Church Blog
News, Updates, Thoughts

Dear Friends,

Some of you will already be aware of my news that after much prayer and reflection, I have decided that I will retire from my post at the end of August this year.  
It is hard to believe that I have been among you for four years. When I first arrived, it was with the expectation that this would be a part-time role. However, it very quickly became clear that, after a long interregnum, what was needed was a full-time commitment to help rebuild governance, establish a larger ministry team, and restore confidence, hope, and positive energy to the life of the parish. Together, we have worked hard to do just that, and it has been both a privilege and a joy to share in that season of renewal with you.

Now, at the age of 65, I feel that the time is right to step back from the responsibilities of incumbency. This is not a leaving of ministry, but a reshaping of it. I hope, in retirement, to continue offering my priestly ministry on a voluntary basis, supporting the Church in ways that are life-giving rather than administratively demanding.

Over these next six months I will remain fully engaged in strengthening the benefice as we prepare for another interregnum, doing all I can to ensure that ministry, leadership, and structures are in good heart. My prayer is that this period of vacancy will be a short one, and that you will continue to build on the strong foundations now in place.

Dave and I will be moving to a lovely home in Shrivenham, right in the centre of the village, close to the church, the shops, and the heart of the community. It feels like a place where we can quickly become rooted. The dogs will still have an apple tree in the garden—providing them with carefully rationed treats in the summer! There are also four wooden planting beds and a greenhouse, which I am looking forward to experimenting in (with varying degrees of success, no doubt). I am also planning to purchase a food processor so that I can raise my game in the cooking department—retirement may yet make a better cook of me.

One of the greatest joys of this move will be being closer to our family. We have four grandchildren, aged between three and nine years old, and the prospect of being more involved in their everyday lives is a precious gift. Shrivenham places us about 30 minutes from our daughter and 45 minutes from one of our sons, while still within easy reach of the airport when we visit our eldest son in Singapore.

Retirement will also, I hope, offer space for some gentle new ventures. I may even engage in a little academic study and some mentoring, supporting others in ministry and sharing something of what experience has (slowly!) taught me. Once a theologian, always a theologian—the life of faith and learning never really retires.

I want to say how deeply grateful we both are for the kindness you have shown us. Many of you have written, spoken, and encouraged us with words about the positive impact of these past years. Your generosity of spirit has meant more than you may realise. Ministry is never the work of one person; it is something we have shared, and whatever has been achieved has been achieved together.

As I think about this transition, it seems fitting that it comes as we move through spring towards Easter. The Christian story constantly reminds us that endings are also beginnings. As the prophet Isaiah writes, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43:19). The resurrection assures us that God is always bringing new life out of times of change, calling us forward in hope and trust.

And, of course, we are not there yet! We still have six months together, which means there is plenty of time for more memories to be made, more ministry to be shared, and, I suspect, just a little more mischief along the way.

Please be assured of our continued prayers for you all. It has been an honour to serve here, and we give thanks to God for all that has been, and for all that will be.

With every blessing,

Annette
(and Dave)

‘The sound of silence’

The Old Testament story of the prophet Elijah may be familiar to some of us.  Poor old Elijah is in a bad way.  He has confronted the pagan prophets of Baal in a dramatic mountain-top showdown, and then had to flee for his life from the vengeful queen Jezebel.  Hiding out in a cave he is likely exhausted, physically, emotionally and spiritually.  He’s been fed by ravens, encouraged to sleep, and now he wants to hear from the God who has called him on this perilous mission.   Perhaps he wants a word of encouragement, a word of direction, something to strengthen him in his time of vulnerability.  Stepping outside of his cave he witnesses an earthquake, a powerful wind, and a fire, but God does not speak to Elijah in these dramatic events.   Not a word.  And then….well, nothing much, or so it would seem.  Just a ‘still, small voice’.  A more literal translation describes ‘the sound of sheer silence’ (1 Kings 19.12). 

Stillness.  A suspension of the roaring chaos.  Sheer silence.

We live in a very busy, noisy, over-stimulating world.  A bombardment of sound, of words.  Technology screams at us for instant attention, immediate answers.  Multi-tasking is supposed to be a good thing!  And if you’re like me, even if we can escape from all of this for a moment, we still have to contend with the relentless chatter in our heads.  It is so hard to be still. 

