It’s good to look back and reflect on what we have achieved in the last 12 months in Salt and Hopton. The church is a focal point of the village and the heart of where key events of our lives are recorded.
We celebrated the baptism of Donald, Grace and Olivia, and two weddings between Stella and Alex and James and Amy.
Both were happy occasions, but we also said our goodbyes to members of the community we loved; Pat Scott, John and Beryl Rock and Frank Stubbs.
We tend to take the church for granted, but when we need it and need its support our faith brings us together.
Overall attendance has been maintained and at key dates through the year, such as Easter and Christmas the community came to celebrate the events with the regular church goers. Do remember, you are always
welcome to attend our Sunday service or have quiet time during the week when the church is open.
Our major events have all been supported by the communities of Salt and Hopton. The Rock Choir, our Murder Mystery evening, cake sales and our summer fete all contributed to funding the running of the church.
All these efforts enabled us to commence the renovation work on the roof and the chancel area. The hiccup of finding brown long eared bats in residence, the roof slates crumbling whilst being removed and the investigation of the leaning bellcote to ensure stability, all resulted in the two bells being taken down and not rehung. They are now in storage at Taylor Bells Foundry. Hopefully, they will be reinstated in the future.
We came in on budget partly because of the generosity of our congregation, our community and the local businesses who responded so positively to our roof appeal.
We thank you for your support. We couldn’t have done it without YOU. Part of the £50,000 we needed came from grants and we thank Salt Parish Council, The Benefactor Trust, Stafford Historic Churches, Edward Cadbury Trust, William Lasslett Trust, Congregational and General, and Garfield Weston for their contributions. The work on the church has resulted in the chancel area being made watertight and it will prevent the interior from deteriorating further.
We have more to do this year.
We rounded off the year with the Carol Service and our beautiful Christmas tree and nativity scenes both inside and outside the church, installed by the Scott family. It was attended by people from both Salt and Hopton, who enjoyed the carols and readings and generously donated £160.00 to Stafford Baby Bank. This gift was greatly appreciated.
We look forward to the year ahead and hope that our faith, with the support from the community, will enable our church to prosper and serve you all in the months ahead.
Thanks must go to Janet Stubbs, our Church Warden, who has worked tirelessly over the last few years to enable the major repair work on Salt Church to take place, by applying for grants, completing Faculties and organising events.

Thank You for the amazing celebration in Salt Church of the life of my husband, David, on Friday 17th April.
I was overwhelmed at the turn out, with people having to stand at the back, to share the service with our many friends and family. There were representatives from the many organisations he had belonged to and loved.
The church looked beautiful with fresh flowers, wonderful organ music and hymns sung to their capacity. The eulogy was read by Steve Parkhouse, who related the colourful life David and the family had led.
The Rev'd Vivienne led us through the service in a beautiful and sensitive manner.
A poem and a bible reading were read by Amelia and Deborah, both members of the family.
Thanks must also go to the caterers, Robert Hindle, who ensured that no one went hungry: the spread was amazing and highly recommended.
I am very grateful for all the work of the church team who made it all happen and flow smoothly.
We thank you for your generous donations to the Rotary Club of Stafford Knot. The money will be assigned to a specific project.
Thank you to all who attended and sent their love. I have personally been so touched by the many cards I have been sent.

Thank you and God Bless,
Janet xx

Our vacancy for a new priest in charge will be advertised this Friday, the 17th April, and for the next 3 weeks.
We are asking that you pray God guides the right person to us to lead and support us on our journey in developing this Benefice.
Please pray:
- that God shows us the way forward by attracting a new priest.
- that God helps us to continue to build a vision of One Church Family across our many Parishes.
- for our Benefice, our individual churches, PCCs and the Team Council.
-- that we embrace the journey he has mapped out for us and our Benefice.

OUR NEXT SERVICE IS:
17th May Holy Communion at 11-15am, led by Rev'd Vivienne Starkie.

OUR OTHER SERVICES:
24th May Holy Communion at 9-30am, St. Peter's Church, Hopton, led by Rev'd Duncan Leake.
31st May Praise Together with Christians Against Poverty Holy Communion at 10-00am, All Saints' Church, Sandon, led by Rev'd Vivienne Starkie.

For services in other churches please click on "Church Services Across Mid-Trent Team" to see our service rotas.
We try to make our church services as friendly as possible. Please don’t worry about getting things ‘wrong’. Even if they notice, people won’t mind. At Communion services, everyone is equally welcome, whether you feel able to share the bread and wine or prefer just to stay seated for a time of quiet. Finally, we are interested in you, not what you are wearing.

Christians Against Poverty offers free help for anyone struggling with debt. They work through local churches to give practical support that aims to bring hope, freedom and a fresh start. We welcome representatives from CAP to our Praise Together Team Service at All Saints' on 31st May