Dear Friends,

Ascension Day 2005 is on 5^th May and we have been asked if we will have one of the Deanery services in our Church on that day. It is also the day that is hotly tipped to be Election Day.

We are told that Christians should keep out of politics. Just as Jesus did when he told us to have concern for the poor; when he made his friends among the outcasts of society; when he championed the cause of children; when he rescued a woman from summary justice by stoning; when he spoke out against hypocrisy in high places – need I go on?

If we are to be true to our calling as followers of Jesus, as Christians living in the world, then we must be concerned about the cares of the world – and we must be prepared to take action in an appropriate way as and when we can. Our newspapers have already highlighted moral issues as part of the election debate – and have tried to get the Prime Minister to talk openly about his faith and to link it with his election campaign. While I applaud the former, I am delighted that so far the Prime Minister has resisted the latter for I believe that whatever any of the party leaders says about their personal belief could be used as ammunition against them and more importantly against our faith. More telling is what they demonstrate about their faith and belief in the policies that they adopt and in the way they live their lives.

We are fortunate to live in a democracy – in a place where we can have a say about who governs us – and where elections themselves are carried out in a free and fair way – despite the media hype beforehand. I think, then, we have an absolute duty to be as well informed as possible about each party manifesto. If possible take opportunity to question candidates, go to an election forum if we can, sometimes be prepared to ‘read between the lines’ – to separate what is real from what is electioneering promise – and try to do this in the context of our Christian faith. Then, above all, go to the polls to vote!

It seems to me, too, to be a happy coincidence that Ascension Day may be on the same day as elections – for what better thing to do than to go to Church to praise our Sovereign Lord and to pray for those elected to govern on our behalf for the next five years.

Yours in Christ

Jo Spray

Please pray for…

Our Queen and her family

All politicians and national leaders

Those who feel they have no voice in society

Thank you to all who worked so hard to make the Church look beautiful for Easter – and to the Bell Ringers, Choir and Organist who helped to make the festival so special.

Jo Spray

The Annual Meetings

The Annual Vestry Meeting and the Annual Parochial Meeting are to be held on Thursday 19^th April at 7.30pm in Church. The Vestry Meeting is for the purpose of electing two Churchwardens for the year and anyone in the parish, or on our electoral roll is entitled to vote. The Parochial Meeting is also of interest to anyone in the parish, but only those on the electoral roll are entitled to vote should an election be necessary.

Reports are presented from the Priest in Charge, the Churchwardens and representatives of the Deanery Synod – as are the annual accounts. Elections to the various Church offices are also held. If you are interested in serving the Church in any capacity, please speak to me or to one of the Churchwardens before the meeting.

We also expect our Architect, Bruce Deacon, to give us an update on the work already completed on our roof and what else may need to be done.

This is an important meeting so do try to come if you can.

Coffee Mornings. The next coffee morning in aid of church funds will be at 10 am on Saturday 9^th April at Fairholme, Station Road, Turvey, hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Tony Smith. There will be a raffle and bring-and-buy stall for which contributions, especially of cakes, would be much appreciated. If you need transport please contact Anne Claypole White (881661). Please do come and support us.

Last month's coffee morning raised £279. A big thank you to David and Jenny Allender for hosting the event and to everyone who helped with and supported it.

A good time was had by all!

Easter lilies. Thank you to everyone who gave donations for Easter lilies and flowers in memory of loved ones.

All Saints’ Christian Fellowship (formerly Mothers’ Union)

Our next meeting will be on Thursday 21^st April at 2:30 pm in the Manor Room. The Revd David Hunter will talk on his time in New Zealand.