-
Despite the awful weather on Tuesday 9th April, it was great to welcome Bishop Graham for the Deanery Visitation, and it was good to see that our Benefice was well represented at the Service of Evening Prayer.
At the end of the Service there was a “Question & Answer” session and Bishop Graham spoke about how he began life as an ecologist and how he was appointed lead Bishop on the environment by the Archbishop of Canterbury in June 2021. In October 2023 he took his seat in the House of Lords as a Lord Spiritual and in his maiden speech spoke about Norfolk’s biodiversity. We also learnt that he is a keen beekeeper!
Bishop Graham spoke movingly about how, in early October 2023, he was able to visit the Al-Ahli hospital and pray with medical staff and patients as part of a pre-planned 10-day trip to Israel and Gaza. While visiting, he also met and prayed with Bishop Hosam Naoum, the Anglican Bishop in Jerusalem. Bishop Graham described how just days after he had returned home, the war between Israel and Hamas intensified and the Al-Ahli hospital was hit by missiles, one damaging the cancer diagnostic centre, the other exploding at the hospital killing hundreds of innocent people. Bishop Graham emphasised that the hospital does not receive any funding from, nor is it controlled by, any political party. He asked that we keep the medical staff and patients in our prayers, as well as the people of Gaza and Israel.
Bishop Graham also told us how, just that morning, he had had to say goodbye to his son as he was being deployed with his Regiment to the borders of Poland and Ukraine. He asked that we keep him and his family in our prayers.
DATES FOR APCMs
The Annual Parochial Church Meetings for Beeston Regis and Aylmerton took place on 28th and 29th April respectively. The APCMs for Runton and Gresham will take place as follows--
Runton
Saturday 4th May at 10:30am in the Church Hall, West Runton
Gresham
Sunday 5th May at 12 Noon following on from the Eucharist
The APCM meetings are for everyone whose names are on the church Electoral Roll. It has a number of purposes including, but not limited to, receiving--
At the meeting elections take place for--
It is your Benefice so please do come along and take part in the meeting being held at your usual church of attendance.
Not on the Electoral Roll? Then please contact either Jeremy or Pam to obtain a Registration Form.
WALSINGHAM CELL OF OUR LADY AND HOLY TRINITY
On Thursday 2nd May we look forward to welcoming Fr Gary Gould, who will be giving a talk entitled “The best-kept secret in the Anglican Church”. The meeting will be held at Holy Trinity Church, West Runton at 7.00pm. Refreshments are served at the end and all our welcome to attend.
The following month’s meeting will be held on Monday 17th June at 2.30pm when we are visiting St Fursey’s, the Greek Orthodox Church in Stalham (based in the old police station – please let Ali know if you need directions). We will hear a talk from Fr Stephen Weston on icons entitled “Windows into Heaven”, refreshments will be served following the talk, and we are invited to stay on for Vespers at 4.00pm. This meeting is open to everyone – if you are able to give notice of your intention to attend then please let Ali know so that she can pass on approximate numbers for catering.
From 1st to 3rd October, we are arranging a mid-week pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady at Walsingham. The pilgrimage starts on Tuesday afternoon and finishes after lunch on the Thursday. There is also an option to just join us for a day pilgrimage on the Wednesday. Although October seems a long time away the pilgrimages are very popular, so if you are interested in joining us, or would like further details, please contact Ali Wharton by email: aliwharton@icloud.com or by mobile: 07880 776720.
And finally, the members of the Walsingham Cell wish to express their grateful thanks to Fr David Paskins for his leadership and to both he and Lorraine for their support and friendship over the last few years. We send our best wishes and prayers for the future, we shall miss them. Rev Paul Yeomans has agreed to undertake the role of Cell Priest
WILD-er CHURCH
WILD-er Church, with its altered name, launched its 2024 programme with a double-billed gathering on 16th and 17th March, followed by its traditional Easter Special on 7th April.
