Church Blog
News, Updates, Thoughts

I’m sure everyone reading this will already be fully aware of the spiritual importance to a community
– perhaps especially in a rural, or village community – of the church building, usually so prominent a
feature of the landscape. Often, as well, the church and churchyard are a treasure trove of local
history – monuments, wall plaques, gravestones, inscriptions and the very fabric itself. In some
wonderful cases this may be virtually unchanged over centuries, like our very own Avington where
we shall sing a Harvest Evensong this Sunday – as it would have been celebrated in that ancient
building since the Reformation. In other churches generations of local people have altered parts of
the building to suit changing needs and perceptions. Not always, we feel, advantageously – but it
still becomes part of the unique history of each unique building.

Two of our Kintbury local historians have been looking through the documents stored in our “tin
trunk” in the vestry, and come up with some fascinating finds. A set of instructions written in
immaculate copperplate from a gentleman designing his own future memorial stone and including
(possibly grudgingly) those family members who had predeceased him. An 18 th Century letter sent
through the postal system to the vicar of Kintbury, but to be “left at the Blacksmith’s shop near
Kintbury” (at Elcot). Was that the way the post was distributed to the village? I have attached a
photo of an item which really catches my attention – a double page spread (2 pages out of 8) of a
densely written sermon composed in the late 1700s, for the benefit of the local congregation, by the
Rev’d Thomas Fowle. Don’t let me hear anyone, ever, complain about the length of a sermon again!
Our churches hold our spiritual, religious, emotional, community history and identity. Let us
treasure them, preserve and protect them, maintain and resource them – both for our present
worship and for coming generations of local inhabitants.

A parishioner said to me recently: “the past can be the community glue and is embodied in the
church”. And community, of course, forms our present and builds foundations for our future.

On Sunday we had a relaxed, outdoor Animal service in Inkpen. We had around 30 people including some children, around 12 dogs and a chicken (who tried to join in with the hymns)!  The animals were amazingly well behaved, and after some general sniffing to make friends some even fell into a gentle slumber on the grass.  It was a joy-filled gentle time together. The high point was meeting all the dogs and hearing their families’ sharing anecdotes about them.  It was obvious how fond everyone is of their animals.  

Animals and their wellbeing are such an important part of who so many of us are.  They are also an important part of God’s creation, but animals are not just here for human amusement and to provide some companionship for us as we live our earthly lives. 

In the Bible, there are clear references to animals and their role in creation. In the first chapters of Genesis, God was pleased with his whole creation of animals, plants, water, and humankind. Although we are called to have “dominion” over the animals, it is not in the sense of dominating them, but rather of stewardship for them. 

The Psalms (Psalms 8, 24, and 65) refer to animals. The Old Testament prophets also spoke about the importance of animals. Isaiah described the restoration of Israel as, “I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, the wild animals will honour me, the jackals and the ostriches; for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.”  And Jesus made his final journey riding into Jerusalem on a donkey on Palm Sunday. 

I was interviewed live on radio about a pet service I was holding in a Church. They wanted me to bring Daisy then just a puppy with me. The interviewer was rather frustrated as Daisy was silent and did not indicate her presence to the viewers. No excited barks on cue, just a very laid-back pup. Eventually after lots of attempts to provoke a noise she simply stretched out, groaned fortunately very loudly, and lay down.  I am not sure the bored yawn was quite the noise he was seeking but it made us laugh.  

One of the questions that I was asked on radio was whether I believed that there were animals in heaven.  Rather than tell you what I said I wonder how you would have responded.  

C.S. Lewis believed that animals receive a sense of self or personality from an association with their humans. “If a good sheepdog seems “almost human” that is because a good shepherd has made it so,” says Lewis. Lewis believes that animals who have enjoyed a personal relationship with a human, have a better theological chance at immortality. That just as our belief and love in Christ may lead to heaven, so the love of our pet may allow them in too. Of course, we don’t know if we will see them in heaven, but these thoughts certainly give me hope that I may meet my beloved pets again in another life.  

Archbishop Demond Tutu wrote in the introduction to “The Global Guide to Animal Protection” (2013), “it is a kind of theological folly to suppose that God has made the entire world just for human beings, or to suppose that God is interested in only one of the millions of species that inhabit God’s earth.”

The love that our pet animals show us tells us something about the love Christ has for us, unconditional, pure, and selfless and above all, living in the moment, rejoicing in nature, and not worrying about what tomorrow brings. 

