News in brief...
- Check
for their 'most wanted' page -
St Margaret's Benefice is currently in a period of Interregnum.
"Interregnum? I thought that was when Charles I was removed from his head?"
Well, yes, it was, but it is also the term used in the Church of England for when a parish no longer has a licenced priest. Our wonderful Reverend Diane retired Autumn last year, and so we are embarking on the process of finding a new incumbent. In the mean time, we are extremely lucky to have a number of retired clergy (ie are no longer licenced to a particular parish) living in the village and surrounding area, who will be taking services that require an ordained minister. Take a look on our Clergy page to see who they are. - We're trying our best to help occupy our youngsters - see what they've been up to here.
- For more news, go to our News... page. I know, it's seamless!
- Our 'What's On' page has turned into 'What's Going On' for a while, so you can find helpful tips from the likes of The Gardeners' Association
Looking Out...
We are OPEN FOR SUNDAY SERVICES! - After what seems like forever, we have been given permission to hold services again. We held our first Communion at St Margaret's and a Family Service at St Augustine's. It was so lovely to see all your smiling faces again and to spend a little peaceful, thoughtful time together. It was strange not to have hymns, especially, I think, because there is a real desire to express some joy and thankfullness, but Emma provided beautiful music for us at St M. With waves instead of hugs during the Peace and a stripped down service, things were different, but it was a start and we will build on this as we work out what shape and form 'church' takes from here on.
A reminder - if you want to attend a service at St Margaret's, please call Sandy on 852265 to reserve your place as numbers have to be limited. No pre-booking is required at St Augustine's and they can safely accommodate 20-25 people.
If you are in need of something uplifting this morning, click here.
Coronavirus regulations and guidlines are changing - that doesn't mean it's gone away. Make yourself aware of what applies to you and how your actions can inadvertantly affect others. It's going to be a long haul. And for goodness sake, take your rubbish home with you.
The world's worst humanitarian crisis is happening the Yemen - war, famine, aid supplies stopped because of Covid-19 border closures, a healthcare system collapsed with the added pressure of coronavirus. UNICEF and other international aid organisations are striving to intervene in this catastrophe. If you've saved a few pounds a week from not being able to get that coffee, maybe you could find a charity that would really appreciate it right now?
28,000 people - Councils report nearly 5 times as many rough sleepers in 2018 than the official government figures, as a Freedom of Information request from the councils discovered. The government pledge to "fight the scourge of homelessness". How about we fight the scourge of the causes of homelessness, and maybe that would make a difference? Sweeping people off the streets doesn't solve the problem, it takes it from under our noses - the BBC have a pertinent report on their website right now, you can find it if you click here.
1.6million food parcels issued by Trussell Trust Food Banks in 2018 - that's up from 41,000 in 2010. I'll just let that sink in.
Saw this... 
...thought it was kind of lovely.