Hello everyone
Everywhere I go people comment on how long this winter seems to have been with the cold short days – but we are getting there! I have certainly loved to see the masses of snowdrops around our gardens – and in the churchyards, what a glorious sight. I have heard there are 20 species but over 2,500 varieties worldwide! Creation is so wonderful with all its variety!
In the church we talk about snowdrops reminding us of the light of Jesus that will not be put out – how bold and strong these little flowers are to push through the cold and frost! I am sure we will soon be seeing lots of signs of spring all around us and we have the great joy of celebrating Easter in our churches.
This season when we celebrate new birth; in our gardens with flowers and trees coming into bud, in our fields with the lambs, and of course often symbolized in the eating of chocolate eggs on Easter Sunday (I have seen them in the shops already!). To be honest I do like a chocolate Easter egg, and I certainly like to celebrate and remember the joy of the first Easter morning and the Risen Jesus amongst us. Do check out our study groups over Lent and our special services and activities over Easter – including egg decorating and Easter egg hunts!
This is my 5th year here in the benefice and I am so pleased to be getting to know more of you - through our services, social gatherings and over cups of tea at home. We are so blessed to be living in such a peaceful area of the world, we can see in the news how troubled many places are. Indeed, locally we have people in great need too, and I must give my thanks for the great generosity of those who give to our local charities and beyond. Your prayers are also needed, please use our prayer stations in our churches and please do ring or email me if you, or your loved ones, have need for prayers. Read over our village’s news, and check out the calendar, we do have lots happening in the villages. I get about as much as I can – and am often out with my dog walking locally!
As always, please do ring me, or email me if you would like to chat and all blessings.
Reverend Paula Smith 01280 701631