It is obvious through many shared stories how important animals are in people’s lives, both Christians and non-Christians.  I hope those relationships may help people to discover or strengthen their spiritual connection with God. 

The glory of God is there for all to see if we would but take time to notice.

Confession time! Dave and I have spent most free evenings over the last two weeks watching back-to-back episodes of The Handmaid’s Tale on Prime television.  The dystopian television series is based on the 1985 novel by Canadian author Margaret Atwood. I had not read the book.

Halfway through the first series, I recommended watching it to my daughter. Her comment was, "it is far too depressing". True. It gave me some very disturbing dreams!

The story is challenging, not so much because of the storylines (although they are harrowing) but because they remind you of news stories and documentaries. It is possible to identify real-life examples for every storyline and not from the distant past. 

My history teacher taught us as A-level students that wars originate from disagreements over power, money, or sex. It is a good reason why History is taught to examine possible motives and personalities rather than just facts and dates.

Offred the main character is a Handmaid in the Republic of Gilead. She is permitted to leave the home of the Commander and his wife once a day to walk to the food market.  The signs and labels in shops are pictures rather than words because women are not permitted to read. She must lie on her back and be raped once a month. She is held down by the Commander's wife and must pray that the Commander makes her pregnant. As there is a decline in the number of births, Offred and other Handmaids are valued because they are fertile. Any infringement of imposed laws is met with a range of harsh punishments from the loss of a finger, being sent to a colony with radioactive waste, public hanging, or being beaten to death.

The story runs in parallel with memories from Offred when she lived with her husband, played with, and protected her daughter, had a job, money of her own, and access to education and knowledge.

It is poignant.  It is even funny on occasion. There are unexpected and horrifying moments, It provides a social commentary on the abuses of power, fertility, and patriarchy.  There was a beautiful moment in the series when Offred having helped the pregnant and terrified commander’s wife deliver her baby, finds she can offer an element of forgiveness. It was reminiscent of something described by Corrie Ten Boom when she met her captor.

As one critic described it, ‘The Handmaid's Tale scathing satire, dire warning, and tour de force.’

If you ever need to be reminded of how sinful we really can be as humans, and why we should constantly reflect on our own behaviour I recommend it.  The story illustrates how corruption can take hold, particularly in extreme situations. 

The book has been regarded as anti-Christian, anti-Islamic, and far too sexually and violently explicit. It presents a religion that has gone wrong.  I think it is a justified warning as all religions have the capacity to be used for evil. 

Penguin Random House the publisher created a flame-proof copy of the novel……..which just about says it all.

I had my ‘end of first year’ of ministry review with the Archdeacon this week when I had to reflect on the joys and the challenges of being the rector of Walbury Beacon. It was a positive experience.

I still keep in touch with a few very close friends that I made in my previous benefice. I was in post for 11 years so letting go has not been easy. I am a silent member of their WhatsApp Prayer Group so I can continue to discreetly pray for them.  I miss them all as they await the appointment of their next leader.  It is getting easier as I view Walbury Beacon Benefice as my home and have started to form some lovely friendships.  My time here is limited as I will have to retire from post in eight years, but I am looking forward with much joy to working with our new associate priest and our growing ministry team.

I have lived in five counties during my life.  Middlesex as a child until I was 7 years old, Hertfordshire until Dave and I moved to Cambridgeshire to afford a larger house to accommodate our growing family, returning to Hertfordshire with relief within three years.  Then when our youngest was five we moved to Suffolk. We stayed in Suffolk for 27 years until we moved to Kintbury so I could take up my role here. I have ministered in some form as an Aspirant, Ordinand, Curate, or incumbent in 15 different churches before arriving here.  I have adapted but each move has brought its own initial stress.  Apart from a short stint of three years in Ipswich I have always lived in villages so know how long it takes, to be accepted, to understand implicit rules and power dynamics, and to feel as though you belong!

This week I met the sister of a man who has always been a vicar serving in the same parish, living in the same vicarage for the whole of his working career. He is now retiring so must find a new home and leave the role and pastoral relationships that he has established during his incumbency.  Oxfordshire is a particularly expensive county in which to purchase a home, so his anticipated retirement is proving a significant challenge.  I know from listening to colleagues, who have gone through that process, that it is not easy.  I am holding him in my thoughts and prayers as he makes that adjustment.

As the years accrue, we reluctantly notice the decline in our areas of concentration, weariness, reducing strength, and perhaps memory. There is a duty on ministers in later years to recognise that there is a time when we must all lay down the responsibilities of ministry even though we are deeply attached and find great satisfaction in them. It is not all negative as we are freed to provide a supportive role to other’s ministry and to explore the interests and recreational activities that bring us joy. 

