Church News Volume 6, Issue 8 (August 2005)

Dear friends,

The Benefice churches have had much to celebrate over the past month.

At the end of June many of us were present at the Cathedral in Bury St. Edmunds for the Ordination service for one of our church congregation, Gill Green, who for many years was a Reader at Ousden and has served on the Benefice Ministry Team and taken services around the Benefice churches. It was a wonderful occasion, the cathedral full, literally standing room only! A lunch was organised by the Benefice for Gill, her family and friends, members of the Benefice churches and some of her new parishioners. Gill is serving as Deacon at Stour Valley Benefice, (Clare, Cavendish and various parishes). We look forward to her return in a few years time to serve our Benefice once again.

The following Sunday five of our members were Confirmed by the Bishop of Dunwich at Cavendish Church. Many people from the Benefice went to support our candidates. From all accounts this was a lovely and memorable service. Our candidates have are now able to receive Holy Communion in our churches and take a full part in the life of the church. We welcome them into our fellowship and pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to grow in them and direct their lives in the service of God and His church.

The work to complete phase three of the restoration works has been successful. Over the last few years over £250,000 has been spent on the building! Much of this has come from grants from English Heritage and other bodies. Large amounts of fund raising took place and still continue to take place under the leadership of the All Saints' Wickhambrook Restoration Committee.

A Church building belongs to the whole community. The community of Wickhambrook has responded very generously in supporting the fundraising events, as have the other parishes of the Benefice.

To celebrate completion of the major works of restoration, a service was organised in the middle of July. Bishop Clive was invited to preach, the Archdeacon came along as did the patrons of the restoration, PCC members, representatives of various village organisations and many parishioners from the Benefice. The church resounded to happy songs of praise. The sun shone hot and warm, the Bishop spoke powerfully of the power of the Spirit behind all the restoration works on this holy Temple, participation in the service by various people, with wonderful refreshments served in the church grounds afterwards. It was a glorious occasion, one which will be long remembered in the history of Wickhambrook Church.

What has happened at Wickhambrook church could happen in the other churches too. In fact at some it has happened in the past. Denston church is in a wonderful state of repair because of the restoration which took place in the not too distant past. The next church building for us to consider are Cowlinge and Stradishall. Grants will be sourced and fund raising restoration committees formed. If you would like to be involved in these important community projects please do let me or one of the churchwardens know.

The summer is now upon us. There are more events taking place around the Benefice churches and in the villages. Harvest suppers are already being planned for the end of summer, and dare I say carol services too!!

Whatever you do this summer just remember the many blessing you have received from the Almighty, and take time to give thanks.

Revd Ian M. Finn

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