GRATWICH NEWSLETTER <span style="font-size: 1rem;">DECEMBER 2021</span> GRATWICH SERVICES IN DECEMBER <span style="font-size: 1rem;">IN ST. MARY’S</span>SUNDAY 12th 11.15am HOLY COMMUNIONCHRISTMAS EVE CRIB SERVICE 7.30pmWith Mulled wine & Mince Pies Please wrap up warmly when you come to the Crib Service as the heating is not working!It would be lovely if everyone wore their Christmas Jumpers/Hats/Nativity Costumes.Well, what a year we have had – this time last year we were in lockdown, all services were via Zoom and Christmas was very quiet! This year we have the problem of no heating in church whilst we await the rewiring in the New Year. Fund raising is going well, so far <span style="font-size: 1rem;">with your help, we have raised £2500 and only just started. As soon as the estimate comes </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">in for the rewiring we will be able to start applying for grants from various organisations towards the costs.</span>Many thanks to Carolyn for starting the fundraising off last month by holding the lovely Bonfire & Firework Party (and everyone who helped her) it was so good to see everyone. We also have lots of exciting events planned from now until September 2022 the dates of which will be in January Newsletter.Starting with the Carol Singing Evening and Auction 11th December (see attached flier).At the Carol Singing Evening there will be an opportunity to hang a card to remember <span style="font-size: 1rem;">loved ones on the Christmas Tree, Sue will have some cards at the event.</span> On December 12th, the community in St George’s Chapel, Windsor will be praying <span style="font-size: 1rem;">for us, as one of the Dean and Canons’ patronages.</span>I have taken the liberty of sending them our Area prayers for December so they may <span style="font-size: 1rem;">pray our prayers with us.</span>They send their good wishes to us all too.Kind regards,LesleyLesley J White (Mrs), Area Coordinator and PA to Area Rector for Uttoxeter Area of Parishes.EVENTS IN DECEMBERCHRISTMAS MARKET Saturday 4th December 10.00am – 3.00pm at St. Michael’s Church Rocester (Santa will be there 1.00 – 3.00pm) CAROL SINGING EVENING Saturday 11th December 7.00pm onwards on St. Mary’s CHURCH CROFT, GratwichWith an opportunity to hang a remembrance card on the treeCHRISTMAS COFFEE MORNING Tuesday 14th December 10.30am – 11.45amMarchington Woodlands Village Hall with a raffle, mince pies, jams & pickles, cardsCHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL 19th – 24th December 10.00am – 4.00pm daily in St. Mary’s Church, Uttoxeter 100 CLUB – November - drawn at the Zoom service on Sunday 28th November 1st Rosemary Hollins2nd Angela & Matt Downing3rd Sophia CapewellThe next draw will be at the Crib service on Christmas EveCLEANING ROTACarol Woolley & Jenny Talbot Area Staff letter for December 2021 from Rev. Chris BrownDear friends, As I sit writing this letter to you all I am reminded by the weather of how the seasons progress through our lives. Last night we put our clocks back an hour rising this morning in expectation of a light and bright morning. But no, it was dark and dismal until ten thirtyish. All of a sudden the sun shone brightly through the church windows dazzling everyone inside. All this helped me to focus on this December letter. As we approach the celebration of the arrival of the Christ child into our world, and probably more importantly into our lives, we spend Advent preparing ourselves to greet Christ. In preparing any letter or talk about Jesus I always try to place myself in his time so that I can attempt to understand something of what he was talking about, in the context of the world as it was then. How would the people of Jesus’ time have seen today? Would they have been able to comprehend the freedom we have? Would changing the hour on the clocks make them smile and say “you cannot change the weather or the happenings of the seasons”? Could they take on board the busyness of our lives? As the people struggled under the weight of the Roman occupation the promise from the Prophets of better things to come must have seemed like a bright beacon before their eyes something to look forward to, a promise of freedom, a promise of light and the fulfilment of God’s covenant with his people. When you read this letter will we be in similar circumstances? Listening to the experts on the news and in the papers it would appear we are heading for a time of severe shortages. With the aftereffects of the pandemic still hovering over us are we in a similar position to the people of Jesus’ time? The threat of another lockdown looming over us. The rising numbers of infections. Seeing the nurses and doctors straining to cope. The times of darkness seem to be all about us, but, as Pip says in Dickens novel, we have “great expectations” in the fact that God has never ever turned away from us and always pours out his unconditional love on us all the time, in the sending of his Son, Jesus, born in a dark and oppressed time, in a dark and dismal stable to bring us all hope and love, not just over the Christmas period but in all our lives.All God’s blessings. Chris. For further information please contact:Rev. Charles Dale 01889 500428: email: revcharles.dale@btinternet.comJenny Talbot: 01889 50241 email: jenny477@btinternet.comFacebook: St. Mary’s Church Gratwich