WILD-er Church is about Exploring Nature and so Encountering its Creator, God. We are on a journey of Discovery, Connection and Wellbeing. We actively use our senses to helps us be mindful and present. We are building a multi-generational community that embraces difference.
On 16th March we trialled a new-style outdoor “Stay & Play” gathering, including a Gratitude Hunt, Sensory Play, Mini Yogalates, Emotions check-in, and Seed sowing for little green fingers.
It was a glorious sunny day and a luxurious treat to relax in the long grass in the churchyard. Our home baked picnic spread was tucked into with relish. Much fun and laughter could be heard from kiddies across the cliff tops.
We warmly welcomed a new family joining us from Wild by Nature Forest school with four regular WILD-er Church families who have faithfully kept in touch over our winter hibernation.
On 17th March WILD-er Church took part in its monthly environmental campaign – The Big Plastic Count – the UK’s biggest investigation into household plastic waste.
Donning our plastic gloves (which we had to count as well!), we analysed the plastic rubbish of 2 local households spanning the previous 7 days. On submission of the data online, we received our plastic footprint which showed, shockingly, what really happens to our plastic waste. Our efforts will have helped press the UK government to negotiate strongly for a Global Plastics Treaty later this year.
The rain then subsided so we could worship outdoors with a nature-inspired meditation, prayers for climate justice and a new song “The Earth is my Home” where we pledged to be defenders of our planet.
Two families who had attended the day before returned with eagerness for yet more, with another regular WILD-er Church family joining our gathering too.
What a blessing the start of the 2024 WILD-er Church season has been and thank you to all who have come and joined in our gatherings.
Keep an eye on the Benefice's website for further news or join our WILD-er Church emailing list by contacting Amanda on jawooster20@gmail.com.
In the meantime, STAY WILD!
ECO CHURCH @ BEESTON REGIS 💚
During Bishop Graham’s “Queston & Answer” session on 9th April he talked about his “previous life” as an ecologist, how he was appointed lead Bishop on the environment, and how he would like churches to work towards becoming an Eco Church.
The Eco Church framework has 5 key areas for a church to show it is embedding creation care: Worship & Teaching, Buildings, Land, Community & Global Engagement plus Lifestyle.
As All Saints, Beeston Regis begins to take small steps on the Eco Church journey, it will be able to draw on the vast and diverse practical experiences of those who have gone before. It plans to get a group together in the local community to ascertain common interests, areas of specialism and discuss how to make Eco Church work in our context.
If you would like to know more then please contact Amanda Wooster, Eco Church Coordinator for All Saints, Beeston Regis on jawooster20@gmail.com
ECO TIP FOR MAY 💚 (Taken from A Rocha UK’s Easy Eco Tips 2024 Calendar)
“Say no to the mow”. Mowing your lawn less and letting parts grow long saves you time and helps give nature a home. If you want to make an even bigger impact on wildlife, wait to mow your lawn or a section of it until August to support even more animals.
Contribute to citizen science and get to know what (and who!) lives in your church’s green space – sign up to take part in Churches Count on Nature which takes place from 8th to 16th June at:
www.caringforgodsacre.org.uk/churches-count-on-nature-faqs/
CHILDREN'S MINISTRY
Our Quintet Benefice’s small Open the Book Team has been greatly enjoying its delivery of assemblies to Gresham Village School twice every term. It has been rewarding to witness our relationship with the Headteacher and his staff community developing; and delightful that the children are so passionate and fervent in their contribution to our storytelling.
This short and lively act of collective worship, with a script from the Bible Society, Bible stories from the Lion Storyteller Bible and quiet time for reflection and all-inclusive prayer, is taken into schools all over the UK, and other countries as well, by groups of people from local churches.
This month we say “Goodbye” and “Thank You” to John Hodgkinson, a founding team member from Cromer church who was also a past Headteacher at the school. We are grateful for his helping us find our feet and boosting our numbers but now understand he has the Cromer schools to attend to.
