I hope you are keeping well. Here is this week’s news from the Benefice and Barn:

This Sunday’s services (Jan 14th) are 9.30am Communion at Rockland St. Mary and 11am Communion at Surlingham.

On Monday (15th) Warm Welcome at The Barn re-opens between 11am and 4pm for the new season, ending on March 18th. My thanks go to our dedicated team of volunteers for making this happen. Drop in and see us for hot drinks, homemade cakes, soup and more!

Wednesday’s Online Art Cafe at 10.30am (17th) is a presentation on Textiles and Art given by Daisy Pollock-Gray, Marketing Manager at Watts & Co., Westminster. Daisy and her colleagues work with designs over 150 years old in new and innovative ways. Please contact me for your Zoom invitation.

On Wednesday evening, the Group Council meets in The Barn at 7pm.

Saturday’s Stained Glass Workshop (20th, 10am-1pm) is almost fully booked, so please contact me asap if you would like a place.  The event is free – donations towards costs / The Barn welcome.

The following Sunday (Jan 21st) sees something different in Claxton. From 10am-11am in Claxton & Carleton Village Hall, Stars and Crowns is an all-age gathering for worship, activities and refreshments.  Please feel free to contact me or Helen for further information. There will be Communion at Kirby Bedon, 11am.

Looking further ahead:
Tues 23rd: 10am Celtic Prayer in Surlingham Church porch.
Wed 24th: 10am-1pm Winter Art Morning at the Barn (free, donations welcome)
Sun 28th: 10am Benefice Candlemas Communion at Bramerton
          4pm Still with Emmanuel at The Barn

Finally, I have received the sad news that Revd Dr John Ledward, formerly incumbent here, has died recently. John was a faithful and gentle pastor who was a great encouragement to others. We give thanks for his life and pray for his family at this sad time.

Best wishes,

Nick