It might seem that if we want to hear from God, God is going to have to shout very loudly!  But I wonder whether the voice of God is what we discover when all the other voices around us are silenced?  Maybe silence doesn’t mean absence.  Stillness doesn’t mean that nothing is happening. 

For most of us, those pockets of time, those spacious moments, are not going to just happen.  There will always be something else that could be done.  Life will conspire against us, so we need to be intentional.  Perhaps we simply need to ‘practice’ the long-forgotten, long-neglected art of stillness until it no longer seems indulgent, or just plain weird, to decide to do nothing, say nothing, think nothing, just for a few minutes.  To reset.  To listen, not with our ears, but with our hearts.  

Maybe then we might know the gentle whisper that says ‘Be still, and know that I am God’ (Psalm 46.10).

And so Lent begins from Ash Wednesday when ashes (from last year’s Palm Crosses) are sprinkled on the foreheads of worshippers, confessing their sins and seeking forgiveness.  In the Prayer Book of 1662, there is a little--used occasional service called a Service of Commination, meaning a service of denunciation of sin. It sounds terrible and it was! But having listed the variety of human sins, the Minister or Priest offered the hope of forgiveness with the words, “Let us then return to him who is the who is the merciful receiver of all true penitent sinners, assuring ourselves that he is ready to receive us and most willing to pardon us if we come to him with faithful repentance”.  How best should we use Lent?   May I suggest three “Rs”! 

 Repentance has to be one of them. It literally means being willing to turn away from what we know to be wrong. Notice, it is being willing which in itself recognises that we do not always have the inner strength to do it, so we invite God’s help, and the help of others with whom we can share our need, to sustain us in this endeavour.  But the discipline of repentance, going in a new direction having left an old one, is much needed.  After all the dismal news of recent weeks reminds us that we can get mired in the ditch of sin, and need to scramble out so that damage can be limited and hope can be restored. 

Secondly, there is Reflection. Lent is a time of Reflection. This can be a combination of thought stimulated by reading and prayer. Perhaps there is a spiritual book you always wanted to read, or even a book of the Bible to reflect on like Proverbs, a Gospel or an Epistle.  Why not read one or two Biblical books, maybe with a commentary or notes to help you. 

Lastly, and related to the former two words, there is Re-orientation or Renewal.  Lent, which refers to the Lengthening Days at this time of year as we move into Spring, is at one with nature as the face of the earth is renewed: with green shoots and leaves, with buds and blossom, with new growth coming through the old hardened wood of last year.  Likewise, we can be renewed by re-orientating our lives: improving a relationship, reconciling with another, deciding to do something differently.  In other words, allow the reflection and repentance lead us on to new things which are like green shoots full of promise, adorning our lives. 

And of course, all this is preparation for Easter- the time when Baptisms took place in the Early Church. And we can be prayerful for all those who completed the Youth Alpha and will be confirmed, that it will be for them a time of new beginnings. And so may I wish you a very fruitful Lent, 

Patrick Whitworth                          

  Friday 13th – any month, any year.                   February 14th – every year.

2 notable dates, recognised by almost everyone, this month.  So what do we know about them?

There’s a more interesting history to the Friday 13th superstition than I realised.  I knew about the connection to the Last Supper, with its 13 participants – the 13th, of course, being the one who left early: Judas the Betrayer.  And I always understood that Friday was a reference to the Crucifixion on the 6th day of the week.  Those are accepted explanations although it seems that the day and the date combined were not specifically linked to misfortune until, perhaps, the first half of the 19thCentury.  

There is an ancient (Pre-Viking) mythological significance to 13 in Norse folklore: 12 invited gods and goddesses sat down to a meal – when one uninvited guest, Loki, turned up.  He tricked the blind god Hodr into killing his own brother, who was the much loved Baldr – the giver of all things good.  This wicked act caused the whole world to go dark . . (Interesting echoes, aren’t there?)

I did vaguely know the story – I was an avid devourer of myth, legend and tales of ancient gods and goddesses as a child – but I hadn’t registered the significance of the 13th unwanted and mischief-making intruder at the meal.  

