On a very warm Saturday 28th June, we celebrated the Ordination of our Curate Revd Alison Roberts as Priest at St Edmundsbury Cathedral along with Revd Carole Jones of Bacton Benefice and 10 others from across the Diocese, together with members of their families, friends and parishioners. The service was conducted by the Rt Revd Graeme Knowles, Acting Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich.Bishop Graeme said: ‘‘The high number of people being ordained by the Church of England in Suffolk reflects a growing interest in people across the county seeking to serve in this demanding and rewarding ministry, making a difference to others’ lives. They come from a wide range of backgrounds and this means that their experiences and skill set will appeal to people of different ages and different backgrounds. They bring with them an exciting mixture of varying outlooks on life supported by a strong foundation in the church, a blend of youth and experience, and I look forward to seeing them settle in their new roles.’’ On Sunday 29th June, Revd Alison together with her training supervisor Revd Tracey James from Needham Market celebrated Alison's 1st presiding over Holy Communion service at a special Benefice service in St Mary's church, Haughley together with a combined congregation from the Benefice of 3 Parishes of Haughley, Wetherden and Stowupland followed by a 'bring and share meal'. Message from Alison - "I wish to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart, all those in the Benefice and beyond for coming to my Ordination service and supporting me - and the many gifts and congratulations given, help, guidance and assistance received. I am truly overwhelmed and humbled by peoples generosity. Thank you and God Bless". As Alison starts on the next leg of her faith journey, we send our heartfelt good wishes and God's Blessings with her.
Follwoing the interviews held on 4th and 5th June, we are now waiting for an official notification from the Diocesan Bishop's office.Please continue to pray for our Benefice parishes and that we will not have to wait too much longer.Vacancy PrayerLoving God, as we journey together through this period of vacancy, we thank you for your everlasting faithfulness to us.At this time of uncertainty and change we ask that you send us your Holy Spirit,to fill us with your vision, energy, and faithfulness in prayer.We ask that you will help us to share responsibility, grow in faith, love one another, care for those in need and have courage to face our future and embrace the unknown, with praise in our hearts, in loving obedience to you.Amen.
It is with deep sadness that we have had to say goodbye to Revd Paul as Rector after such a short time.Here is his last statement – ‘I want to thank you all for the help and support you have given me since I arrived back in Haughley, Wetherden & Stowupland. People have been very kind and graciously afforded me the space that has been needed, particularly over the past six months. I also want to thank the ministry team and wardens who have ensured that the regular service pattern has continued in my absence.When I arrived in the benefice last year, I had every hope and confidence that being back in village ministry and in a place I knew and loved would allow me to continue my recovery from Long Covid. This has not been the case. My symptoms have continued to decline, and it is with much sadness that I have to inform you that I have made the difficult decision to retire on the grounds of ill health and therefore, have submitted my intention to leave my position on 2nd October 2024.Could I please ask for your prayers for Rachel, me, and the family? It has been exciting to see what God has been doing in the parishes, and although I am sad not to walk this journey with you, I will be praying for you all’.Revd Paul ClarkeAs we now enter another period of vacancy, the Wardens and Ministry team wish to assure you all that they will do everything they can to continue bringing regular worship to the Benefice. If you have any worries, please speak to a Church Warden or member of the Ministry Team/PCC’s.For weddings, baptisms and funerals please contact our Curate Revd. Alison Roberts.
Phone selections includes Christmas at Home on the Phone which you can sample online using the link underlined.Other online services includePrayer During the Day and Night Prayerweekly national online serviceFull details online athttps://www.churchofengland.org/resources/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-churches/dailyhope-phone-line#na