GRATWICH NEWSLETTERNOVEMBER 2021O Lord, support us all the day longUntil the shadows lengthen and the evening comesThe busy world is hushed, the fever of life is over And our work is done. Then in your mercy grant us a safe lodging A holy rest And peace at the last. GRATWICH SERVICES IN NOVEMBERSUNDAY 14th 11.15am REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICE SUNDAY 28th 7.00pm Evening Prayer VIA ZOOMNo need to book a seat now. <span style="font-size: 1rem;">We are still keeping social distancing and hand sanitising</span>Please join us for the 11.15 service on 14th November – we will be having the two minutes silence to remember those who gave their lives in war and also we will be lighting candles to remember our own loved ones who have died.BlessingsRev. CharlesWhat a wonderful occasion our Harvest Festival was this year, full church for both the service and lunch. It was a joy to be all together again and celebrate the end of Harvest with thanks to God and a meal and chat afterwards.Many thanks to Rev. Dale for the uplifting service and to all the ladies of Gratwich who decorated the church and provided the delicious lunch – and of course to all who came along and made it such a special event.As mentioned in last month’s Newsletter – the church building is in need of upgrading.With this month’s newsletter is a leaflet explaining in more detail and suggesting ways in which people can help.Our next venture is the Bonfire and Fireworks evening on 5th November. This has now sold out – so again thank you to all who are coming along, such amazing support!The next events after Bonfire will be:Carol Singing on the Croft – 11th December 7.00pm onwards. Refreshments, Raffle and Collection. Crib Service – Christmas Eve 7.30pm in St. Mary’s. Refreshments and Collection.There is also a box at the back of church for donations of groceries for our local foodbank.EVENTS OTHER PARISHES20th November 10.00am – 12 noon CHRISTMAS FAIR in St. Mary’s Uttoxeter 13th November 3.00pm- CONCERT – Checkley ChurchAs you may know, the choir (Barbara Walton Singers) in which I have been singing for the last thirty years has closed down due to costs and other factors. The choir has given Christmas concerts in Checkley Church biennially throughout that time, for Barbara Walton lived in the parish.But all is not lost. A group of five professional singers, including David Burrowes, its musical director, are giving free concerts in different churches.They will be coming to Checkley Church to give a concert for one hour; this will include part songs, madrigals and a few religious pieces. Any donations given by attenders would be for the church. Please spread the word and hopefully we will have a good turnout in response to this kind initiative. Irene Smith13th November 7.30pm CONCERT – St.Mary’s UttoxeterUttoxeter Town Band & The Heath Belles are in concert to celebrate 100 years of the Royal British Legion in St.Mary’s Church, Uttoxeter also on the 13th November.Free entry with a collection at the end.100 CLUB – October– drawn at the Zoom Meeting on 26th October1st Leo Woolley 2nd John Lander 3rd Luca SelvaggiThe next draw will be at the evening Zoom service on 28th November.CHURCH CLEANING NOVEMBER - Claire and Sue CapewellNow St. Mary’s is open again we will need to keep the dust at bay.I am using the existing cleaning rota – if anyone needs to change month or anyone like to join the rota that would be great – please let me know (Jenny 01889 502471)CONFIRMATION CLASSESIf anyone would like to be confirmed classes are starting now – 14th November.Bishop Matthew will be taking the confirmation service on 13th February 2022.Please contact Rev. Dale for more information (01889 500428) AREA LETTER FROM THE RECTORY.2020/2021 has been unprecedented as we have faced the uncertainty, anxiety, changes and grief caused by the Covid pandemic. Much has been lost – people, jobs, schooling, freedoms, routines and perhaps even hope. This year, the Season of Remembering, from All Souls’ to Remembrance Day, has an added poignancy and there is special need in our communities to pause, reflect and remember. What this looks like will be different in different contexts.Loss is often compounded