Suffolk’s most senior Church of England clergyman has spoken of his profound sadness at the death of Her Majesty the Queen - and said her decades of service are without parallel. The Rt Rev Martin Seeley, Bishop of the St Edmundsbury and Ipswich Diocese, expressed his deep sorrow at the death of Her Majesty the Queen.Bishop Martin said: “We send our sincere condolences to her family. Her Majesty visited the Diocese on a number of occasions during her reign, and during each visit the warmth of feeling the people had for her was clear. I know she had a particular affection for Suffolk.“Through her decades of devotion to her role and to the people of the Commonwealth she has given us all remarkable focus of constancy and stability, and an example of self-giving service. She was always clear how her Christian faith was at the heart of this, and how she found in her faith strength, fortitude and hope.“She was a wonderful ambassador for Britain and an example to us all. I know people will want to pay their own personal tributes to someone who has been a part of this great country’s fabric for so many years. “Books of condolence have been opened across the churches in our Diocese. As a mark of respect for Her Majesty the Queen, flags on all churches are also being flown at half-mast.“Her family are much in our prayers, and in particular we hold His Majesty the King in our prayers as he accedes to the throne.”Arrangements have been made to enable members of the public to lay floral tributes at St Edmundsbury Cathedral.The Dean of St Edmundsbury, The Very Reverend Joe Hawes, said: “As a nation and Commonwealth we begin to come to terms today with the loss of The Queen, who has been for the vast majority of us a point of stability and fidelity throughout our lives.“As we give thanks for Her Majesty’s 70 years of love and service for her people, we commit her to the arms of the God whose love has been her mainstay, and we pledge our loyalty and service as Church and Nation to His Majesty the King.”
As the current economic situation is really starting to hit those who are least able to weather these challenges, we are setting up a FREE Community Pantry inside St Peter & St Paul's Church, Clare, where anyone can "Take what they need or Leave what they can"We are encouraging all within the community who are perhaps better off, to leave donations of non-perishable items such as:Pasta, Rice and Instant NoodlesJars of Pasta and Curry SaucesTins of Beans, Potatoes, Vegetables, Soups.Packets of Breakfast CerealsBottles of SquashUHT Long Life MilkToiletries for both Adults and Children (Shampoo, Shower Gel, Soap, Toothpaste)Nappies (all sizes) and Wipes.General Household Cleaning Items.Please do make sure that any items are within their Use By/Best Before Dates.The Community Pantry can be found inside the Church, on the right hand side if you enter from the South Door.Revd Mark and Ministers in other churches in the area, are also able to make referrals to the Foodbanks in Haverhill and Sudbury in addition to the Community Pantry.Thank you in advance for your support. Revd Mark
In Zimbabwe, the climate crisis is causing aching hunger for families like Jessica’s.For the first time in a generation, global poverty is rising. The combined effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, conflict, and drought have robbed communities like Jessica's of the power to provide for their children. It's unjust.This Christian Aid Week:We stand with the resilient women - like Jessica - who are determined to lift their families out of hungerWe raise our voices to call for climate justiceWe pray that families will stay strong during times of droughtTogether, we hope to restore justice to our world, and protect the future for our children and grandchildren. Please give to help women grow crops that survive in the drought. You can help turn hunger into hope.With every gift, every action, every prayer, every one of us can change lives. You can make a donation here:https://envelope.christianaid.org.uk/envelope/stour-valley-benefice
A Message from Bishop MartinThe crisis in Ukraine is creating a humanitarian catastrophe, as all of us can see from the daily news reports. Bishop Mike and I are calling on all the parishes and congregations of the Diocese this Lent to raise funds through collections, individual gifts, events and activities, to respond to the terrible situation the people of Ukraine are facing, both in the country and as refugees. We are very grateful to be in partnership with World Vision who will receive our donations and handle the gift aid. Please follow the instructions on this World Vision webpage to make your donation, and please make donations as you receive them so that they reach the people in desperate need as soon as possible. Be assured that every pound goes directly to those in need. World Vision is also part of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), whose appeal is supported by the UK Government. We ask you to be as generous as possible, and to continue to pray fervently for the end of the military operation and for peace. With prayers for you and for the children and families affected by the conflict in Ukraine.