And is there an alternative explanation for the unlucky nature of a Friday?  Well, in this country it was pretty unlucky for some.  It was the day frequently selected by the relevant authorities for public hangings . . and there were believed to be 13 steps to the gallows, and 13 knots in the hangman’s noose.

Apparently, in the Gregorian calendar, there will be a Friday 13th in every year, and there cannot be more than three in any one year.  (There is an amazing chart which “explains” this – it reminds me of the “Table of the Golden Numbers” – my go-to puzzle in the BCP when the sermon got boring.)

I’ve never been sure how I felt about the “Christian” links of Friday and 13 – the supremely sacred and the superstitious – so I am quite pleased to have discovered some alternatives!

And what about St Valentine – the inspiration for secret cards with loving messages, red roses, pink hearts and romantic celebrations?  And a few spoofs of course . . .  

The good news for would-be lovers is that there almost certainly was a Valentine who was martyred in the 2nd or 3rd century in Rome; rather more confusing is that there seem to be several likely contenders for the role (it must have been a popular name), which could explain why there is an extraordinary range and number of Valentine “relics” preserved in shrines and churches all around the Catholic world.  It appears that there was more than one early, faithful Christian priest named Valentine, who was martyred by the Romans.  One legend has him ministering, at his own peril, to the Christian gladiators as they were sent off to almost certain death in the arena.  I rather like that story – it has a ring of real, Christian love for others.  By the 14th Century, the name of Valentine was associated with all the mediaeval traditions of courtly love . . and hence to modern times.

 I do think there is value in exploring these ancient tales, customs, occasions and superstitions – they are part of our history and our cultural heritage; they brought us to the place where we are in our individual, family and community lives.  But perhaps, though, for now – we should concentrate our minds and our attention on the significant days coming up for the Western Christian Church: Shrove Tuesday, Mardi Gras, of Pancake fame, and the traditional day of preparation for Ash Wednesday              – that solemn occasion which marks the start of Lent for us all.

Jenny

Dear Parishioners

February often feels like the in-between month. Christmas is a distant memory, spring still seems to be taking its time, and the weather can’t quite make up its mind—frosty mornings, grey afternoons, and the occasional burst of sunshine just to keep us hopeful.

Yet February has plenty to offer in the life of the Church. At the beginning of the month we celebrate Candlemas, when we remember Jesus being brought to the Temple and recognised as the light of the world. Not a powerful leader arriving with great fanfare, but a tiny baby, carried in his parents’ arms. It’s a gentle reminder that God so often works quietly and unexpectedly.

That feels especially relevant just now. Turn on the news and we see world leaders speaking loudly, arguing strongly, and competing for power and influence. Jesus offers such a different picture of leadership—one shaped by service, kindness, and truth. In a noisy and sometimes anxious world, his way still speaks deeply to hearts.

There are some really encouraging signs too. Many people are noticing a growing spiritual curiosity among young people. In a world that can feel uncertain and overwhelming, younger generations are asking big questions about meaning, hope, and what really matters. That’s something to be grateful for—and something the Church is called to respond to with warmth, honesty, and openness.

One way we’re doing that is through Alpha. Alpha is a friendly space where no question is off limits and no one is expected to have the answers. It’s about conversation, community, and exploring faith together. Please keep Alpha in your prayers, invite friends or family who might be interested, and don’t rule it out for yourself for the future—you might be surprised.

As February moves on, we also begin to look towards Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent. Lent isn’t meant to be gloomy. It’s really about slowing down, making space, and having a chance to begin again. The ashes remind us that we’re human, imperfect, and deeply loved—and that God is always ready to meet us where we are.

Outside, the days are stretching out just a little. The weather may still be wintry, but signs of new life are starting to appear. And the same is true in our faith and our church life: God is quietly at work, drawing people closer, planting seeds of hope, and inviting us all to walk a little more closely with Jesus.

With every blessing,

Revd Annette

Combe 9th April at 5:00pm at the Barn, Lower Farm.

Inkpen 28th April at 6:00pm in the Church room.

Kintbury in Church 3rd May at 11:00am 

West Woodhay 5th May at 6:30pm Woodhay Community Room, Highwood Farm, RG20 0BT.

