Dear Friends

‘God moves in mysterious ways His wonders to perform’

Much of what God does is hidden from us in some way or another, until from time to time we have a wonderful, clear insight or revelation of God’s place in the world and in our lives. Sometimes, something so momentous happens that it moves us in our faith from one place to another as a little more of the mystery is revealed and our understanding grows.

The Mediaeval Mystery Plays were so called because they dealt with the half understood truths of God’s redemption of mankind – they were an attempt to help the illiterate understand better what was happening in the liturgy, especially at Easter. Well, I think they have worked for me too!

It was amazing to feel the excitement generated by our recent production of Tony Harrison’s play ‘The Nativity’. It was also amazing to see how the community worked together to make the play a success. Something needed doing – and someone appeared to do it! Lighting, sound, props, set building and painting, not to mention dancing, acting and singing all came together as those who knew they could do things – and those who only found out in the doing – arrived to help. Then more people came to do front of house – and the pub joined in to serve interval drinks and provide coffee for sale in church. The audience too was remarkable – they caught the excitement and joined in the fun and the serious message of the play. All this has confirmed my view that Turvey is a special place.

It also confirms my view that if God is given a little space to work, He can use it. I learned so much about the reality of the familiar Bible stories by seeing them acted out in front of me. I also learned how God can take the most ordinary things and turn them into something special. I hope too, that those of you who took part, or were able to see the play feel that you have been moved to a different place in your life – thank you all.

Jo Spray

Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent is on March 1^st this year. There will be a celebration of the Eucharist, with ashing, at 8:00pm on that day.

The sick of the parish – those for whom our prayers have been asked and for whom we pray regularly in church –

Tim Gentry – well known to most of the congregation, Tim is responding to treatment for a rare bacterial infection of the lung.

Bill – is a long-standing friend of Gill and David Betts. He has been to Turvey on many occasions and has rung bells here. Bill has cancer.

Nikki – is the wife of Mickey Bradley’s Godson. For latest news on Nikki, please see the notice board in church.

Sheila Felce – a member of our congregation who is recovering from a broken leg.

And for those whom we do not name who are receiving treatment.

And for Mike Marshall and his family as they grieve the death of Mike’s father, Jack. We shall miss Jack here in Turvey – he loved the village and the church; it was always good to see him in the congregation at festival times and whenever he was staying here.

Our parish is entitled to two representatives on the Deanery Synod. This is the second ‘layer’ of the church’s synodical system of government. (The PCC is the first). Members are asked to debate important issues related to the church’s organisation and worship and to advise members of the Diocesan Synod. It is interesting and informative and in effect gives each member of the church a say in how our church is run. Currently, we have only one member of synod, which is rather sad for an active and lively parish like Turvey. If anyone is interested in representing us on this important body, please will they let me know?

Jo Spray

The next coffee morning will be at 10:15am on Saturday 11^th February at Mill Rise, Turvey, by kind invitation of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Ward. There will be a raffle and bring-and-buy stall, for which contributions especially of cakes, will be much appreciated.

This year's programme got off to a flying start with the January coffee morning at Grove Farm House, which raised £293 towards church funds. Many thanks to Rod and Carol Petty for hosting the event and to all who helped with and supported it.

The next meeting will be on Thursday 16^th February in the Manor Room at 2:30pm. Rita Beaumont will give a talk on "Hospice at Home"

Our meeting and service for pre-school children and their mums and carers is usually on the first Monday of the month – except where that is a holiday. Meetings are on Mondays 6^th February, 6^th March, 3^rd April, 8^th May, 5^th June and 3^rd July in church at 2:30pm and are followed by tea for those who can stay. Our summer meeting and picnic is still to be arranged.

Do come and join us!