From the Wardens

A new year brings with it a feeling of optimism with longer days and a sense of positive change, and at All Saints there is much to look forward to. Following on from the success of the men’s groups, there will be a series of women’s events starting soon organised by a team led by Ruth Totterdell, the search for a new Music Minister is underway, and the Lent Lectures begin in February.

Many volunteers help out in so many different ways at church in order to allow it to function smoothly, and as a churchwarden it is a privilege, and at the same time very humbling to be part of this group. The role of a churchwarden is multifaceted, with aspects that are sometimes challenging but others that are highly rewarding spiritually. Being part of the wardens team gives a wonderful insight to the workings of church life and it is great to be able to serve in this way.

“For wisdom shall enter into thy heart, And knowledge shall be pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion shall watch over thee; Understanding shall keep thee:” ( Proverbs 2).

Richard, on behalf of Sue, Rob and Lynne (the Wardens)

From the Children's Minister

“Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay.                                            
Your people will be my people and your God my God.”
(Ruth 1:16)

In our children’s groups we have begun a 4 week series on the book of Ruth.  Last week we thought about the loyalty, friendship and faithfulness of Ruth to Naomi.  This week we are focusing on the kindness and generosity of Boaz, not only to Ruth but also to his workers.  I wonder which of your friends, family or co-workers see or hear about Jesus through you, the way that Boaz’s workers heard about God as they worked in his fields or the way Ruth found God through her relationship with Naomi?

We can often underestimate what difference seemingly small acts can mean to people but Jesus tells us that when others see our good deeds, people will glorify our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16).  As we begin 2024 I encourage us all to offer ourselves to God once again, to be a living sacrifice for Him. To offer our acts of kindness, generosity, service, the way we treat our colleagues, employers or employees to Jesus and pray that He will use these to bring others into relationship with our heavenly Father.

Rosie Blackett
Children’s Minister

From the Vicar

Dear Friends,

An army marches forward on its stomach – so it is said, the gruel and effort of attrition and warfare can only be really achieved through strength and sustenance. It is also said that as an army marches forward on its stomach so a church marches forward on its knees. I will side step a comment about posture as friends and close colleagues know knees are not currently one of the Vicar’s strong points! However to prayer: however and wherever you can, going forward into the new year, do note the following and join the wider church family in this adventure which is discipleship to Christ, gathering together which is Church, and prayer which gives meaning to it all.

1. Thank you to the many who made our last prayer meeting so significant - the highest numbers yet and, to me, a taste of a church coming alive! The next one is on Feb 6th 7:30pm and is especially to pray for our Connections course and outreach activity (see below);

2. Pray for the Ministry Team away day this next week as we reflect what is the best way to mobilise God’s people and build on our prayer triplets. Do pray we get the right ask that is both achievable and attainable for God’s people. I shall be praying personally that our next initiative will see an increase on the 100 or so people who last year enrolled for prayer triplets as we go forward amongst a wider group from the church family. Watch this space and be anticipating something from the Lord that will bless us and of course – do please sign up;

3. Seek the Lord while he may be found. I have counted at least six examples of outreach of our members to others. What a thrill to know that those who are seeking the Lord in our Parish might find him in these times – the bridge of course is ourselves and courageous invitation to others that they can join in with our plans.

Do make sure you pick up your verse for the year sheet with times and dates!

Yours in Christ,

The Revd Canon Mark Brown

From the Assistant Minister

I do trust that you had some joy, peace and thankfulness in your Christmas days. In our rush into January, as the Feast of the Epiphany too slips past us, I invite you to pause for a moment, to recall those amazing visitors to the Christ child, so beloved by carol writers and Christmas card artists.

In Matthew’s Gospel account, we read that the star came to rest over the place where the child was.  The amazing star, supernatural guide for Magi from outside the Jewish nation and tradition, leading them precisely to the Saviour of the World. In this wonderful moment we see that Christ fulfilled prophecy and that His first coming and the Redemption He brings are given to challenge all humankind - Christ waits even now, for response from Jew and Gentile alike. When the Magi saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy (Matt 2.9-10). I do hope you too can feel, if only just a little, overwhelmed with joy in your Saviour as you enter a New Year.

The Prophet Isaiah (60.1-3), long before the Incarnation took place, set the scene -

Arise, shine, for your light has come,
    and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
2 For behold, darkness shall cover the earth,
    and thick darkness the peoples;
but the Lord will arise upon you,
    and his glory will be seen upon you.
3 And nations shall come to your light,
    and kings to the brightness of your rising.

Dear Lord, we make it our prayer for 2024, that this year more and more people from the nations of the World - and their rulers - will come to the light of the Gospel and be overwhelmed with joy. Amen.

Happy New Year!

Revd Godfrey Smallman