Hello,I was born and brought up on the east Suffolk coast, in a village called Kessingland, nestled anonymously between Lowestoft and Southwold, in turn the most deprived and most affluent towns in the county. One of the features of that coastline is that it is changing shape over time, sometimes dramatically overnight during a storm, sometimes almost imperceptibly at each high tide. One of our traditions as teenagers was to race down to the sea at midnight on New Year’s Eve to greet the waves in the way that hopefully only teenagers do. The distance was anything between 10 metres and 0 metres, as the waves crashed up against the sea wall at high tide. My brothers and I did it again in our early 30s and only one of us made it without stopping, as the sea was now 100 metres further out, as the sand washed up from down the coast had built up against the groynes. A few miles walk along the beach is a village called Cove Hithe. In 1672 the parishioners decided that they could no longer afford to maintain the 14th century church building and so got permission to re-use the stone to build a smaller chapel within the old walls. I didn’t realise this until last week when I watched a programme called Kate Humble’s Coastal Britain on My5. To be honest I hadn’t given it much thought at the time and just assumed that the building had collapsed over the years and something smaller built inside. But no, the parishioners (and by that it may only have been the few who probably attended) made an active choice to change what they saw as church.Today, 340 years later, the church still has a service every week, served by a House for Duty priest who has three other churches. She will retire in December and what will happen then is unknown. The Churches Conservation Trust own the ruins and the Tower, so it is only the small nave chapel which is owned by the Diocese. People gather from up to 25 miles away to keep worship alive.In 2022, St. Andrew’s, Cove Hithe faces an even greater threat to its existence than affordability. The sea is encroaching at a rate of 3 metres every year and the church sits just 100 metres from the cliff. The path I walked along as a youth has been washed away. What will the churchgoers do once the actual building no longer exists? Will the gathered church gather at another church nearby, or individuals go to their local church? Will that particular church community still choose to worship together as a house church? What will ‘church’ be in 30 years’ time when the stones and mortar have washed up onto Kessingland beach?What inspires me about this story is that 340 years ago churchgoers made an active decision to remain ‘church’. They made a realistic decision about what they could afford and used what they had (the larger building) to make something new.We are facing questions about our existence today, partly because of COVID but also because of a fall in church attendance over many decades and overly ambitious church building over several centuries.What decision will we make as individuals, as individual churches and as an Area? How can we try and ensure a community of faith exists in our villages in 340 years’ time, due to decisions we make over the next few years? How will the people ensure that ‘church’ remains where they live? Because in the end it is the people, not the Church of England governing bodies who will be church. Priests come and go, as do bishops, but in the apocalypse, when Synods and diocese no longer exist, it is the people on the ground who will have power – if they have the courage – to be a community of faith.This is not a letter championing the closure of churches. Indeed, that is not what happened in Cove Hithe. This is a letter championing brave decisions, imaginative and realistic thinking and local people making local decisions both for themselves and for generations to come.Peace and prayers, JoeRev Joe Cant, Team Vicar UAP.
Our Area Staff letter for December 2021Dear friends, As I sit writing this letter to you all I am reminded by the weather of how the seasons progress through our lives. Last night we put our clocks back an hour rising this morning in expectation of a light and bright morning. But no, it was dark and dismal until ten thirtyish. All of a sudden the sun shone brightly through the church windows dazzling everyone inside. All this helped me to focus on this December letter. As we approach the celebration of the arrival of the Christ child into our world, and probably more importantly into our lives, we spend Advent preparing ourselves to greet Christ. In preparing any letter or talk about Jesus I always try to place myself in his time so that I can attempt to understand something of what he was talking about, in the context of the world as it was then. How would the people of Jesus’ time have seen today? Would they have been able to comprehend the freedom we have? Would changing the hour on the clocks make them smile and say “you cannot change the weather or the happenings of the seasons”? Could they take on board the busyness of our lives? As the people struggled under the weight of the Roman occupation the promise from the Prophets of better things to come must have seemed like a bright beacon before their eyes something to look forward to, a promise of freedom, a promise of light and the fulfilment of God’s covenant with his people. When you read this letter will we be in similar circumstances? Listening to the experts on the news and in the papers it would appear we are heading for a time of severe shortages. With the aftereffects of the pandemic still hovering over us are we in a similar position to the people of Jesus’ time? The threat of another lockdown looming over us. The rising numbers of infections. Seeing the nurses and doctors straining to cope. The times of darkness seem to be all about us, but, as Pip says in Dickens novel, we have “great expectations” in the fact that God has never ever turned away from us and always pours out his unconditional love on us all the time, in the sending of his Son, Jesus, born in a dark and oppressed time, in a dark and dismal stable to bring us all hope and love, not just over the Christmas period but in all our lives.All God’s blessings. Chris.Revd. Chris Brown
