Dear Friends

I write on the Feast of the Epiphany – the day when we particularly remember the visit of the Magi, the Wise Men, the Kings, call them what you will, to the infant Jesus - the day when God manifested himself to the Gentile world. It is very much part of the wonderful story of the incarnation, of God becoming man to show how much he loves us.

There have been articles in the paper recently, however, about the difficulties of accepting the love of God for his creation in the wake of the dreadful Tsunami disaster in Asia. The extent of the devastation is truly horrifying. Within the totality of destruction there are so many individual stories of loss and tragedy, just as we here all have our own individual tragedies to bear and our own stories of loss and devastation.

Yet within this darkness, there are truly wonderful stories of acts of love, simply and quietly given. I spoke in my sermon at the Midnight Eucharist of the overwhelming love I have received this year from the people of the Church and the village. Small acts of kindness and generosity, freely given and asking nothing in return, yet together they built into a huge gift that has sustained Rob and me through a difficult year. I believe that this is where the love of God is shown – in our having the ability to give freely and graciously from where we are. We cannot all go to stricken areas to help physically in relieving suffering – we can – and many have – given money and prayers and we shall need to go on giving. These small acts all show God’s love in action, and together they build into a huge witness to the love of God, the light shining in the darkness.

Rob joins me in wishing you all a peaceful and Happy New Year, and may the Light of Christ shine in your lives,

Yours

Jo.

Those who work to relieve the sufferings of peoples struck by war or natural disaster.

All who mourn.

It is with great sadness that I record the death, on 3rd January, of Canon Martin Reardon. Martin has been a huge support to me personally during my time here, and particularly during this last year. He has also given freely of his time to work in the parish despite being officially ‘retired’. His life and work within the Church of England has been distinguished, particularly his work in fostering ecumenical relations and establishing the Association of Inter-Church Families. He will be sorely missed. We send our love and sympathies to Ruth and to all his family.

Jo Spray

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity begins this year on Tuesday 18th January and finishes on Tuesday 25th January. As usual, during that time, we shall be sharing some worship with the community and congregation at Turvey Abbey to which Christians of all denominations are warmly invited.

There will be a special service at All Saints at 5.00pm on Saturday 22nd January, followed by a drink in church and a chance to chat, and on Sunday 23rd we are invited to Vespers in the Abbey at 4.00pm, there will be no evening service at All Saints on that day.

There will also be leaflets at the back of the Church so that you can join in the regular daily prayers for unity during that week.

I do hope you will be able to join us at these important services.

Jo Spray

Rob and I would like to thank you for all your cards and greetings sent to the Rectory over the Christmas period. I am sorry it was not possible to return them all personally, but they were much appreciated.

Jo

Our New Year Coffee Morning will be at 10.15a.m. on Saturday , 8th. January at Homelands, High Street, Turvey, hosted by Mrs. Anne Claypole White. There will be a raffle and a bring-and-buy stall for which contributions especially of cakes and produce would be greatly appreciated. Please do come and support us - all are welcome. This coffee morning will be in aid of the Tsunami Appeal.

Thank you to everyone who contributed holly, ivy and flowers and to everyone who helped decorate the church for Christmas. It looked lovely in spite of the scaffolding!

Please note that the flower rota for 2005 is now in the church porch. Please do sign up as soon as you can if you would like to help.

Next meeting is on 19^th January at 2:30 pm in the Manr Room. Sister Lucy will speak on "A Christian working with other religions".