and any specific service or activity will remind people of unresolved past or present loss and pain. There is often a need to ‘do’ something and to ‘mark’ a loss to help to bring closure and healing. This year why not take a moment to specifically think about the losses that you have had over these past couple of years. In most of our Area churches an All Souls’ Day service will be taking place on or near 2nd November, ask at your local church when theirs is. At this service we will remember those who have died at any time and in any way, especially those who have died during 2020/21. There may be a Remembrance Service around 11th November which will be specifically about people who have died in the world wars or armed service. If you are not able to go to a service there are other ways to remember someone. A virtual candle can be lit on www.churchofenglandfunerals.org/lightacandle Or you could stop for a moment somewhere and remember someone close to you and use this prayer, you may want to light a candle at home as you say it.God our Father, We thank you for the person we knew, The years we shared, the good we saw, and the love we received. Turn the darkness of death into the dawn of new life, And the sorrow of parting into the joy of heaven. Amen. Blessings Rev MargaretFor further information about anything in the newsletter, please contact:Rev. Charles Dale 01889 500428: email: revcharles.dale@btinternet.comJenny Talbot: 01889 502471 email: jenny477@btinternet.comFacebook: St. Mary’s Church Gratwich
AREA LETTER FROM THE RECTORY. 2020/2021 has been unprecedented as we have faced the uncertainty, anxiety, changes and grief caused by the Covid pandemic. Much has been lost – people, jobs, schooling, freedoms, routines and perhaps even hope. This year, the Season of Remembering, from All Souls’ to Remembrance Day, has an added poignancy and there is special need in our communities to pause, reflect and remember. What this looks like will be different in different contexts. Loss is often compounded and any specific service or activity will remind people of unresolved past or present loss and pain. There is often a need to ‘do’ something and to ‘mark’ a loss to help to bring closure and healing. This year why not take a moment to specifically think about the losses that you have had over these past couple of years. In most of our Area churches an All Souls’ Day service will be taking place on or near 2nd November, ask at your local church when theirs is. At this service we will remember those who have died at any time and in any way, especially those who have died during 2020/21. There may be a Remembrance Service around 11th November which will be specifically about people who have died in the world wars or armed service. If you are not able to go to a service there are other ways to remember someone. A virtual candle can be lit on www.churchofenglandfunerals.org/lightacandle Or you could stop for a moment somewhere and remember someone close to you and use this prayer, you may want to light a candle at home as you say it. God our Father, we thank you for the person we knew, the years we shared, the good we saw, and the love we received. Turn the darkness of death into the dawn of new life, and the sorrow of parting into the joy of heaven. Amen. Blessings Rev Margaret
GRATWICH NEWSLETTEROCTOBER 2021 - <span style="font-size: 1rem;">GRATWICH SERVICES IN OCTOBER</span>SUNDAY 3rd 7.00pm Evening Prayer VIA ZOOM SUNDAY 10th 12 noon HARVEST FESTIVAL SERVICEFollowed by Harvest Lunch also in church SUNDAY 24th 7.00pm Evening Prayer No need to book a seat now We are still keeping social distancing and hand sanitising You are very welcome to come to just the Harvest Service on the 10th October, Harvest Service and Lunch or just the Lunch, we don’t mind.But if you would like to come to the lunch - please let Jenny know (01889 502471)by 2nd October.There will be a box will be at the back of church for any donations of groceries for our local foodbankAs you may (or may not!) know St. Mary’s building is in need of rewiring, water connecting, toilet installing and re-decorating! The vision of the PCC is to bring it up to date without changing it’s appearance thus making it usable for services and social events – as the only public building in the village it has such potential!The details of how these things will be achieved will be available at the Harvest Lunch.Lots of events being planned to look forward to – dates for your diary so far are:5th November – Bonfire, Fireworks & Best Guy Competition – see flier26th November - Auction11th December – Carol Singing on the Croft22nd January - Fizz & Quiz evening via Zoom12th February - Murder Mystery EveningPhone Jenny (01889 502471) for more details. 