GRATWICH NEWSLETTER <span style="font-size: 1rem;">DECEMBER 2021</span> GRATWICH SERVICES IN DECEMBER <span style="font-size: 1rem;">IN ST. MARY’S</span>SUNDAY 12th 11.15am HOLY COMMUNIONCHRISTMAS EVE CRIB SERVICE 7.30pmWith Mulled wine & Mince Pies Please wrap up warmly when you come to the Crib Service as the heating is not working!It would be lovely if everyone wore their Christmas Jumpers/Hats/Nativity Costumes.Well, what a year we have had – this time last year we were in lockdown, all services were via Zoom and Christmas was very quiet! This year we have the problem of no heating in church whilst we await the rewiring in the New Year. Fund raising is going well, so far <span style="font-size: 1rem;">with your help, we have raised £2500 and only just started. As soon as the estimate comes </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">in for the rewiring we will be able to start applying for grants from various organisations towards the costs.</span>Many thanks to Carolyn for starting the fundraising off last month by holding the lovely Bonfire & Firework Party (and everyone who helped her) it was so good to see everyone. We also have lots of exciting events planned from now until September 2022 the dates of which will be in January Newsletter.Starting with the Carol Singing Evening and Auction 11th December (see attached flier).At the Carol Singing Evening there will be an opportunity to hang a card to remember <span style="font-size: 1rem;">loved ones on the Christmas Tree, Sue will have some cards at the event.</span> On December 12th, the community in St George’s Chapel, Windsor will be praying <span style="font-size: 1rem;">for us, as one of the Dean and Canons’ patronages.</span>I have taken the liberty of sending them our Area prayers for December so they may <span style="font-size: 1rem;">pray our prayers with us.</span>They send their good wishes to us all too.Kind regards,LesleyLesley J White (Mrs), Area Coordinator and PA to Area Rector for Uttoxeter Area of Parishes.EVENTS IN DECEMBERCHRISTMAS MARKET Saturday 4th December 10.00am – 3.00pm at St. Michael’s Church Rocester (Santa will be there 1.00 – 3.00pm) CAROL SINGING EVENING Saturday 11th December 7.00pm onwards on St. Mary’s CHURCH CROFT, GratwichWith an opportunity to hang a remembrance card on the treeCHRISTMAS COFFEE MORNING Tuesday 14th December 10.30am – 11.45amMarchington Woodlands Village Hall with a raffle, mince pies, jams & pickles, cardsCHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL 19th – 24th December 10.00am – 4.00pm daily in St. Mary’s Church, Uttoxeter 100 CLUB – November - drawn at the Zoom service on Sunday 28th November 1st Rosemary Hollins2nd Angela & Matt Downing3rd Sophia CapewellThe next draw will be at the Crib service on Christmas EveCLEANING ROTACarol Woolley & Jenny Talbot Area Staff letter for December 2021 from Rev. Chris BrownDear friends, As I sit writing this letter to you all I am reminded by the weather of how the seasons progress through our lives. Last night we put our clocks back an hour rising this morning in expectation of a light and bright morning. But no, it was dark and dismal until ten thirtyish. All of a sudden the sun shone brightly through the church windows dazzling everyone inside. All this helped me to focus on this December letter. As we approach the celebration of the arrival of the Christ child into our world, and probably more importantly into our lives, we spend Advent preparing ourselves to greet Christ. In preparing any letter or talk about Jesus I always try to place myself in his time so that I can attempt to understand something of what he was talking about, in the context of the world as it was then. How would the people of Jesus’ time have seen today? Would they have been able to comprehend the freedom we have? Would changing the hour on the clocks make them smile and say “you cannot change the weather or the happenings of the seasons”? Could they take on board the busyness of our lives? As the people struggled under the weight of the Roman occupation the promise from the Prophets of better things to come must have seemed like a bright beacon before their eyes something to look forward to, a promise of freedom, a promise of light and the fulfilment of God’s covenant with his people. When you read this letter will we be in similar circumstances? Listening to the experts on the news and in the papers it would appear we are heading for a time of severe shortages. With the aftereffects of the pandemic still hovering over us are we in a similar position to the people of Jesus’ time? The threat of another lockdown looming over us. The rising numbers of infections. Seeing the nurses and doctors straining to cope. The times of darkness seem to be all about us, but, as Pip says in Dickens novel, we have “great expectations” in the fact that God has never ever turned away from us and always pours out his unconditional love on us all the time, in the sending of his Son, Jesus, born in a dark and oppressed time, in a dark and dismal stable to bring us all hope and love, not just over the Christmas period but in all our lives.All God’s blessings. Chris. For further information please contact:Rev. Charles Dale 01889 500428: email: revcharles.dale@btinternet.comJenny Talbot: 01889 50241 email: jenny477@btinternet.comFacebook: St. Mary’s Church Gratwich