I do not underestimate the power of that test when it arrives so am determined to make the most of the time we have together! 

A few weeks ago I was taking Morning Prayer in West Woodhay. I like this service – called a “Service of the Word” – the Word in question of course being the Word of God – the Scriptures. The Epistle that week was from Paul’s letter to the Romans, in which he describes his confusion about the way he knows what is right, and yet finds himself, to his mystification and mortification, constantly doing the opposite. How can this happen, he wonders, when he is trying so hard. As I mentioned to the congregation (apologies to those who were present and are hearing this for a
second time!) I found myself reminded of a book which had been a great favourite, though un-
revisited for years (decades, I think): “The Screwtape Letters” by CS Lewis. I didn’t have time before
the service to re-read it completely, but I sat down that Sunday afternoon to finish it. And
remembered so much of it, and enjoyed it as much as ever. It is both a really entertaining read –
and thought-provoking and challenging. And short.
If you haven’t come across it – Screwtape, a senior devil in the service of “Our Father Below”, is
mentor to his nephew, Wormwood, a junior devil who has passed through training to be assigned to
his first temptation.
CS Lewis (1898 – 1963), Irish intellectual, classicist, author (remember the Narnia Chronicles?)
became an almost accidental Christian, and subsequently a well-known and popular lay theologian.
Here are a few quotable quotes from the wicked pen of Screwtape as he coaches his young relation
in the wiles and guiles of devilry:
“I note with grave displeasure that your patient has become a Christian.”
“The first thing is to delay as long as possible the moment at which he (the target) realises this new
pleasure as a temptation.”
“He [the Enemy] really loves the Human vermin and really desires their freedom and continued
existence . . .”
“We do not want men (sic) to allow their Christianity to flow over into their political life, for the
establishment of anything like a really just society would be a major disaster.”
It’s fun, and funny – and certainly makes me pause from time to time to consider motive and action.
I recommend it for a couple of hours on a Sunday afternoon sitting in the garden. Do let me know
how you get on with the old devil.
Jenny

Mission & Ministry.

We had a discussion in Church about ministry into the future. I noted how often people looked backwards providing detailed examples of what they had done in the past. Sometimes that perspective was not helpful as we live in a different cultural context and with different resources.  Those who led the mission and evangelism in their churches may still be the same, but they are older, and their social connections and energy levels will have changed.  

As the retired priest left, he said rather whimsically, ‘You realise why us oldies talk about the past so much, it’s because we have so much more of it than what there is ahead.’

Even when you know all the reasons, and you agree that a change is essential and necessary and just, it can still be painful. Your head can tell you that the fundamental values you learned in childhood are no longer valid or workable, but your stomach may have a hard time catching up.

My appeal, in this time of rapid change in the church, is for care and kindness and gentleness and understanding all around. From everybody. From all sides of every issue.

Human sexuality is one of several issues causing disagreement and division within the Church at the moment.  It is very sad to see how polarised and dogmatic people can become.  I believe it is important to seek the common ground of shared values by actively listening to views that are different from our own. Then despite diversity we will continue to hold on to the reality that we are one human family with the same fundamental aspirations for mutual respect, for acceptance and for living in peace.  God will do the rest. 

When I applied for my position, Notrees Residential Home in Kintbury was threatened with closure
by 1 December 2022. I was sad knowing the impact on its residents who would be forced to
relocate, and on the staff who would either be deployed or lose their jobs. Fortunately, by
the time I arrived in post the Council had decided not to close the essential and much-loved
local Home. Thus 18 people who need support with daily living and care at night, some of
whom have early-stage dementia, have a home in the centre of Kintbury.
Once a month I spend a morning in the residential home speaking with residents. It is a lovely
morning and I have discovered that at least two have been Sunday school teachers. I offer
prayers, but my focus currently is to be present, to listen and to get to know them. The few
more mobile residents, and those brought down in wheelchairs by the dedicated staff, join
the Thursday morning coffee in St Mary’s Room. This is run by two dedicated church
volunteers. We also invited residents to come into the Church for Scones and Songs earlier
in the year.
When residents move into a residential home they must fit into a small flat or one room from
living in a house; it can be a painful experience involving the loss of some treasured things.
Horizons can become limited as time goes on: they may not be able to drive or go out, so
start to exist in a small world, forcing them in on themselves. We can all recognise and
appreciate the importance of being out and about and socialising with others.
Faith can help when we become more isolated because it provides an escape and a richness
of a relationship outside us.
Even without the other changes and challenges that accompany increasing age, retirement
can have a significant impact on a person’s feelings of identity, value, and purpose. Most of
these changes are perceived to be negative. But there are some blessings of this time
including stopping the daily grind of work and being provided with time to rest and choose
activities in which to participate.
People in the Bible who might give us inspiration when growing older include Abraham
(Genesis 15- 23), Naomi (Ruth), and Eli (1 Samuel 1-4). A Scripture that has been a challenge
and encouragement: John 10:10 – ‘I came that you might have life and you might have it to
the full’. The Psalms reflect many life experiences for example Psalm 71 one asks for God’s
protection and help even when we have grey hair!