100 CLUB – September– drawn at the Evening Service on 26th September1st Millie Capewell 2nd Sally-Anne Lander 3rd Nicola RecineThe next draw will be at the evening service on 24th October in church .EVENTS OTHER PARISHES2nd October 10.00am – 12 AUTUMN FAIR in St. Mary’s, Uttoxeter2nd October 7.00pm St. John’s Marchington Woodlands HARVEST SUPPER (supper tickets from: G Salt 01283 821587)3rd October 12.30pm onwards HARVEST FESTIVAL & LUNCH in St. Mary’s Uttoxeter (contact: Dianne office.uttoxetercof@gmail.com for more details & lunch tickets) 20th November 10.00am – 12 noon CHRISTMAS FAIR in St. Mary’s Uttoxeter Area Letter from Rev. Margaret SherwinThe RectoryOctober 2021I have an old apple tree in the rectory garden. Since we arrived in July 2016 we have had a crop each year to harvest, with last year's being a bumper crop. This year however, there are very little, if any, apples. We have harvested a large amount of tomatoes – thank you to the kind generosity of those of you who brought me the baby tomato plants during my confinement due to the heel injury! Potatoes and cabbages we have also grown this year – cabbages for the first time. We’re having a competition with the caterpillars as to who gets them first! We have much to celebrate as we eat another meal with our harvested home grown produce.Celebrating harvest goes very deep in us – it seems to stir in us a sense of our country roots, memories of a land that lived by agriculture before the Industrial revolution. Harvest marks the end of a sequence in the church/country calendar. Plough Sunday in January, when the farm implements were blessed; Rogation Day just before Ascension Day in May, when prayers were made for favourable weather for the growing crops; Lammas Day (not when we celebrate Lamas!) at the beginning of August, when the first loaf made with flour from the new crop was offered in token thanks, and coming full circle, (though it was introduced much later on the liturgical scene, in the 19th Century) Harvest. Time for a pause before it all starts again. Time to be thankful, to remember God’s mercy and goodness, enjoying the sight of full storehouses and barns, pantry shelves and freezers. Time to feel secure against the coming winter. It is good to be thankful, and we come gladly, enjoying the colour, the smells and sometimes gathering together for a Harvest meal.But there is something uncomfortable about Harvest, too, especially now that we can see on our television and computer screens that there are people who haven’t got a harvest to celebrate, some who haven’t had a harvest for years, perhaps because the rains have failed, perhaps because civil war have made it impossible to cultivate the land. The Jewish people faced the same situation on a smaller scale. Reading the instructions in Deuteronomy we are reminded that God’s people have always been told to be generous and help the poor to share our good fortune. Deuteronomy speaks of very different farming methods, but the message is clear: don’t keep it all to yourself, leave something for those in need.And the New Testament warns us against taking things for granted, being pleased with our achievement. That man who pulled down his barn and built a bigger one, stuffed it full sat back feeling pleased with himself got a sharp reminder – ‘You fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’(Luke 12:16-21) That’s the question Harvest asks us too.In the Bible, harvest and judgement go together – the parable of the wheat and the tares puts the point very starkly (Matthew 13:24-30). So it’s right and good to be thankful, but we have to ask ourselves how our thankfulness can find expression in making it possible for all humankind to be thankful. We can’t ever sit back and say we’ve done enough – not while there are those children with stick limbs and swollen bellies looking at us hopelessly from our screens.Imagine if my apple crop this year was a year in year out event and it was what I relied on for food for myself, my family and community. We need to support our local food banks and ‘Helping Hands’ and support those in need. We also need to support the agencies who work to improve farming methods, but also with those who challenge the leaders around the world to remove world debt. We must keep asking the questions and seeking action. Harvest is the point where, far from sitting back and thinking how fortunate we are, we have to prepare to sow the seeds and encourage the growth for the harvest to come, when the will of God will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.Rev Margaret SherwinArea RectorFor further information about anything in the newsletter, please contact:Rev. Charles Dale 01889 500428: email: revcharles.dale@btinternet.comJenny Talbot: 01889 50241 email: jenny477@btinternet.comFacebook: St. Mary’s Church Gratwich
