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church : revd jo's letter : august 2008 added 13/08/08 Sound praises to the Lord, all the earth; break into singing and make music (Psalm 98 verse 5) might have been our motto for Songs of Praise at the Midsummer Fair. Despite competing with the duck race and the (cancelled) fly-past for customers, we had a packed church, and raised the roof with our marathon sing. It was a lovely occasion and will most definitely take place gain next year, though at a slightly later time, to accommodate those who want to see the ducks swim. I have heard unofficially that the committee will give a share of the proceeds to the church, and I am extremely grateful for this. Upkeep of the churchyard is costly, and the money will be used to ensure that it remains well-tended and attractive. Little Bytham’s Summer Fete was another resounding success. We are very grateful to Martin and Matilda Thompson for the use of their beautiful garden, and for all the work they put into the day; thanks, too, to all who helped in any way, and most of all, for the very generous donation to church funds. We have to rewire the church as a matter of some urgency, to improve the heating and install better lighting, all of which will be very expensive, but must be done, and without the generosity of the fete committee, the sponsored ride committee and others we should not be able to maintain the building in this way. We also hope to overhaul the bells this year. We have taken advice from the Diocesan bells Advisor, who tells us the work can be done ‘in-house’. So if there are willing hand out there, prepared to clean, paint and lubricate, we should be glad of your help. I’m pleased to say that we will shortly be leaving Little Bytham church unlocked during the day. Our insurers fully support the opening of churches, providing we lock portable valuables away. The church belongs to the village in which it is located, and should be open to anyone who wants to find a few moments of peace within its walls. If you are passing, do call in; that, too, is a deterrent to any would-be thief or vandal. On Sunday September 21st at 10.30, we are holding a Pet Service at Little Bytham. Any animal, large or small, is welcome (but do remember that there is a flight of steps up to the door.) Pets should be on leads or in suitable containers; any that might be distressed can be represented by a photograph or just a card with its name. Horses, cows etc. will remain in the churchyard (though when I led one of these services at Exton we had two very well- behaved Shetland ponies in church.) We will celebrate the place of animals in our lives, and then bless each one separately. Do come and support this, and encourage others to come along. Children are especially welcome, of course. I attended a meeting of the Parish Plan committee in Castle Bytham recently, and one of the ideas discussed was the importance of mutual help to sustain the community. This is where the church is, and should be, involved. If there is anyone in any of the villages in need of help – lifts, gardening, help with shopping or any other form of practical assistance which the church can provide, please ask. There are many in our congregations who will gladly do so. Weddings are always joyful occasions, and August sees a rather special one at Careby, when my younger son, Nick, will marry Lindsay Morley on 2nd. It will be something of a family affair, as I will be marrying them, Nick’s brother James, a priest in the Oakham team, will preach, and Dad will play the organ! Careby held the record for weddings last year, and in a particularly rainy summer, every single wedding took place in brilliant sunshine. Let’s hope the tradition continues. Later on that month we welcome Tegan Gutteridge into the church family as she is baptised on 24th at Little Bytham. Our evening services, in keeping with those of other churches, are rather sparsely attended, and Little Bytham has decided to replace its Evensong on the third Sunday of the month with a Bible Study and discussion group. Because it is not environmentally friendly to heat the church for a small number, we have decided to meet in one another’s houses. Full details will appear next month, but if you are at all interested, you will be made very welcome at our first meeting on Sunday September 21st at Willowbrook House, home of Ken and Lin Achard (on the left as you leave Little Bytham for Castle Bytham.) It will be informal, and there is absolutely no pressure on anyone to join the discussion – listening is fine! And you don’t have to be a believer to join us. Other points of view will make the discussion much better. By the time next month’s Glenside news comes out, we shall be preparing for Harvest Festival. Thanks to all the rain, my garden looks like one big Harvest festival already; my courgettes are producing at least 2lb of fruit a day, pumpkins are swelling, broad beans and raspberries need picking twice a day, and my peppers and aubergines are in flower. The tomatoes are bending under the weight of fruit … and last year my vegetable patch was a complete disaster. Such is gardening – but I think John Turner’s very kind donation of a load of manure may have helped! O Lord, how manifold are your works! With every good wish Jo |
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