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.

Lent is a special time in the Christian Year when people get ready for Easter. It lasts for 40 days - not counting Sundays - and begins on Ash Wednesday, the 18th February. This season reminds Christians of the time Jesus spent in the wilderness, praying and preparing for his ministry.
During Lent, many people choose to give up something they enjoy, like sweets or screen time. Perhaps they try to do something kind, such as helping others. Some people read the Bible more, join church activities, or give to charity as a way of showing love and care. This is because Lent is a season of reflection, self‑discipline, and learning to be more like Jesus.
Lent is a time to think about how we can grow to be more like the people God made us to be. Just as spring brings new life to the world, Lent helps Christians prepare for the joy of Easter - the celebration of Jesus rising again and bringing forgiveness and new beginnings to us.
Lent can feel serious, but it is full of hope. Lent reminds us that everyone can make a fresh start, and that acts of kindness and thoughtfulness can make a big difference. By the time Easter arrives, we can be ready to celebrate the new life and love that Jesus brings.

The World day of prayer is a worldwide event that is held across the Christian communities. This year the women of Nigeria prepared the service which shared with us the struggles that Christians and particularly women face in Nigeria. Here in the UK we take our faith for granted. Not in Nigeria, where Christians face persecution, yet it is their strong faith that enables women to survive. The mortality rate is far higher there than here. Lone females bringing up children face financial pressures, often
exacerbated by their late husbands family deserting them. Education has to be paid for in Nigeria so when it's a choice between putting food on the table and providing uniform for the children, we know what gets sacrificed.
Around twenty members of the benefice gathered at St James the Great in Salt to learn more about the situation of Nigerian women and to celebrate their achievements.
The service was uplifting and enlightening as we heard what can be achieved with a little faith and support.
God Bless our Nigerian sisters!

On Palm Sunday we remembered the time when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey.
Well, we couldn't get a real donkey for our Team Service in Salt this year, but Salt Art Group offered to make us a donkey to be part of our celebrations.
Under Sue Chatterton's supervision, each member of her class was given a postcard size piece of paper and image.
The instruction was to copy the image onto the card.
When all placed together they formed 'Patches'.
Visitors to St, James' can still see how Patches welcomed the Palm Sunday procession into Salt Church.
Sue Chatterton can be contacted on: 07714 - 100921

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If you wish to make a donation towards the cost of the Easter lilies and flower displays, in memory of a loved one, please contact Margaret Walls, Janet Stubbs or Chris Crookes by April 1st.
The church will be open over the Easter weekend.

OUR NEXT SERVICE IS:
5th April Holy Communion at 9-30am, led by Rev'd Vivienne Starkie.

OUR OTHER SERVICES:
12th April Praise Together Holy Communion and Christening at 10-00am, St. Andrew's Church, Weston, led by Rev'd Vivienne Starkie and Andy Cooper.
19th April Holy Communion at 11-15am, led by Rev'd Vivienne Starkie.
26th April Morning Praise at 9-30am, St. Peter's Church, Hopton, led by Andy Cooper.

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.