Therefore, we are praying for and seeking new volunteer storytellers, linked to any of our 5 churches, to join our Quintet Benefice Open the Book team as soon as possible. A DBS check will be required for safeguarding adherence and this will be organised and funded by the Benefice for you.
The time commitment would be one 90 minute meeting per term for planning and praying for that term’s assemblies plus 2 short afternoon assemblies per term with a rehearsal lasting 90 mins beforehand on each occasion. Transport to Sheringham and Gresham can be arranged for those without it.
There are no pre-requisites in terms of qualifications or experience. A passion for, and commitment to, sharing God’s word with children is essential. Training is available to you, in person or online. We seek to embrace diversity and strive to be inclusive so do not be hindered from expressing interest if you have any disability. If you would be curious to know more, perhaps without committing yourself at this stage, do approach Amanda Wooster, Co-ordinator of Open the Book for the Quintet Benefice on jawooster20@gmail.com or 07985 291930. You are also welcome to come observe us in action at our next assembly to find out more.
--------------------------------------
THE BEESTON REGIS CHARITIES OF EDMUND HOOKE AND UNKNOWN DONOR
The Charities were founded 300 years ago by Edmund Hooke, a wealthy wool merchant, to help those in need living in Beeston Regis or within the ancient parish of Beeston Regis (which stretched to Beeston Road in the west).
So, if you or your family living with you, are in need of financial assistance the Charities may be able to help.
Grants may be made for a variety of needs such as provision or repair of necessary equipment, unexpected expenses associated with illness or bereavement and the like, including costs of visiting loved ones in hospital.
Unless due to sudden and unforeseen problems, the Trustees are not able to make grants to clear existing general debts such as Council Tax etc. However, in these uncertain times we are all facing different financial issues and we might be able to help, so please do not hesitate to ask.
All enquiries will be treated in the strictest of confidence.
In the first instance contact the Parish Clerk, Peter Bullimore, 24 Beech Avenue, Sheringham NR26 8NS or call him on 01263 822864 or email: beestonpc@btinternet.com
DATE
VENUE AND EVENT
THURSDAY 2ND MAY 7.00PM
WALSINGHAM CELL OF OUR LADY AND HOLY TRINITY, HOLY TRINITY CHURCH, WEST RUNTON
We welcome Fr Gary Gould who will be giving a talk entitled “The best-kept secret in the Anglican Church”. Refreshments will be served after the talk. All are welcome to attend!
FRIDAY 3RD & 10TH MAY 10.00AM TO 12 NOON
COFFEE MORNING CHURCH HALL, WEST RUNTON
Come along and enjoy a coffee and a chat and help raise some funds!
MONDAY 13TH MAY 10.00AM TO 12 NOON
“3C’s CLUB”, HOLY TRINITY, WEST RUNTON
The “3C’s Club” meets for a “Coffee, Chat and Cleaning” session. Please note that this is a week later than usual due to 6th May being Spring Bank Holiday. Pop in and see us!!
MONDAY 13TH MAY 7.30PM
SHERINGHAM & DISTRICT PHILATELIC SOCIETY, CHURCH HALL, WEST RUNTON
This will be an evening of Members’ 4 board displays. Do come along and join in the fun!
FRIDAY 17TH & 24TH MAY 10.00AM TO 12 NOON
COFFEE MORNING CHURCH HALL, WEST RUNTON
Come along and enjoy a coffee and a chat and help raise some funds!
SATURDAY 25TH MAY 10.00AM TO 12 NOON
SPRINGTIME COFFEE MORNING ST ANDREW’S CHURCH, EAST RUNTON
Come along and enjoy our Coffee Morning, when there will be a raffle, homemade cakes, plants, books and much, much, more…….!
FRIDAY 31ST MAY 10.00AM TO 12 NOON
COFFEE MORNING CHURCH HALL, WEST RUNTON
Come along and enjoy a coffee and a chat and help raise some funds!
Powered by Weebly