14th February 2010
St Valentines Day Service...
A busy Sunday and various services in each of the four churches of the Benefice.
The theme at Steepleton was `Reflection of National Marriage Week' which was 8-13 February. The readings, sermon and prayers reflected marriage with all its ups & downs, pressures in modern life, of work and family – each having an important part to play.
The congregation made good use of the beautiful Alter Kneelers (worked in gold and red), which graced the alter steps. All the dedicated work of Mrs Elsie Wilson of Poundbury who, in spite of a broken wrist, completed the work without assistance. The kneelers recently blessed by The Prebendary John Good, were dedicated to Elsie`s late husband of fifty years and the Church. A lovely memorial and gift to this beautiful old church, and many thanks and congratulations for Elsie`s commitment and hard work were forthcoming.
The comfort of kneeling at the alter was transformed by these soft kneelers.
An interesting and informative service left the congregation with a lot to ponder on as they made their way home on a crisp sunny spring day.
EBH
27th January 2010
Sunday Service Parish Eucharist (All Ages)
A cold and frosty morning, fifty plus people of all ages gathered in the church to celebrate the Eucharist in a different and interesting way.
The service was recorded on a projector, with many of the young people taking an active part.
The theme being: THE WORD OF GOD.
Hope Healing Justice and Peace
During the service pictures were shown of the earthquake disaster in Haiti. Buildings in ruins, The people in despair, the rescuer's working hard to remove the rubble, people praying, and thousands dead and injured.
We joined our prayers with thousands of others world wide to ask for relief for all the victims, as they are without water, food,medical supplies and shelter.
We gave thanks for the many people, who are helping with the rescue efforts in practical ways. The many who are raising money to help with all the things that are needed, at this difficult time.
The choir and music group led the singing. Which concluded with the song by Bernadette Farrell; Longing for. Water, food, light, shelter and peace.
The congregation after coffee and biscuits made their way out into a beautiful sunny day, to reflect on the moving service, and the various ways and invitations to join together to raise money in the Benefice.
Eileen Hobday
16th January 2010
A BIG Thankyou...
Thank you to all the village residents for making my husband, son and myself feel so welcome during our recent stay in Martinstown. I really enjoy returning to the village were I grow up. I have alot of good memories of time spent there.
Thanks again.
Catherine Parmiter
1st February 2010
Plough Sunday...
The early Victorian Church of St Thomas of Canterbury at Compton Vallance was the venue for the Benefice service at 10 o'clock on Sunday morning.
A crisp frosty morning, but sixty odd people joined in the traditional Sunday Eucharist. As it was Plough Sunday parts of a plough in the Church were blessed in the old traditional way. Even today we are reliant on the management of the land in all weathers and the hard working people who look after the animals and tend the crops. Prayers were said for people world wide who plough the land in rich soil and in poor soil, in all weathers, not to look back but to live in hope of a good Harvest.
After the service the congregation were invited to the warm and welcoming Village Hall for refreshments. As usual the home made biscuits, plus tea or coffee, served in china cups with saucers brought back fond memories of last year. The snowdrops along the banks heralded the start of the joys of Spring.
The tranquil church, the lovely snowdrops, the warm and friendly welcome, all a fitting end to a cold and sometimes miserable January.
THANK YOU to ALL the many people who worked so hard to make this morning such a joyous occasion.
Eileen Hobday.
11th January 2010
A BIG THANK YOU FROM SALLY AND TOM WEBB
We wish to thank everyone for the many generous and lovely gifts, flowers and cards received over the last year which cheered me considerably and helped me and mine get through what was in the words of Her Majesty an “Annus Horribilis”.
We have been overwhelmed by the many offers of help that we have received, so many have given so generously of their time and themselves, supporting my recovery with homeopathic medicines, delivering food parcels, walking the dog, picking up shopping and “driving Miss Daisy” to name but a few. It has been very comforting to know that at any time there were friends and neighbours that we could call upon.
We have much appreciated the kind thoughts and many prayers given up on my behalf. It was recently suggested that those whose health was prayed for, generally made a greater and speedier recovery. I am thankful that God, science and the Winterboume inhabitants were all fighting on my behalf. I am very much looking forward to a happier and healthier new year, much buoyed on by the continued love and warmth I have received from you all.
In return, Tom and I sincerely wish you all a joyous, content, and healthy New Year.
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