Rectors Letter : February 2006

the church : revd jo's letter : february 2006

12/01/06

By the time you read this, the days will be drawing out and our thoughts turning to Spring. But what a wonderful Christmas we had in our four churches. They all looked spectacular, thanks to the many people who gave their time and talents to decorate them, but more importantly, they were packed for many of our Christmas services. I'm sorry that some of you had to stand, because there were no seats, or to share a service sheet, because we hadn't expected such numbers. But please don't let this put you off - we 'd love to see you again.

And so to February; on the 29th we celebrate another lovely festival of light - Candlemas, or more properly, the Feast of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple, when we celebrate (with lots of candles) the fulfilment of the hope of Simeon and Anna, who had waited so long to see the Messiah.

We mark the Feast of St. Matthias, the apostle who took the place of Judas Iscariot. with a Communion service at Castle Bytham on Friday 24th at 7.00pm.

One of the most beautiful services of the church is Compline, or night prayer. A very small band of us say this at Creeton on the first Sunday of each month, at 6.00. It's a short time of peace and quiet- something we all need in modern life. So why not join us, and recharge your batteries at Creeton.

Ash Wednesday falls on March 1st, and there will be a penitential service to mark the start of Lent at Little Bytham at 7.00. Traditionally, the church marks this day by imposing ashes - making the sign of the cross in ash (often made by burning the previous year's surplus palm crosses) on the foreheads of the congregation. This is entirely optional, so don't be put off if having an ashy cross on your forehead isn't to your taste.

I'm beginning to realise that there is quite a band of people who were once churchgoers, maybe many years ago, but who, for all sorts of reasons, have lapsed. It's hard to pick up the habit of churchgoing again, but these are the people I should most love to see in our churches. If you're not sure about the main Sunday service, maybe a weekday communion or Compline could be a good way back. And if you've never been a churchgoer. why not find out what does go on in our lovely church buildings. If a Communion service doesn't appeal, try our Family Services (Careby on the second Sunday or Castle Bytham on the fourth Sunday, both at 11.00.) These are quite informal, with modern hymns, and an address that's aimed at the children, but which seems to appeal to the adults as well.

And if there's something which we don't, at present, offer - a weekday morning service, an afternoon meeting, a prayer group, for example - but which you would like, then please let me, or any of the church wardens know. I shall be reviewing my first six months here with the church wardens at the end of February, and any suggestions and ideas would be most welcome.

The funeral of Ray Coverley was held at Castle Bytham on January 4th. Ray was one of the village's characters, and will be greatly missed. The electricity supply to Creeton church was given in memory of a family member who fell in World War 1, and back in the C19th, Ray's ancestors gave the wonderful brass candelabra to Castle Bytham church; how fitting it was to commend Ray to God's loving care in the church in which his forebears had worshipped and which they loved. We remember, too, the family of Deanna Noddings, of Ingoldsby, whose ashes have been interred in the family grave. May Deanna and Ray rest in peace. We continue to uphold their families in prayer.

And finally . John Porter has large bags of firewood for sale, and has offered a substantial share of the purchase price to the church at Castle Bytham. We are very grateful for this generous offer, so please do support us by buying John's firewood. He can be contacted on 410546 or 07976 907969.