Rectors Letter : October 2005

the church : rectors letter : october 2005

31/10/05

Reproduced from Glenside News : October 2005

' Dear Friends

First of all a very big thank you to all the many people who came to my Licensing by the Bishop of Lincoln on September 5th. It was a wonderful occasion, and the presence of so many supporters and friends made it particularly special for me. But the biggest thank you must go to the church wardens in the four parishes, who have done so much to maintain the churches and the worship that takes place in them Sunday by Sunday. Having been a church warden myself, some years ago, I know only too well what a load falls on those shoulders.

So what now? Well ... don't expect sweeping changes, because there's no point in changing what works well. The only immediate change is that the 9.30 service will revert to its old time of 9.00, by request of the church councils. If that's rather too early for you, there is always the later service somewhere in the group.

Our Harvest Festival takes place on Sunday 2nd October at Creeton (I hope you'll read this before it actually happens!) and the Harvest Supper will follow it, at Castle Bytham Village Hall. Do come and join in the old harvest hymns and give thanks for God's bounty and goodness. Living as we do in a lovely rural area, harvest thanksgiving should occupy a special place in our hearts.

At 11.00 on that day we shall welcome Liliana Alison Jackson, baby daughter of Russell and Gail, into the church when she is baptised at Little Bytham.

Although I prefer to hold a baptism during the main Sunday service, it's not practical to do so on this occasion, as the 9.00 is the only morning service, and it's not possible for families to assemble from afar so early in the day. But if any Little Bytham parishioners could manage to be there, it would be a powerful symbol of our existence as the Family of God.

Looking ahead to Wednesday November 2nd, All Soul's Day, we shall have a special service to commemorate those we have loved, but who now live in the nearer presence of God. We shall give thanks for their lives and examples, and there will be an opportunity, for those who would like to do so, to light a candle in memory of a loved one. We shall read aloud the names of those who wish to be rememebered. Lists will be in all churches by mid-October for you to add any names you wish, and in other points in the villages.

Details of the Remembrance Day service will follow next month. With thoughts of those who laid down their lives for their country 60 years ago this year, in particular, it will be good to offer thanks for their sacrifice, and for the years of peace which have followed.

One thing I would love to do is to have our Churches open during the day for prayer and quiet - and, of course, for visitors to see how lovely they are. Our insurers are keen that we should do so, but first we have to secure our valuable items, and indeed find people willing to lock and unlock each day. Any suggestions or offeres of help would be appreciated.

I shall say Morning Prayer in Castle Bytham and Little Bytham on two days each week - exact days to be decided and announced - and would like to know of anyone or any situation needing prayer. They will also be held up to God's love at the altar during Sunday Communion. Do, please, let me have details by 'phone 01780 480479, by email

, by a note left at church or in person.

With every blessing
Jo '