GRATWICH NEWSLETTERNOVEMBER 2021O Lord, support us all the day longUntil the shadows lengthen and the evening comesThe busy world is hushed, the fever of life is over And our work is done. Then in your mercy grant us a safe lodging A holy rest And peace at the last. GRATWICH SERVICES IN NOVEMBERSUNDAY 14th 11.15am REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICE SUNDAY 28th 7.00pm Evening Prayer VIA ZOOMNo need to book a seat now. <span style="font-size: 1rem;">We are still keeping social distancing and hand sanitising</span>Please join us for the 11.15 service on 14th November – we will be having the two minutes silence to remember those who gave their lives in war and also we will be lighting candles to remember our own loved ones who have died.BlessingsRev. CharlesWhat a wonderful occasion our Harvest Festival was this year, full church for both the service and lunch. It was a joy to be all together again and celebrate the end of Harvest with thanks to God and a meal and chat afterwards.Many thanks to Rev. Dale for the uplifting service and to all the ladies of Gratwich who decorated the church and provided the delicious lunch – and of course to all who came along and made it such a special event.As mentioned in last month’s Newsletter – the church building is in need of upgrading.With this month’s newsletter is a leaflet explaining in more detail and suggesting ways in which people can help.Our next venture is the Bonfire and Fireworks evening on 5th November. This has now sold out – so again thank you to all who are coming along, such amazing support!The next events after Bonfire will be:Carol Singing on the Croft – 11th December 7.00pm onwards. Refreshments, Raffle and Collection. Crib Service – Christmas Eve 7.30pm in St. Mary’s. Refreshments and Collection.There is also a box at the back of church for donations of groceries for our local foodbank.EVENTS OTHER PARISHES20th November 10.00am – 12 noon CHRISTMAS FAIR in St. Mary’s Uttoxeter 13th November 3.00pm- CONCERT – Checkley ChurchAs you may know, the choir (Barbara Walton Singers) in which I have been singing for the last thirty years has closed down due to costs and other factors. The choir has given Christmas concerts in Checkley Church biennially throughout that time, for Barbara Walton lived in the parish.But all is not lost. A group of five professional singers, including David Burrowes, its musical director, are giving free concerts in different churches.They will be coming to Checkley Church to give a concert for one hour; this will include part songs, madrigals and a few religious pieces. Any donations given by attenders would be for the church. Please spread the word and hopefully we will have a good turnout in response to this kind initiative. Irene Smith13th November 7.30pm CONCERT – St.Mary’s UttoxeterUttoxeter Town Band & The Heath Belles are in concert to celebrate 100 years of the Royal British Legion in St.Mary’s Church, Uttoxeter also on the 13th November.Free entry with a collection at the end.100 CLUB – October– drawn at the Zoom Meeting on 26th October1st Leo Woolley 2nd John Lander 3rd Luca SelvaggiThe next draw will be at the evening Zoom service on 28th November.CHURCH CLEANING NOVEMBER - Claire and Sue CapewellNow St. Mary’s is open again we will need to keep the dust at bay.I am using the existing cleaning rota – if anyone needs to change month or anyone like to join the rota that would be great – please let me know (Jenny 01889 502471)CONFIRMATION CLASSESIf anyone would like to be confirmed classes are starting now – 14th November.Bishop Matthew will be taking the confirmation service on 13th February 2022.Please contact Rev. Dale for more information (01889 500428) AREA LETTER FROM THE RECTORY.2020/2021 has been unprecedented as we have faced the uncertainty, anxiety, changes and grief caused by the Covid pandemic. Much has been lost – people, jobs, schooling, freedoms, routines and perhaps even hope. This year, the Season of Remembering, from All Souls’ to Remembrance Day, has an added poignancy and there is special need in our communities to pause, reflect and remember. What this looks like will be different in different contexts.Loss is often compounded and any specific service or activity will remind people of unresolved past or present loss and pain. There is often a need to ‘do’ something and to ‘mark’ a loss to help to bring closure and healing. This year why not take a moment to specifically think about the losses that you have had over these past couple of years. In most of our Area churches an All Souls’ Day service will be taking place on or near 2nd November, ask at your local church when theirs is. At this service we will remember those who have died at any time and in any way, especially those who have died during 2020/21. There may be a Remembrance Service around 11th November which will be specifically about people who have died in the world wars or armed service. If you are not able to go to a service there are other ways to remember someone. A virtual candle can be lit on www.churchofenglandfunerals.org/lightacandle Or you could stop for a moment somewhere and remember someone close to you and use this prayer, you may want to light a candle at home as you say it.God our Father, We thank you for the person we knew, The years we shared, the good we saw, and the love we received. Turn the darkness of death into the dawn of new life, And the sorrow of parting into the joy of heaven. Amen. Blessings Rev MargaretFor further information about anything in the newsletter, please contact:Rev. Charles Dale 01889 500428: email: revcharles.dale@btinternet.comJenny Talbot: 01889 502471 email: jenny477@btinternet.comFacebook: St. Mary’s Church Gratwich
