Mattishall

Diocesan Digital Advent Calendar 2022

Transformed by Christ: Prayerful, Pastoral, Prophetic

This coming Advent Sunday (27^th November), we move into the second year of our Diocesan Vision and so the second of our three ‘P’ words – Pastoral – becomes our focus.

To tie in with this, 2022’s diocesan digital (but downloadable) Advent Calendar explores pastoral care, each ‘window’ celebrating a different way of reaching out in loving concern. Contributors have been drawn from all over the diocese and showcase a wide range of ways of responding to many sorts of need… Running a school uniform bank, hosting refugees, visiting the lonely, and offering warm spaces to those who can’t afford to heat their homes are just a few of the 28 different examples of pastoral care which come under the spotlight... 

It's easy to subscribe at http://dofn.org/advent and then, every morning of Advent, each new calendar entry will ping into your email inbox. We hope this year’s calendar will provide a rich and inspiring way of setting out together on our journey into deepening the pastoral life of this diocese. Please encourage everyone in your faith community (and perhaps those on its fringes too?) to subscribe.

 

Susanna Gunner

Diocesan Adviser in Spirituality and Discipleship

Back to top of page

At Welborne's 9.00 and ASM's 10.30 services on Sunday 6th November, I'll be mentioning a course created by Open Doors, an organisation that helps persecuted Christian believers around the world. Open Doors was founded by Brother Andrew, whose own story is fascinating, exciting and challenging. The "Dangerous Faith" courseAlan will speak of and a 6 minute introduction video of which will be shown at ASM can be seen at www.opendoorsuk.org/resources/dangerous-faith. It is the one titled "Introduction to Dangerous Faith".

Back to top of page

Greetings to you all!

Just thought you might like to drive or walk up to the church and see St Marys Church standing proud again, with the churchyard free from all signs of ongoing building work.

It’s almost surreal after all this time!

Yes, except for the west window which is being restored and will be re-installed in February 2023, the repair work is finally complete!!!!!.

It’s a proud day for the village.

I remember that repair work officially started on March 16^th 2021, although access restrictions were imposed as far back as February 2019!

There is a Communion Service tomorrow (Sunday 9th October) and a Harvest Service on the 23^rd October,

Next month is Remembrance and then we are into Christmas.

Hope to see sometime in St Mary’s to celebrate!

Best wishes

Mike (Smith)

Back to top of page

Psalm 118:1 ^‘Give thanks to the lord, for he is good his love endures forever.’

Dear Friends,

I trust and pray that you have all had a pleasant summer and been able to enjoy some downtime or at least a change of routine. As we begin a new term there is a lot to look forward to and give thanks for. 

Little Angels Every Wednesday 9am -11.30

Who let the Dad’s out? 1^st Saturday of the month 9am -10.30

Both at All Saints Mattishall

If you have any neighbours or family members who would enjoy either of these events, please do invite them along.

Drop in

All Saints Mattishall

every Thursday morning

10am-12 noon

A social gathering for people of All ages

 

St Michael’s Hockering will be holding their monthly Coffee Mornings 10-12 noon

Bring a friend, enjoy a coffee and a natter, lots of books, jigsaws and bric a brac for sale and games to play.    

 September 17^th

 October 15^th

I also draw your attention to and encourage you to attend what will be an excellent and fun day looking at the New Testament   :

‘Walking in New Testament Sandals’

Saturday 24^th September 2022

9.30am- 3pm

Rev Dr Sue Woan, who used to lead the Norwich Diocesan Ministry Course, is inviting people to step into New Testaments sandals for day retreat at

 All Saints Church Mattishall.

Through interactive presentations, you will discover how geography, politics, festivals and the individual perspectives of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John have resulted in four gospels. The days will be a fun day of exploration and new insights and includes a unique visit to ‘Churches Together in Rome’ and a personal encounter with St. Paul. No previous knowledge of the New Testament is required, but please bring a Bible if you can (we will have some available to borrow as well). Sandals are optional.
 
This day is free, though any donations would be welcome. Please bring your own lunch, while drinks will be provided for you throughout the day. A bookstall of useful resources for study will be available.
 
Tickets for this session can be obtained from https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/walking-in-new-testament or by contacting Alan Cossey at alan.cossey@matvchurch.uk or on 01362 857904 for more details.  

 

As well as lots of events to enjoy there is always the opportunity to serve as well. If you can spare some time to help bake a cake or run a stall at a coffee morning, help with family events or children’s groups on a Sunday. Read the Bible or lead intercessions in church services (help and training is available.) Help to keep our church buildings clean and churchyards tidy or have any other skills you would like to use in the service of God and for the benefit of the community please do have a word with a member of the staff team or a church warden. They would be delighted to hear from you!                                                                                                                    

There will be various Harvest services happening around the Benefice in September and October keep a look out for dates on the website and in churches and invite your friends and neighbours to celebrate God’s goodness to us.  

With every blessing

Andrea 

 

Back to top of page

A couple of weeks ago I mentioned in my sermons at ASM Richard Wurmbrand, the Romanian pastor who suffered so dreadfully for being a follower of Jesus during the Communist era in his country. J. John actually has him as the subject of his most recent blog on "Heroes of the Faith" at https://canonjjohn.com/2022/07/09/heroes-of-the-faith-richard-wurmbrand/

Back to top of page