The beautiful May weather we have had over the last few days has made me restless to be ‘up high’! I love walking in the Peak District, especially in the open country on top of the hills, where the sheep make little tracks through the coarse heather and the ways can become hopelessly confused unless one has some knowledge of the area or is a good map-reader. There are so many different ways to take and a days outing can be made or spoiled by choosing the ‘wrong’ path.

It reminds me a bit of our journey through life. If you have been at one of our Baptism services, you may have heard me refer to Baptism as the beginning of the Christian journey – and so it is. We need the help of our parents and godparents to navigate through the first years, some will have guided us well, some will have left us to choose our own path – and that may be hard if we are without any ‘navigational instruments’. Some of us may have arrived at adulthood feeling totally confused about the paths we ought to take – and since we are adult, feeling reluctant to show our lack of experience by asking others to help.

One of the things I have missed since being in the Parish is a forum where we might share our ideas of what the Christian faith requires of us on our journey – somewhere we can learn from others to help us be better informed about the way forward. We have had some wonderful Bible Study groups with the Community and Congregation at Turvey Abbey, which I hope will continue, but these are not quite the same. We have had no Study Groups – or House Groups as they are generally called - when we can think about the basics of our faith and the way this affects our everyday life. I know those who have taken part in confirmation classes since I came here have appreciated this.

I propose to start a study group in the near future and would be pleased to hear from any who are interested in pioneering the way forward – no previous experience necessary! This is about exploring together – after all, I know my way round the Peak District fairly well, but I should be lost on Dartmoor! Each of us has something to offer if we are to become familiar with other directions on the journey. Look out for the notice in Church

Yours in Christ

Jo Spray

our new Study Groups.

our country and those who will form the new Government.

those of our parish who are receiving treatment but prefer not to be prayed for by name.

Pentecost or Whitsuntide is sometimes referred to as the ‘Birthday of the Church’. It is the festival when we recall the gift of the Holy Spirit to the disciples and the beginning of their teaching in the world. It is highly appropriate, therefore, that we should share our worship on that day with other Christians in the parish. On Sunday 15^th May, there will be a united service with the Community and congregation of Turvey Abbey in All Saints Church at 6.00pm. We shall be thinking of building the Church of Christ in the world. If you know of Christians of other denominations in the village, do invite them to join us. It would be wonderful to have a truly ecumenical gathering. I do hope you will come and stay to share some refreshment after the service.

The next coffee morning in aid of church funds will be at 10:15 am on Saturday 14^th May at 7 Elmwood, by invitation of Dawn Riddle. There will be a raffle and bring-and-buy stall for which contributions, especially of cakes and produce would be much appreciated.

Last month's coffee morning raised £300. A big thank you to Tony and Mary Smith for hosting the event and to everyone who helped with and supported a very enjoyable morning.

The next meeting is on Thursday 19^th May at 2:30 pm in the Manor Room. Hymns, prayer and favourite readings.

If you would like to learn to ring the church bells – or are a lapsed ringer and would like to join in again – please contact David Nightingale (( 881453). We are one or two ringers short, particularly for the Sunday morning services.

There will be a garden party in aid of St Mary’s Church Stevington at Meadow Bank, Church End, Stevington on Saturday June 11^th 2005 at 2:30 pm.

CAKES - SIDESTALLS - TEAS - DOG SPECTACULAR SHOW

Please put this date in your diary!

The PCC agreed that we should support Christian Aid by giving our Church collections (excluding Church envelopes) on Sunday 22^nd May.

Christian Aid states:

"Half the world’s population live on less than £1.50 a day. Justice in world trade could change this." Your gift and your vote could help make this change. A voting card to support MAKING POVERTY HISTORY will be available on the tithe table – please complete one – no stamp necessary!

David Seaton (PCC Secretary)