THE LANTERN ~MARCH 2018~

Transcription

1 THE LANTERN ~MARCH 2018~ NEWS OF THE PARISH OF ST ANDREW S BREDFIELD Cutoff for APRIL issue: 20 th MARCH 2018 Please submit entries to Alison Cannard lantern.bredfield@gmail.com Inside this issue: From our Ministry 2 Team Diary dates 3 Rotas 7 Services 8 1

2 FROM OUR MINISTRY TEAM Do you have a favourite flower? One that evokes joyful memories or fragrant scents, gifts or special events. Mine is the snowdrop, now appearing as I write this. Hidden underfoot for most of the year, it blossoms in the frigid air or withering gale, slushy sleet or rushing rain with pure white humble head, simple not showy. It was one dark February day during the miners strike in 1974, with little electricity, living quite spartanly out in the countryside, water from a well, no insulation nor hot water and three small children. Tired of feeling so cold, I ventured outside for a breather, wondering how long the darkness inside and out would last; when I saw a bunch of snowdrops hidden under a hedge where no one could admire or praise them. God is always speaking and I seemed to overhear Him saying Look at these snowdrops. They bloom here every year whether anyone sees them or not: they bloom where they are planted however random; they cannot help blooming so exquisitely, for their beauty comes from within; it is their nature to be present now, to be a silent witness each year of hope in the dark. So whatever our circumstances, harsh or easy, we too can bloom where we are planted, with God s nature and nurture within us. Sandra Watson Quotation for March God could not be everywhere and therefore he made mothers. Jewish proverb 2

3 DIARY DATES MOTHERING SUNDAY is on 11 th March. Do join us for a traditional family service to celebrate, starting at am. EASTER AT ST ANDREW S If you look at the service details on the back page, you will see that things are going to be a little different this year. Please note the timing of the various services. PALM SUNDAY - This year, we want to involve as many children as possible in the Palm Sunday service, so we are holding a MESSY DONKEY PALM SUNDAY SERVICE, which will begin at 3.00 pm in the Church. We will then walk behind Magic the Donkey in the traditional Palm Sunday procession, but this year it will start from the Church and finish at the Village Hall, where there will be activities and refreshments. The Rector will be assisted by Andy and Claire, the Youth and Children s Workers respectively at St John s (and by volunteers from Bredfield), and it promises to be a service with a difference with plenty for all ages. If you would like to get involved in any way, Clive would be pleased to hear from you, so do get in touch via the Church Office on info@stjohnswoodbridge.org.uk or GOOD FRIDAY At 2.00 pm the Rector will lead a more contemplative Hour at the Cross service. EASTER SUNDAY This Family Communion service will begin at the later-than-usual time of am. All welcome! 3

4 NEW! St. Andrew s Amblers (stroll and chat group) Do come and join us, whether or not you are a churchgoer, for an informal leisurely walk lasting about 1 hour, at a pace to suit those taking part. We will be starting and finishing at St Andrew s Church Room, with an optional hot or cold drink afterwards (for a small, voluntary contribution). This is an opportunity to shake off the Winter Blues and enjoy companionship while walking the paths and roads around Bredfield. A chance to meet old friends and new while enjoying gentle exercise, the local countryside, nature and fresh air. Please just turn up on the day, with suitable walking shoes and clothing, including waterproofs if necessary. Well behaved dogs are welcome but please keep them on a lead. If the weather is unsuitable we will provide drinks in the Church Room instead. We will meet at the Church Room (toilet available) ready for a 10 am start on: Wednesday 7th March Wednesday 18 th April Wednesday 2 nd May Wednesday 5 th June Wednesday 3 rd July This is an informal friendly group not covered by insurance. Please bring inhalers, walking sticks, plasters, drinking water etc. as you feel necessary. Please be aware that we will be walking on footpaths, which may be uneven and muddy, and on public roads with traffic, requiring care and attention. For more details please contact Ann Stammers

5 WINTER CAMEO 2018 Tuesday 20th March St Andrew s Church Room, Teas, Coffees, Squash, Cakes (voluntary 1 donation) Toys available EVERYONE WELCOME- Bring a friend for a relaxing get together in the warm For more info contact Ann Stammers CHILDREN'S SOCIETY BOX COLLECTION. The time is once again fast approaching for the collection boxes to be opened, so I would like to invite all box holders to a coffee morning at Quintet, in Bredfield, on Wednesday 11th April, starting at 10.00am. In order that all the boxes can be opened and the money counted on the same day, I will try to contact you all personally. I realise this day may not be convenient for some of you, and like last year we can arrange a convenient time for me to collect the box from you. In the meantime please keep dropping those coins in the box. Thank you. Angela Derham. 5

6 Woodbridge Deanery God and Politics A Lent Course led by Bishop Tim Stevens In uncertain and often confusing times, how are we as Christians to develop habits of wise reflection if we are to engage faithfully and prayerfully with the big issues of our day? What are the key commitments of our faith that connect with those big issues, and how are we to learn what sort of questions to ask when applying our Christian values to the great challenges of today? In this series of talks and discussions, Bishop Tim will explore questions including: 1) What does the Bible say about God s action in politics and history? 2) What can we learn from outstanding Christian Leaders? 3) How can the Church enter the Public Square and what is our responsibility in this? 4) What does the Cross have to teach us about the cost of public discipleship? Wednesdays 7 and 14 March 2018, 7.30pm St Mary s Church Centre, Woodbridge, IP12 4LP Bredfield Village Hall are raising funds for a conservatory extension to the hall. This year we will be holding a number of fundraising events, the first of which is a Car Boot/Table Top Sale on Saturday 14th April from 12 noon - 4pm. 'Car Boot' spaces on the playing field can be booked for 5 per car or a limited number of 'Table Top spaces in the hall can be booked for 10 per table. There will be food and drinks available. To book a space please contact Anne Henderson - henny@dircon.co.uk And of course everyone is welcome to come and buy. 6

7 100 Club Winners 1st Prize 2nd Prize No. 72 A. Bridges No. 51 L. Buckman Church Cleaning Rota 3 rd March C. Cowper 10 th March P. Miller 17 th March J. McCarthy 24 th March J. D Arcy 31 st March P. Cook Church Flower Rota Lent - Lent - Lent - Lent - Refreshments Rota 4 th March A. Stammers 11 th March A. Cannard 18 th March A. Ackerley 25 th March TBC 7

8 March Services at St. Andrew s Sunday 4 th March Sunday 11 th March Mothering Sunday Sunday 18 th March Sunday 25 th March Palm Sunday Friday 30 th March Good Friday Sunday 1 st April Easter Sunday Family Communion Rev Clive Howard Family Service Bill Herbert Morning Prayer Roger Ackerley Messy Donkey Palm Sunday Service with Baptism Rev Clive Howard An Hour at the Cross Rev Clive Howard Family Communion Bill Herbert 9.15am 10.00am 9.15am 3.00pm 2.00pm 10.30am To contact the Rector and for all enquiries regarding St Andrew s, contact St John s church office on: RECTOR: REV D. CLIVE HOWARD info@stjohnswoodbridge.org.uk Or CHURCHWARDEN: Vacant. 8