When someone whom we have loved dies their love and their legacy carries on in our own hearts and memories.As we approach the time of the year when the Church remembers All Souls and All Saints, there are various ways in which you might like to remember and give thanks for your loved ones.Light a CandleMany of our churches have places where you can light a candle, but if not, you can still light a virtual candle at www.churchofengland.org/light-a-candleSay a prayerYou can say your own prayers, or if you would like some words to help you if you are missing someone has died, they you might find the following web page helpful: www.churchofengland.org/prayers-for-the-momentCome to a special church serviceThis year all are invited to attend a special Benefice "All Souls" service on Sunday 31st October 2021 at 3.30pm in St Peter and St Paul's Church, Clare. There will be an opportunity to light a candle, and for your loved one to be named. If you cannot attend in person but would like your loved ones name to be read out, please email The Revd Mark Woodrow at rector@stourvalley.org.uk or telephone 01787 277515 and he will be happy to include them for you.For more information see the attached poster.
With an estimated cost of £200,000 this major repair and restoration project will see stonework restored, water ingress damage repaired, stained glass - including the famous "Three Graces" window cleaned, repaired and restored, and much more.During this project, we will endeavour to maintain access for all wishing to visit, to pray, or to reflect, but there may be times when this isn't possible, so if you are travelling any distance please do get in touch first to check.Donations towards the cost of this project would be welcomed, smaller amounts may be placed in the wall safe by the South Door, for larger amounts or to make a gift via Bank Transfer, please contact our Churchwarden and Treasurer: Mr Don Ramsey (01440 268598 or don@clanramsey.com or Rosegarth, Calford Green, Kedington CB9 7UN).
We are aware that not everyone is able to join us in church every Sunday (or other Holy Days) be that because of infirmity, global pandemics! or simply because of other family commitments.For all those who worship at home, Revd Mark continues to record a church service with hymns and to which you are invited to also receive "Spiritual Communion".All the services are available to join in and watch via our Benefice YouTube channel which can be found at:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC14s6rswnzBRSthXXoZl5-QEach week Revd Mark also produces a weekly email giving details of services, events and other church activities, as well as also attaching a service booklet to accompany the online service. If you would like to receive this please contact him (details in the "Get in touch" tab)
Thy Kingdom Come is a global prayer movement that invites Christians around the world to pray from Ascension to Pentecost for more people to come to know Jesus. Since its start in May 2016 God has grown Thy Kingdom Come from a dream of possibility into a movement. Christians from 172 countries have taken part in praying ‘Come Holy Spirit’, so that friends and family, neighbours and colleagues might come to faith in Jesus Christ.This praying together has been across our diversity and differences as every person, household and church are encouraged to pray in their own way. According to our annual survey findings an astonishing percentage of people said they were praying for family and friends to come to faith in Jesus, and a significant number of people join in for the first time, we recognise there is much more we can do together to help Thy Kingdom Come be fully in the lifeblood of the Church. During the 11 days of Thy Kingdom Come, it is hoped that everyone who takes part will:(1) Deepen their own relationship with Jesus Christ.(2) Pray for 5 friends or family to come to faith in Jesus.(3) Pray for the empowerment of the Spirit that we would be effective in our witness.After the very first Ascension Day the disciples gathered with Mary, constantly devoting themselves to prayer while they waited for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Like them, our reliance on the gift of the Holy Spirit is total – on our own we can do nothing.Through the centuries Christians have gathered at that time to pray for the coming of the Holy Spirit. ‘Thy Kingdom Come’ picks up this tradition. Over the years more and more worshipping communities have dedicated the days between Ascension and Pentecost to pray ‘Come Holy Spirit’.We are praying that the Spirit will inspire and equip us to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with our friends and families, our communities and networks. It has been amazing how many varied ways there have been in which people from every tradition have taken up this challenge. The effects have been remarkable.It is our prayer that those who have not yet heard the Good News of Jesus Christ and his love for the world will hear it for themselves, and respond and follow Him. Specifically, we again invite each and every Christian across the globe to pray that God’s Spirit might work in the lives of 5 friends who have not responded with their ‘Yes’ to God’s call.Whether you have joined in ‘Thy Kingdom Come’ before or not, we invite you to take part – along with churches from over 80 different denominations & traditions in nearly 90% of countries (172) around the world.“In praying 'Thy Kingdom Come' we all commit to playing our part in the renewal of the nations and the transformation of communities." Archbishop Justin Welby#ThyKingdomComehttps://www.thykingdomcome.global/
