Dear Friends,
Janus, who gave his name to the month of January, was one of the principal Roman gods. He was, according to Ovid, the custodian of the universe and this was probably why his image was placed at the main doorway of Roman houses. He was the opener and the fastener of all things and so he looked inwards as well as out. He is usually presented as a person with two faces, one looking forward and one back. In time his two faces came to represent wisdom showing that he could see into the future as well as into the past.
How some people long to see into the future, to see what life holds in store. I always feel slightly apprehensive about the future, especially at this time of year. Even as a very little girl, I can remember that the New Year always felt cold and raw and different and I longed for the comfort of what was known and experienced. New Year is always associated with new beginnings, with resolutions to change and so on – I think by nature I am cautious and like what I know. Perhaps it would be easier if we, like Janus, really could see into the future, but I think not.
New Year is a time for taking stock, for reviewing the year, for looking at ourselves and our lives and seeing what has changed. For some it will be a good experience, for others it may be filled with sadness, with grief and with remorse. For some the dawn of the New Year gives a chance to put behind them the things that they regret and the last thing they will want to do is to look back. The truth is, however, whether we like it or not, the only thing we can do is to move forward.
…To move forward into what? The news reports are not promising. We appear to be on the brink of a frightening new war - would that we had the powers of Janus to see how things will develop; perhaps it would avoid our making appalling mistakes. Of course, we can look back and try to learn from our past experiences: that is wise and sensible, but no two situations are ever entirely the same.
All we can do is to go forward in faith, trusting that the incarnate God, in whose birth we have rejoiced this Christmas time, has influenced us sufficiently to help us to judge wisely and to give love, forgiveness and peace a chance.
As we enter 2003 in a spirit of apprehension and uncertainty, not knowing what the future may hold, I am reminded of the words of George VI when he quoted the following in the darkest days of World War II
"I said to the man who stands at the gate of the year, ‘Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.’ And he replied, ‘Step into the darkness, put your hand into the hand of God, and that will be better than a light and safer than the known way"’
I wish you all a peaceful and good new year – and a year when you are able to place your trust entirely in the hands of the one great God.
Yours in Christ
Jo Spray
Thank you.
To everyone who worked so hard to make the Church a beautiful place to be at Christmas. To Enid, our organist, and her choir for the wonderful music; to the flower arrangers; to the sidesmen and servers – and to all who came and helped to make our first Christmas in Turvey so memorable.
Rob and I would also like to thank everyone who sent greetings and good wishes for Christmas to the Rectory. I am sorry we were not able to return them all personally but we did appreciate them.
Jo Spray
Please pray for…
Peace in the world.
Members of our own armed forces and their families.
All affected by violence and terror.
A greater closeness of Christian denominations throughout the world and the success of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
This begins on 19th January and we have been invited to Turvey Abbey to share in their service of Vespers, which is at 4.00pm on that day. This will be instead of Evensong at All Saints. I do hope we shall be well represented!
At the end of the week, on Saturday 25th January, we are planning an ecumenical service of Light and Prayer at All Saints. This will last about 45 minutes and I do hope you will be able to support it.
In an uncertain world it is good to have chance to present a united witness.
Coffee Morning
The coffee morning in January is on Saturday 11th from 10.15am – 12.00pm at the Rectory. There will be a Bring and Buy stall and raffle – and a special raffle for a week’s use of a holiday house in Brittany which sleeps eight people. We look forward to seeing you there.
Another "thank you"
Very many thanks to all who helped with and supported the Bazaar. We raised, after expenses, the wonderful sum of £1959 for Church funds. Also thank you to all who gave as the choir sang carols round the village. We raised £278 which, with £100 from the Christingle service collection, has been sent to the Children's Society.
Mothers' Union
14th January - Nursing in the 1950s, Betty Hewett. 20th February - Favourite Hymns. Both in the Manor Room, starting at 2:00 p.m.
Church Flowers
Please look at the rotas for the main altar and Lady Chapel flowers, which are now in the church porch. If you would like to help, please sign up. We are short of volunteers and would welcome new helpers. Flowers last well in church, so it makes sense to to commit yourself for two weeks (or more!) at a time. If you are interested, please contact Anne Claypole White.
Services for January 2003:
5th January, Epiphany (transferred):
11 am Holy Communion CW Preacher: Violet Allen-Smith
6 pm Evensong
12th January, Baptism of Christ. Plough Sunday:
11am Matins
6 pm Holy Communion BCP
Monday 13th January:
2:30pm "Little Lights" In Church
19th January, Epiphany 2. Week of Prayer for Christian Unity:
11 am Holy Communion CW
4 pm Vespers at Turvey Abbey
6 pm No service at All Saints’
Saturday 25th January:
5 pm Ecumenical "Service of Light" (In Church)
26th January, Epiphany 3:
9:45 am Family Eucharist
11am Matins
6 pm Holy Communion, BCP
Wednesday 29th January:
10:30 am Holy Communion CW at Barton Homes
2 pm Intercessory Prayer Group Meeting
Future dates for Little Lights are Monday 13th January, 3rd February and 3rd March all in Church at 2.30 p.m.
Coffee is served after 11 a.m. Holy Communion Services.