Dear Friends,

I wonder if you have been watching the programme called ‘The Monastery’ on television? It is about five men who join the Benedictine Community at Worth Abbey to see how they cope with the demands of monastic life. They are from assorted backgrounds and at the time of joining the Abbey they were not regarding it as a life-long commitment – I suppose it is the latest in a long run of what is called ‘Reality TV’. I have found it compulsive viewing as the five men listen to and discuss the Christian message and try to come to terms with some of the difficulties of their earlier lives.

I have also been fascinated, in a completely different way, by newspaper reports of the behaviour of some groups of young people. I cannot comprehend why people should want to photograph their friends doing physical – and presumably psychological - damage to another person and then circulate the photos on the internet – I cannot understand why anyone should want to look at them either. The increasing number of unprovoked and violent attacks on innocent people is deeply disturbing, and I think in some way, as members of the society in which these attacks occur, we all bear some responsibility. I don’t propose to add to the debate on what is at the root of this sort of behaviour, but it seems to me that if these young people value their fellow citizens so little, they must value themselves even less.

These two things came together in my mind on the feast of Pentecost, that great celebration of the gift of the Holy Spirit. It is amazing to see how the Spirit is changing the men in ‘The Abbey’ - how it is enabling them to come to terms with their own pain and to understand where they need healing in their lives. Their increasing knowledge of the unqualified love of God, made manifest in Our Lord, Jesus Christ, through the working of the Spirit is transforming their lives. If God, working in the world though the Holy Spirit, can transform the lives of a few, surely it is possible for the lives of many to be changed.

Will you join me in prayer for those who feel compelled to commit violent acts – and, of course, for their victims – that we might begin to see a healing in our society?

Yours in Christ,

Jo Spray.

Please pray for:

All who feel unloved and unlovely

All victims of crime

Installation of the Revd. Robert Evens at Sharnbrook

Robert will be licensed and installed as Priest in Charge of Sharnbrook and Knotting with Souldrop and Felmersham in Sharnbrook Church on Tuesday 14^th June at 7.30pm. Please remember Robert and Caroline in your prayers.

Dates for your diary

Saturday 11^th June Coffee morning, 10:15am at 7 Manor Close, Carlton. Garden party at Meadow Bank, Stevington, from 2:30pm.

Saturday 18^th June: The Concord Singers will be giving a concert in Church at 7.30pm, in aid of FAST. Tickets from the shops or at the door.

Sunday 19^th June: Open Gardens in Turvey; proceeds shared between The Red Cross and FAST

Friday 8^th July: Summer picnic in the grounds of Turvey House, 6pm until 9pm. Bring your own picnic and enjoy the grounds of Turvey House and the walled garden. Music by the Ouse Valley Swing Band. Tickets £6.50 in advance, £7.50 on the evening.

Sunday 10^th July: A special morning service to mark the sixtieth anniversary of the end of the Second World War

Sunday 17^th July: Visit of the choir from St Michael, Watford for Choral Evensong of joint choirs.

Little Lights will meet in church on Monday 6^th June and on Monday 4^th July at 2.30pm. The swimming party arranged for 4^th July has been postponed until the summer holidays, date to be advised. We now have tea after the service for mums who do not need to meet older children from school. It is a really special service and anyone is welcome to come. We are always pleased to see ‘grannies’, it is great to have an extra pair of hands or two (and it keeps me company!). Jo.

All Saints’ Christian Fellowship have been invited by Robert and Caroline Evens to tea at Sharnbrook Vicarage on June 17^th. We will meet at the cross – time and cars to be arranged.

Coffee Mornings. The next coffee morning will be at 10:15am on Saturday 11^th June at 7 Manor Close, Carlton by invitation of Jim and Margaret Lacey. In addition to the usual raffle and bring-and-buy stall, there will be a plant stall. Please do come and give us your support. If you need transport, please contact Anne Claypole White (881661).

Last month's coffee morning hosted by Dawn Riddle raised £278 towards church funds. A big thank you to Dawn and to everyone who helped with and supported a very enjoyable event.

From Enid Wadsworth:

A very big thank you to you all – the Clergy and Choir past and present members and the Wardens and congregation – for the wonderful surprise parties, presents, cards and good wishes. It was so kind of everyone to spoil me with such generosity. My sincere thanks,

Enid.