theBythams
 ... a local website, by local people, for local people, viewed by people everywhere



home

news

about theBythams

activities and events

business directory

community services

people

places

walks

groups, clubs and societies

the church
rectors letters
careby
castle bytham
creeton
little bytham

local government

Glenside news

history

galleries

whats new and updated

links

contact us

about the website

 

the church : revd jo's letter : july 2007

added 12/06/07


A visitor to one of our churches recently, a city - dweller, remarked that the pace of life here is very slow. I suggested that he might look at the latest copy of the Glenside news, which would soon show him that village life is very active and full. As well as Little Bytham fete, the Midsummer Fair at Castle Bytham, Pat Bowles' famous Pimms and Puds event and Careby's Summer barbecue, we have two musical events for you. On Tuesday July 10th at 7.30 the choir of Bourne Abbey and our own church choir will join forces to present a concert in Castle Bytham Church. Tickets for this are only £5, with free admission for children. There will be the usual excellent Castle Bytham refreshments during the interval. Tickets are available from church members or at the door. Then on Sunday July 29th., the choir of All Saints Stamford will present a short concert in Little Bytham church at 6.00. Admission to this is free. Do come and support one or both of these events, and enjoy good music on a summer evening.

I asked recently if anyone had unwanted academic gowns which they would be prepared to give or lend the choir. I was overwhelmed by the response too this. Then Sarah Lewthwaite, of Little Bytham, kindly offered to make us a set of ten robes, which are beautiful. We are extremely grateful to Sarah for this. I am now in the embarrassing position of having to say that if you would like your gown returned to you, I will readily do so. If, on the other hand, you have no further use for it, we will keep it, in the hope that still more choir members will come forward. And, of course, if you are still thinking about joining the choir, why not come along to practice one Tuesday at 8.00 in Castle Bytham church? We are happy to accept whatever commitment people can offer, so if you could only manage one Sunday a month, or even just festivals, you will still be welcome, and you will find practices very friendly and enjoyable.

On a more sombre note, I recently received a leaflet on the importance of making a Will. From personal experience, I know what problems arise when someone dies without having done so, and would urge everyone, irrespective of age, to consider giving their will some thought. I can quite understand that many people have a dread of doing this, and an even greater dread of making plans for their funeral, though they will often comment, after singing a favourite hymn, `I'm going to have that at my funeral.' Yet funeral plans are important, too, and I am always willing to discuss plans with anyone. So often, families have no idea what their loved one would have wanted, and it makes a difficult time so much more bearable if they know that they are acting in accordance with that person's wishes. Do let me know if you would ever like to discuss any aspects of this.

One of the rewards of parish ministry is the number of people willing give of their time, talents and expertise to help us maintain our buildings. I am particularly grateful to those who keep our churchyards neat and tidy, who deal with our heating systems, clean the churches, arrange flowers and many other jobs. Recently Nigel Allsopp spotted what he believes to be Death Watch Beetle damage in Castle Bytham church. We are currently anxiously awaiting further specialist investigation, but meanwhile we are grateful to Nigel for his prompt action in alerting us (and, of course, for being in church in the first place to carry out another repair job!)

We mark two special festivals this month - St Peter on July 1st, with Evensong ( and refeshments afterwards) at Creeton, at 6.00, and St James (also with refreshments) at Castle Bytham at 7.00 on July 25th. What better way to spend a summer evening?


With every good wish

Jo