‘Do not cast me away when I am old;
do not forsake me when my strength is gone.’

As a church we have a responsibility to provide an opportunity for the elderly to meet for
fellowship and worship. I am hoping in the future, as people become more comfortable
with my presence, to be invited to offer room communions or informal services in Notrees.
I knew a lovely Christian woman of 97 years who shone and was ‘naughtily’ humorous. She
was a bit deaf, a bit lame, but her smile was always warm, and she accepted life as it came.

I watched as she gently coaxed other elderly residents in her home into conversation, was
infinitely appreciative of her carers and possessed a radiance which influenced others. She
taught me not to avoid the garrulous and complaining few, but rather to listen with gentler
understanding and not to let their unhappiness affect my own equilibrium so we did not
risk going down that slippery slope of depression. It is an important gem of wisdom for all
of us.
Notrees is holding a Garden Party on 19th August 2-6pm. The idea is to increase the visibility
of the home within the community, to enable people from outside the community and the
residents to have a joyful afternoon together, to cover the costs of the food and brilliant
entertainment that they have booked, but also to raise money to take residents out for
trips and widen their horizons. The trips out together are something that the residents
really look forward to and enjoy!
It would be lovely if as a church we could support the only residential home in our benefice
(Audley Grange being a retirement village) either by joining in with the event and
purchasing a £10 ticket (which includes food), sending a donation towards it, offering to
help, or by donating a raffle prize. And pray for its success.
For details or to offer any support contact alison.evans1@westbrks.gov.uk or pop into their
reception.
This is the first big event the home has organised since their threatened closure; it would be
good to signal our delight that they are still here providing such wonderful care to our more
senior residents!
I have a wedding in Combe on that day but will be popping in after!

On Tuesday we hosted a special service in Kintbury Church for the year six school leavers
and their parents and carers based on the Bible reading, ‘In the same way your light must
shine before people, so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in
heaven’, Matthew 5:16

It was a poignant reminder of how quickly young people grow. Having only been in position
for 11 months I did not have the pleasure of meeting YR6 when they joined the school or
watching them mature, but I do have some lovely memories from previous schools where I
was very involved for seven years as a chair of governors. I had the privilege of working
closely with the head teachers and the young people. I recall the excited chatter and
differing level of focus of the reception children in their first few weeks of the autumn term,
through to noticing how by the end of YR 6 they had clearly outgrown junior school and
were ready for new challenges!

In preparation for their service the YR 6 were given a candle, and a drip protection disc to
decorate with the school value/s friendship, hope, or respect that was most important to
them. During the service the young people lined up down the aisle facing forward and
shared the flame from the pastoral candle down the two lines. As they did this there was
natural silence as they concentrated in lighting each other’s candle. It was lovely to see
young faces lit by the glow of their candle flame. A tangible hope, friendship, respect, love,
and joy that was being sent out into the world. As their flames were burning a special
blessing was said for them. All the year sixes were presented with their own Youth Bible from the Church

I am hoping to be able to spend more time in school as we have an assistant priest joining to
share ministry. We have booked a visit by both Inkpen and Kintbury school to their parish
church for an ‘Experience Church’ an interactive multi-sensory way to enable young people
to learn about how Christians worship and practice their faith today. It is designed so that it
supports the teaching of units in the RE curriculum which focus on places of worship, and
prayer and worship. Kintbury school is visiting St Mary’s on 31 st October and Inkpen school is visiting St Michaels on November 2nd . If you would like to support this in anyway please do let me know if you have not already.

Why is the link with our local schools important?

