. Wreaths were then laid at the village war memorial, now incorporating a new memorial to the three American airmen lost when their B-24 Liberator crashed at Church Farm, Shipmeadow on 5th November 1944. This new memorial was dedicated on 5th November this year, the 80th anniversary of the crash, in a service led by the Deputy Wing Chaplain at RAF Lakenheath.
The sales table organised by Margaret raised a splendid £125.00. The final net profit from the Harvest Supper was £512.00.
Very many thanks to Doreen Springall, whose Farm Gate Produce Stall has this year yielded a fantastic and record sum of £488.00 for Church funds. Thanks also to Sarah Jane for her second Market Stall of jewellery which resulted in proceeds of £256.00 being allocated to the Fabric Fund.
Apologies to Pat and Neville Smith, who participated in and raised money for the Suffolk Historic Churches Trust Ride and Stride event, but whose names were omitted in the report in the last newsletter. We appreciate their contribution to fund raising and their continued support at church events, as well as their help in supplying greenery for our flower displays throughout the year.
199 items, including clothes, were donated to the Food Bank in October. Thank you for your continued support.
FORWARD PLANNING
The Christmas Carol Service will be at 6.30pm on Thursday 19th December and the service on Christmas Day will start at the earlier time of 10.30am.
SNIPPETS – The Suffolk Lungwort Project
Suffolk churches are being encouraged by Bishop Martin to support plant conservation in the county by taking part in the Suffolk Lungwort Project. This project is being led by the Otter Trust, which has been awarded a Species Recovery Programme Capital Grant by Natural England. The aim is to establish new populations of Suffolk, or unspotted, Lungwort (pulmonaria obscura), since at present it occurs in only three woodland locations in the county and its survival is precarious. The Otter Trust has propagated some of these woodland plants and Malcolm is to plant some in a shady corner of the churchyard.
A member of the borage family, the Suffolk lungwort is an evergreen perennial, known for its clusters of small, bell-shaped pink or purple and blue flowers that bloom from March to May. It has bristly stems and unspotted, hairy, oval and pointed leaves. The flowers produce nectar and pollen and are an important source of food for bees and other pollinators. They are self-fertile, meaning that they do not require cross-pollination to reproduce.
The common name ‘lungwort’ is derived from the shape of its leaves, which were thought to resemble the human lung, and from its use for centuries in traditional medicine to treat respiratory problems such as coughs, bronchitis and asthma. The plant contains compounds such as tannins, flavonoids, and saponins, which are believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Some studies have also suggested that Suffolk Lungwort may have antibacterial and antiviral effects, which could make it useful in the treatment of respiratory infections.
Suffolk Lungwort has also been used in the kitchen. The plant's leaves have a slightly bitter taste and can be used as a substitute for spinach in recipes such as soups, stews, and quiches. The young leaves can also be eaten raw in salads.
DECEMBER DIARY
Sunday 1st December – First Sunday of Advent. 11am Sung Eucharist (BCP). RevdJonathan Olanczuk.
Sunday 8th December – Second Sunday of Advent. 11am Sung Eucharist (BCP). Revd Canon John Fellows.
Sunday 15th December – Third Sunday of Advent. 11am Sung Eucharist (BCP). Revd Desmond Banister.
Thursday 19th December – SERVICE OF LESSONS & CAROLS, 6.30pm. Revd Canon John Fellows.
Sunday 22nd December – Fourth Sunday of Advent. 11am Sung Eucharist (BCP). RevdJonathan Olanczuk.
Christmas Day – 10.30am Sung Eucharist (BCP). Revd Jonathan Olanczuk.
Sunday 29th December – First Sunday of Christmas. 11am Sung Eucharist (BCP). RevdJonathan Olanczuk.