Staying strong in a hostile world – how to thrive not just survive! There are many of us who wonder what the future will hold. What will the years ahead look like for us, our children, our community and our world? Changes in world stability and world climate are beyond our control and yet impact us increasingly. With this in mind, let me say that there has never been a better time to look at the Book of Daniel in the Bible! Through the prophet Daniel, the reader of this book will unearth the wonderful reminder of an all-powerful and all-knowing God who is in absolute control of all events in history whatever is unfolding on our world stage. Daniel will show us how to thrive, not just survive, as a believer in an increasingly alien and chaotic world. John Calvin believed the book of Daniel gave the believer everything they needed to guide them from the starting post to the goal. What a great endorsement to read this part of God’s word together this Autumn! We are starting a 7 part course in the Book of Daniel beginning on Thursday 10th September at 2 pm. We will meet at Chapel Farm, Fen Lane IP14 5EF for refreshments first. All are most welcome across the Benefice. No prior knowledge is needed as the discussions are informal and inclusive. Bibles can be provided so do come and join us. We will be most pleased to see you. Anne and Henry Stanford 07766830977( Anne) henrystanford@btinternet.com
FROM THE MINISTRY TEAM I have to say this last month has been a challenge for me in a few ways. We had our ‘Faith in Flowers’ at St Mary’s Gosbeck and we have had some extremely hot weather at the same time. We have not had a flower festival at Gosbeck for in excess of twenty years. A few of us were up for it - a few weren’t - but those of us who said yes gave it a go. The displays were inspired by Bible characters who lived by their faith. As we progressed we found it wasn’t difficult to fill the spaces available with such characters. I took on the story of Moses in the bulrushes. A friend assisted me in the church and others gave me some of the components and we created the display. But, what about the real thing when Moses mother decided to put him in the river when she could no longer keep his existence a secret for fear of him being one of the baby boys killed? How did she feel when she actually put him in the water? What about his sister, Miriam, who kept watch over him until he was found by Pharaoh’s daughter? What about Pharaoh’s daughter who took Moses to the palace to care for him with a huge risk of her father being angry? These three ladies all put their faith in God into practice - What a mother! What a sister! What a daughter! The Parable of the Mustard Seed was represented by Cynthia and Charlotte when Jesus told his followers the Kingdom of God is like a mustard seed which, although very small, will grow into a very large plant which will attract birds to shelter. Personal faith may start from humble, almost invisible, beginnings but it possesses the power to grow, expand and offer refuge. Rosemary’s display was titled ‘Will Your Anchor Hold in the Storms of Life?’ The anchor in flowers was delightful and gave this wonderful hymn an even more special meaning. The hymn asks believers if their faith will remain steadfast and secure during the trials of day to day life and of course we all know there are many. The chorus tells us tells us that our faith and hope in Christ is immovable. The words are incredibly dramatic in nautical imagery. This is just a few thoughts on ‘Faith in Flowers’ and there was so much fellowship and friendship evident - meeting old friends and new – all affirming our Faith in God in lots of beautiful flowers. Thanks to Judy and all who helped in any way at all with the event and those who visited our beloved St Mary’s. We thank God for a joyful weekend even though it was very hot weather! Psalm 100: vv 4 – 5 “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.” Hazel Lay Elder
FROM THE MISITRY TEAM This morning, I was trying, with the benefit of Google Maps, to find the best route from Coddenham to Ipswich station. My usual route, along the Henley Road, was closed. Much to my surprise, there were too many alternatives, on top of one another, to make sense of them on my phone! Did I prefer to go through Barham, Sproughton, or via the Asda junction, the Norwich Road, or down the Hadleigh Road, or via Westerfield, or a back road through Hemingstone – heaven help if a lorry had tried that! There were so many close to home and one another, that my usual alternative route via Witnesham didn’t even show up! I’ve just checked again and the shortest route currently involves the A14 and the Wherstead Road! Recently, we’ve suffered more than usual, I think, with potholes (about which much has been said elsewhere!) road works and road closures. A journey that might normally take 15 or 20 minutes can end up taking 30 or 40 or longer, as we navigate the diversions. To say nothing about the effect of traffic light controlled road works which – often three way controlled - can be a nightmare on popular roads at peak times. Just a drive into Ipswich earlier this week necessitated three longish waits and I imagine road works and traffic lights contributed to the myriad options I was given this morning. It struck me, as I was thinking about this, how often our journeys by road raise practical issues that you could say mirror the mental and spiritual issues we face in our journeys through life. Quite a light-hearted thought, maybe, but with a serious note underneath. How often do we plan on a course of action, but, through no fault of our own, often because of something outside our control, we are diverted from that path. Sometimes we feel lost as a result, directionless where we had thought that we knew where we were going. It can often be very difficult to navigate an alternative path to get to the same end point – to know the pitfalls or complications that might be involved in the different choices available to us. Sometimes, we face traffic lights which delay us in our journeys and something we want or are working towards, is put off into the future. We are not always patient and happy to wait. We are used to keeping a weather eye out for potholes but from time to time one catches us unawares and we shudder as the car bounces into some very deep holes and we can’t see the damage that’s been done. The same is true of life. How may times are we faced with health issues, job or relationship problems, that hit us when least expected and can leave us unsettled and anxious. Think, too, about the choices we have to make, even when the roads are flowing freely. Do we need to turn right or left at a junction, which exit should we take off a roundabout? Is it safe to go faster at this point, overtake someone in front of us? In all that we face in life, all the choices we make, or the hurdles we encounter, we can take strength, courage, support and advice from Jesus and what we learn of him from his words and actions 2000 years ago as well as from the words of those who came after him and continued his work. Jesus can, if we are prepared to learn from him, show us the right path to follow, and help us to find it again if we become diverted. He will encourage us to resist temptations around us – it is so easy to be caught up with material possessions and lose sight of what is really important. If we welcome him, he can be with us in times of trouble, helping our anxieties and bringing us calm and peace. And when we are sorry for the things that we’ve done that are wrong, he forgives us. He tells us that we should love one another. This type of love – which St Paul subsequently wrote about - is not the sort of romantic love we see in films, (although Paul’s words are very appropriate when a couple looks to marry and is thinking of a template for their relationship) or what we might say when we feel more than liking for something – I love ice cream or I love football. Paul says that if you love, you’re patient and kind. You don’t envy or boast and you’re not proud. You’re not rude or self seeking, not easily angered and you don’t keep a record of wrong doing. This love rejoices in the truth. It protects, trusts, hopes and perseveres. He finishes by saying that three things remain: faith, hope and love and that the greatest of these is love. All that explains the love that Jesus and his Father have for us. So whether you’re facing or you’ve fallen into a pothole, you’ve been forced off the path you were on and are lost or delayed, or if you have choices in front of you as to what path to take, remember what St Paul said and let the love that he spoke of, the love of Jesus and his father guide you, support you and give you courage and peace. Rev Helen Norris
Earl Stonham church is open every day from 10-4 and on Sundays from 12-4pm (to allow for services), and the churchyard remain accessible, though of course subject to government rules.You should not come to the church if you or anyone in your household has or may have had Covid or been in contact with anyone who has, have tested positive or are required to self-isolate.To us it is a very special place to worship where everyone is always welcome to visit, just to sit for a moment or to explore further.Do come and see our “very fine” (Betjeman), “one of the finest in Suffolk” (Jenkins), “beautiful, amazing, wonderful” (me) carved hammerbeam roof and look up at the angels. “Much of interest inside” (B), a “virtuoso display of Suffolk woodwork” (J).
