FROM THE MINISTRY TEAM “In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths” Proverbs 3: v: 6 The verse from Proverbs is written in the front of Bibles given to both me and my sister, Heather, by our grandparents at our confirmation on 28th February 1962 at Stonham Aspal Church. We were also given a small book called ‘In His Presence’ by Rev Derek Hill who was our parish priest at the time. I remember the cycle rides to Crowfield Rectory for lessons and it was freezing outside and inside The Rectory but we always made it there and back - I suspect I would moan a bit but that would be ignored. I guess this book is given to all who go to confirmation. I have taken a few ‘snippets’ from In His Presence which makes me think so much has changed but at the same time it hasn’t since 1962! I have used this little book many times over the years especially when ensuring the Holy Communion components are correctly prepared. “Each night our private prayers should be modelled like this: Adoration Confession Thanksgiving Supplication Such prayers are ACTS indeed, true acts of worship. Confirmation is in the Bible - it was practiced by the Apostles. We read about it in the New Testament and the Church has administered it ever since. Acts Chapter 8 gives us some relevant verses. Philip had gone to Samaria preaching and teaching. Then the Apostles came from Jerusalem and ‘laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Ghost’ i.e. confirmed them. In the same way after you have been carefully instructed and prepared, the Bishop comes and ‘lays his hands’ upon you, and you receive the Holy Ghost. The word ‘confirmation’ came later. The word means strengthening. How To Read The Bible How much of the Bible you read is not nearly so important as how your read it. Offer a mental prayer first that God may speak to you through the passage chosen. Then read very slowly, making a great effort of imagination. Picture the scene, get inside’ what you are reading, feel yourself there and taking part. Try to apply it to yourself. What is the message for you? Probably you will want to say a prayer about it. All this is an art - it needs practice. Don’t be disappointed if you do not get on too well at first. Persevere.” Practice - Persevere - Pray! God will always reward us with His grace and goodness. Hazel Chittock – Lay Elder
If you are a regular church goer in our parishes, you may possibly have noticed that I haven’t been around in church – or anywhere else for that matter – since early October, having been limping badly for many months before that. I had a hip replacement several years ago, which had failed quite dramatically (hence the penguin like gait!) and so I’ve needed what is called a hip revision. It’s a lengthy and complicated operation and I can’t express enough my gratitude for the skill and care that I’ve received from my consultant and the staff at the Elective Orthopaedic Centre at Colchester, as well as the staff in the physiotherapy department at Ipswich hospital. Like many people in similar situations, I imagined that I would be fully recovered in a matter of weeks and so the pain, immobility and frustration at what I saw as a lack of progress over recent months have been extremely difficult. I’ve only been out a few times, other than to the hospital, but am finally – as of last week - down to one crutch with permission to walk without when I feel strong enough. It’ll be a good few months before I’m walking easily and without discomfort, but onwards and upwards. One of the main things that has kept me going and lifted my spirts in the intervening months has been the love and support I’ve received from friends, From the first texts “are you up for a visit yet?” shortly after I came out of hospital, to the cards, the folk who’ve visited, the friends who had a rota to help me with food and climbing the stairs when Paul had to go to London and to collect me from the hospital when he wasn’t available, to the videos of parts of the carol services forwarded to me before Christmas. And most importantly, the way that Paul, my husband has cared for me over recent months, taking the “in sickness and in health” in our marriage vows all those years ago to new levels! Though I can’t mention everything and everyone, it has all meant so much. I have been blessed. Whilst my experience is obviously personal, it’s made me reflect on how care and compassion are some of the foundations that hold our society together. Indeed Margaret Mead, anthropologist, is said to have commented that civilization began with a healed femur, explaining that the broken thigh bone had healed and the person whose bone it was had survived the injury. That, to her, showed that someone had cared for the injured individual (providing food, protection) when they couldn't help themselves, a hallmark of compassion and cooperation over pure survival-of-the-fittest. In other words, helping someone else through difficulty is where civilization starts. Of course, care and compassion for others are basic tenets of our Christian faith, too. Jesus said that what denoted his true followers, was the way they treated their fellows: true Christians were and are those who serve the needs of the vulnerable and needy. I know that there is already so much concern and care for others throughout our villages, but it’s always worth thinking again about anyone we know of who may need a visit, or help with shopping, or a lift somewhere; and you might think of telling someone in the village church now, as they can then help too. So, from the comfort of my chair, and writing, as I am, in mid January, may I wish everyone every good wish for 2026, and may showing love, care and compassion for others be one of our New Year resolutions.Rev'd Helen Norris Assistant Priest
The Bible Course 2026 The Bible Course is running next year starting on Tuesday 13th January 2026. It explores the big story of the Bible giving a beautiful view of God’s purpose for planet earth – stretching back to creation and forward to eternity. Through the course, we will learn how to make sense of the Bible for ourselves and discover where we fit into the story. If you have ever wondered what relevance this best- selling book has today or feel uncertain where to start reading it for yourself, or simply curious to know more, then you are most welcome to join the course! It is a great opportunity to explore the Bible like never before. Why not invite a friend to come with you. No prior knowledge is required. The course runs for 8 weeks starting on 13th January at 6pm in Earl Stonham Village Hall. There is a warm supper with wine beforehand. To book a place contact either Anne or Henry Stanford annestanford@btinternet.com or 07766830977