Olivia and I gave each other a Christmas present of a night at the Opera and last week we saw for the first time La Traviata at The Royal Opera House, a treat indeed!  The main soprano part was sung by a black South African called Pretty Yende for which she received a standing ovation.  It is a huge part of deep emotion.  The story raised profound issues about love and conventions.  Violetta the heroine of the play had been a courtesan and had a current lover, the Baron, but a guest at a party, Alfredo, falls genuinely in love with her and she, in time, with him. The father of Alfredo having a daughter to marry is shocked at the effect of this relationship on his daughter’s future. He requests that Violetta sacrifice her love for his son to save his daughter’s prospects. Violetta painfully agrees, but falls ill and pretends she no longer loves Alfredo.  Her illness, in part from a broken heart, worsens and she faces death. Faced by this everyone is remorseful for their part: Violetta for her past; the Father for requesting she sacrifice her genuine love; Alfredo for his anger at her giving him up. It’s a moral maze and maelstrom of emotion, conducive to the most heart-stretching of Opera! But it rings true to the clash of love and convention, and not unlike a Gospel story where the only way out is forgiveness.

And then I was surprised at the end of the week to hear from a Theatre Director, Katie Mitchell OBE, on Radio 4’s This Cultural Life that all Opera was redolent with misogyny and should be binned, and likewise Hamlet! This Opera did not seem to match her claim.  Furthermore, in an age of ‘cancelling’ and ‘trigger warning’, the Bible is not afraid to recount most, if not all,  of human failure whether misogyny, slavery, abuse , lust , greed, murder, racism, and slander ( ie breaking all the commandments) not in any way to overlook , exonerate  or excuse them but because it faces humans with their lives, warts and all, and then shows the way out which is through redemption, forgiveness and grace – however shocking or scandalous that may be.  For grace is scandalous, offering free gratis forgiveness and acceptance to any repentant suppliant which they do not deserve; but then we are all in that boat! The alternative is to take out anything from a play or opera we don’t like for whatever reason, rather than face and hopefully redeem it.

Patrick Whitworth      

We currently have 10 young people (aged 10–18) from across the benefice taking part in a 10-week Youth Alpha course. They are now at Week 5, and it has been a real joy to see their enthusiasm and faith grow. All of them have said they would like to be Confirmed. 

As a gift from the church, we would love to give each young person a Youth Bible to support them on their faith journey. If you would be willing to donate towards the cost of these Bibles, please speak to Revd Annette or Hallam and Katie Goad. Thank you for supporting our young people and the future of our church.

At theological college I had the somewhat dubious privilege of being taught by an impressive array of accomplished and brilliant tutors.   I say dubious, because I have always found it rather daunting to try to talk to others about my faith, fearing that I would fail to be able to answer questions, or explain myself very well.  What a relief it was therefore, to hear one of these wonderful people suggest a definition of theology as simply ‘trying to find a way to talk about God’.  Just maybe I could manage to do that.  After all, if God really is God, perhaps we can only hope to do the best we can to make sense of things that are beyond our full comprehension.  How can we ever expect to find a perfect language to describe things that are surely beyond human words?

A group of us has recently started to meet to follow an Alpha course, and I would suggest that this is exactly what we have embarked on doing together.  In a welcoming, informal gathering we can bring our questions, our thoughts, our experiences, and share them, wondering together in a spirit of openness and mutual respect.  We are thinking about the biggest (and most difficult) questions that we would like to ask God.  We’re considering who Jesus was, and is, and whether he has anything to say to us today. 

As an Alpha group, we have set aside some specific time to do this, but it is my hope and prayer that something of this spirit of curiosity and openness can be fostered amongst us in our churches and wider community.  I hope that as we meet together in church, or socially, that we can be people who include, not exclude, others.  People who can welcome enquiry without defensiveness, and offer not pat answers, but a safe place to wonder and explore, offering hope and love especially at the most challenging times of life.    

Alpha is just one opportunity.  If you have questions, are feeling a nudge for something more, a desire to go deeper in your life of faith, I hope you have the courage to share this with someone – you may find others who are only too pleased to hear, and join with you in this exploration. 

If God really is with us, as we celebrated at Christmas, we have every reason to expect that He will accompany us on this journey to discover more of Him, and deepen our faith over this coming year.     

Alison