Church can provide…

• We have trained and passionate volunteers (lay and ordained) who can provide support, encouragement, and learning to young people in a committed fashion.
• Churches have congregations who are driven by their faith to give generously. This for example in the generous support for hampers for struggling families during Covid and the purchase of resources for the Christmas Experiences and Christingle services last year.
• The church can provide schools with opportunities for encouraging (we are looking at ways for YR6s to link with the coffee mornings and special mid-week events in church like our Scones and Songs.
• We can be advocates for schools. 
• By becoming positively involved with schools we can demonstrate that communities can have meaningful and mutually beneficial relationships even in the brokenness of today’s society. In our world of brokenness and fractured community, these partnerships can be a glimpse into the kingdom of God. 
   

 
And schools can have a positive impact on churches. 

• 
  Schools help churches to better understand the community and its challenges as they tend to be microcosms of the wider community. When we work with local staff, families, and children, we can learn more about our communities and seek ways that we can be more engaged in community development and building. 
• Schools can help deepen a church’s sense of mission. 
• While churches may not fully understand issues that arise from poverty, getting to know the challenges of families who struggle can help us have a clearer perception and grow our compassion and quest for justice on behalf of those who can’t advocate for themselves.

We are so fortunate to have two very good schools within the benefice. I hope that we can
continue to build on the positive links that we have with them. And I pray that the staff
particularly the two new head teachers Mrs Buck (Inkpen) and Mrs McDonald (Kintbury),
the young people and their families have a wonderful summer holiday. May the adults
return in September refreshed and inspired from their break, and the young people begin
the next school year keen to learn and grow in their new settings whether at Kintbury or at
secondary school. 

Love and prayers

Revd. Annette

We are hoping that you would help by saving small glass jars for the older children to
paint as candle holders (the younger children will have plastic pots and battery tea lights)
when they learn about stained glass windows at one of the six stations around the church.

Dear Friends

My father was employed as a spotter and checker for newspapers and government reports.  He would tell me how there would be several print runs of newspapers distributed through the night as spelling and grammatical errors were identified and corrected.  I am sure there were some readers who delighted in seeing how many mistakes they could pick up in the early versions. I can also remember working with a member of staff who would gleefully take his red pen and correct any notes or letters that were put up on the noticeboard in the staffroom. Nobody wants to make mistakes, but it can often be an inevitable result given people’s pace and workload.

Spellchecks and predictive texts are wonderful, but they can generate problems. I receive some very ‘interesting’ messages but which I can usually decipher from two friends who have very little sight who depend on voice to text programmes.  The fluidity of that means of communication is so important to them.    

And I am personally only too conscious how easy it is to make silly mistakes.  Our administrator says that when I send her anything she waits for the next version to appear when I come back to the item with fresh eyes and pick up some of the errors!  I certainly make more mistakes now that everything is typed rather than handwritten, and I have always found it so much easier to pick up other people’s mistakes than my own.

The first born of one of my friends is identifying as non-binary.  Their parents accept this decision but struggle to adjust to using the new pronouns so occasionally slip up.  These mistakes cause offence and distress to their child and partner who experience such slips as personal rejections.  It places a strain on communications between them and added stresses now at wider family gatherings when navigating discourse becomes so delicate.  It is so sad that they are no longer able to relax and are guarded in each other’s company.      

Clear communication is important but so is forgiveness and looking at the bigger picture. If we demand perfection, take offence, and criticise every mistake people make, then we generate stumbling blocks for everyone. I have seen the impact of receiving officious communications on people’s confidence.  It puts everyone on the defensive. Negative behaviours feed everyone's brain to be alert to potential attacks. It focuses on what's wrong and we are not our mistakes. We can learn and improve from them.

If you have made a mistake here are some tips on what you should do.

Name the offense and the offended. Own the offense. Empathize with the offended. Express regret for the offense. Ask for forgiveness and offer reassurance.

And if we have been offended by a mistake.

Accept apologies because God accepts us, flaws, and all.  There are many examples of people who showed remorse for their actions in the Bible. We should be gracious to those who offer apologies to us, no matter what their wrongs may be, whether it’s something small or something that hurts our feelings. We want others to accept our apologies, so we should be ready and open to listen to the apologies of others, regardless of how we feel in the moment. It’s all part of the Golden Rule: do unto others as you would want them to do unto you (Matthew 7:12).

Jesus gave the greatest example of forgiveness through His death.

Love and prayers

Rev Annette

A though for the day Passed on by Annette.

BBC Sounds, Thought of the day

Hachiko, on thought for the day.  We share our love of dogs and I know many others do in the benefice. It is such a lovely and relevant reflection.