Revd Graham Wilkins writesEvery Parish Church in the country has an electoral roll of people who have chosen to be connected with a specific church. A few facts about the electoral roll:You can still very much be part of St Peter's or St Andrew's even if you are not on the Electoral Roll.You can join the electoral roll if you are baptised (and almost 16 or over) and either resident in the parish or a regular worshipper at one of our churches.If you would class yourself as a worshipper at our church but haven't been able to make it due to illness/being abroad/any other reason, you can still join our electoral roll. This therefore includes anyone who joins in on Zoom or who would like to.It costs nothing to join the electoral roll - for either you or the church.If you are already on the electoral roll, there is no need to worry about anything. If you would like to be on the electoral roll, the relevant form is attached. There should also be copies in church. Please get the forms back to us by the end of the week.
The gathering around the Cathedral’s Peace Globe on Sunday 15 March is an opportunity for people to show solidarity with all who are suffering as a result of the unrest in the Middle East and in other places of conflict around the world.The hour-long vigil will begin at 5pm. The Universal Prayer for Peace will be said by the Dean of Norwich (and former vicar of Cringleford), Andrew Braddock. People will be invited to light candles and join in a time of silence and reflection in the Cathedral Nave.Further details on the cathedral website.Image courtesy Norwich Cathedral.
Tim Harle, one of our Licensed Lay Ministers (LLMs), joined over 70 fellow LLMs for a training morning at Norwich Cathedral on 7 March. The morning was split into two sessions:Let everything that has breath praise the Lord: the science and theology of climate change and nature loss, led by Bishop Graham.What can I do in my life and my parish?, led by Barbara Bryant, Norwich Diocese Environment Officer and Norman Johnson, LLM in the Heart of Norfolk benefice and an Eco-Chaplain.The morning started and ended with worship, and was followed by an excellent lunch courtesy of Bread Source.Tim says we should watch out for snippets turning up in sermons in months to come. 'Bishop Graham dealt with some really big global issues, but I was also struck by practical examples from Barbara and Norman. It's not always that you get to consider big theological questions from the book of Genesis alongside choice of cleaning materials for church buildings'.Photo courtesy Barbara Bryant.
Revd Graham Wilkins is taking on the additional role of Rural Dean for Norwich South. Graham comments, 'This shouldn't have too much of an impact from the view of St Peter's and St Andrew's, but your prayers will be very much appreciated'.Secondly, Graham has been given an overdue sabbatical this year. A sabbatical in the Church of England is a period of time where you don't do your normal duties for a few months after about seven years in post...and Graham is coming up to 10 years in Cringleford and Colney. This means he will be away from 6 July until 20 September. Graham sees this as a hopeful opportunity: 'We have a good team and between them, others getting a chance to use their gifts in different ways, and a God who is both gracious and compassionate I am certain the benefice will be in good hands.'The photo shows Graham engaging in one of his favourite activities - drinking coffee. We are sure this will stand him in good stead both in conversations as Rural Dean, and during his sabbatical studies.
The season of Lent starts on Ash Wednesday, 18 February. In this short video, Revd Graham Wilkins talks about fresh starts and the beginning of Lent. Graham introduces the Draw Near resources we will be using, and invites anyone interested to join in the Holy Communion service at St Peter's at 7pm.
