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Updates and dates for diaries for 2025!

What a wonderful end to 2024 with record attendance at Advent and Christmas services across the benefice.  I have some beautiful memories to treasure.  Just a quick reminder of some of the special things that have already been slotted into the diary.

1.     BENEFICE POP UP CHOIR

Do you love singing? Come and join our exciting new pop-up Community/Church Choir. It will welcome people of all levels of singing experience.  

The first session will be on March 2nd for the 'Songs and Readings for Spring’ service in Inkpen starting at 3 pm to practice together, followed by time to relax and socialise, before leading an informal benefice service at 4.30 pm.

If you would like to join the choir and/or receive updates on the choir, please complete the attached form and return it to  office@walburybeaconbenefice.org.uk.  The information will help Stuart Laing and Christopher Sears who are leading the choir.

2.     LENT GROUP

This is likely to be based on the book. ‘Life Balance: A Five Session Course on Rest, Work and Play for Lent’ by Sue Mayfield and Robert Warren. The meetings will be on Tuesdays 10 am-11.30 am at the Vicarage, led by different members of the Ministry Team.

11th March, 18th March, 25th March, 1st April, 8th April. 

If there is sufficient interest an evening course will run. Please contact revannettes@aol.co.uk telephone - 01488 646385 to let us know if you will be joining us and mention if you would prefer to join in a morning or evening session.  All welcome! You do not need to be a regular member of the congregation!

3.     REV’D ALISON DEAN

28th June 11.30 am in Reading Minster Revd Alison Dean is ordained as a priest

29th June 9.45 am Revd Alison Dean will be able to consecrate the elements for the first time at a special Benefice Communion Service.

Dear Friends,

As 2024 ends, I want to reflect on all that God has done in our community this year. It has been a time of growth, joy, and reflection, and I am deeply thankful for each of you and the journey we have shared in faith.

One of the standout moments of the year was our Advent Experience with the schools. It was such a joy to see the children’s engagement with the interactive stations that explained the Advent story and to watch children carefully paint two special windows bringing the Christmas story to life in a vibrant way. I am grateful for our ongoing partnership with the schools and for the children’s enthusiasm.

This year, we have also been blessed by being able to introduce the Space Makers initiative into Kintbury School. This resource teaches contemplative practices to young people. It has been a privilege to witness how these practices help them find moments of stillness and reflection. Looking ahead, we are looking to explore the possibility of introducing Space Makers in our church, offering all ages a chance to deepen their connection with God through contemplation and prayer.

Our deepening bonds with Notrees have been another highlight, offering a wonderful opportunity for fellowship reminding me of the joy and strength that comes from sharing life. I enjoyed the Preschool Christmas Gathering, where families came together with residents from Notrees to sing carols together in Church. It brought a special sense of wonder and joy to the season.

The monthly Compline Service introduced this year in Inkpen, led by Christopher Sears, was a peaceful, reflective way to end a weekend. The Healing Service is a source of comfort and renewal offering comfort even during tough times. These new services will be regular features in the benefice rota in 2025.

This year has also brought moments of sadness, as we said goodbye to beloved members of our community. It has been a privilege to conduct their funeral services and walk alongside their families in their grief while finding hope in the promise of eternal life.

A special blessing this year has been the arrival of Revd Alison Dean, who joined us in the summer to begin her four-year curacy with us. Alison has already become an integral part of our benefice, and it feels as though she has always been here. She has been a blessing to us all, and we look forward to celebrating her priesting this summer. Her wisdom, care, and dedication to ministry have enriched our church family, and we are grateful for her presence.

I am also thankful for our wonderful team of laypeople, whose dedication makes so much of our ministry possible. Their faithful service is a constant source of inspiration. We are equally grateful for Patrick, our retired vicar, whose ongoing wisdom, and support continue to enrich our church life.

Looking ahead to 2025, we are excited to celebrate thirteen weddings already booked across our benefice, and we pray for God's blessing on each of these couples. We also look forward to collaborating with our new Bishop of Reading, the Rt Revd Canon Mary Gregory. We are excited for her leadership and partnership as she begins her ministry with us.

As we enter the new year, God is calling us to a year of service, growth, and deepened faith. May 2025 bring peace, joy, and a renewed sense of God’s presence in your life.

With love and blessing in Christ,
Revd. Annette

“O Magnum Mysterium” – O Great Mystery.  This is the first line of an ancient Gregorian Latin Christmas plainsong chant.  It actually goes on to wonder at the miracle of the animals being present at the Manger to witness the birth of Jesus – but it is just those first three words which have been ringing in my head during Advent.

O Great Mystery.  A friend recently lent me “Tales of a Country Parish” by Colin Heber-Percy.   I hadn’t heard of Heber-Percy, so I looked him up.  I came across an interview in which he describes himself as “agnostic”.

AGNOSTIC?  And a Church of England parish priest?

He goes on to explain that the real meaning of “agnostic” is just “not knowing”.  And he rejoices in the fact that, as humans, as mortals, as the Created – we cannot “know” all about God – all about the Creator.

Advent, with its long hours of darkness, and Christmas, when we celebrate the Light breaking through, seem to me to be the perfect time for us all to celebrate our “not knowing”.  Where would be the point in worshipping if we could “know” all about the One we worship?  The first Advent candle is lit for the Patriarchs – Abraham and his family.  And there is a Jewish legend that Abraham’s father Terah was a maker and seller of idols.  One day, the young Abraham was left in charge of the shop – and went round and smashed the idols, forcing his father to recognise that objects designed by human minds and created by human hands are not worth worshipping.  There is no Mystery in them.

So let us recognise and honour, our human agnosticism.  As we look forward to the revelation of Epiphany, let us celebrate and worship with awe and wonder the Great Mystery of the Incarnation.

A very happy and un-knowing New Year to you all
Jenny

Dear Friends,

As we stand on the eve of Christmas, I invite you to pause and reflect on the wonder of this holy season. Tomorrow, we celebrate the birth of Christ, a gift of love and hope for all. Amid all the busyness, may we take time to breathe in Christ's peace and remember that His light shines in the darkness, bringing joy to our hearts.

For those of you for whom this Christmas may feel particularly difficult—whether through loss, hardship, or solitude—please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. May you find comfort in God's abiding presence and in the love of this community. You are not alone, and His light shines for you, too.

As we look ahead to 2025, I am filled with hope and excitement for all that God has in store for us as a church family. This past year, I have seen the Holy Spirit at work in the most beautiful and tangible ways—through the special events and services held across our churches, the joy of coming together in fellowship, and the deepening bonds we share as a community of faith. Our connections have strengthened, and our hearts have grown closer in service to one another and God.

In the coming year, let us continue to be open to the Spirit’s guidance, embracing new opportunities for worship, service, and love. With God's grace, we will move forward together, ever more united in faith and mission.

Whether gathered in family, among friends, or in quiet solitude, may the spirit of Christmas fill you with warmth and peace. Let us give thanks for the blessings of this year, and for the opportunity to share God's love with those around us.

Wishing you all a blessed and peaceful Christmas, full of joy, hope, and grace.  I hope to see some of you at the Midnight when we light the Christ candle and lay baby Jesus in his crib.

With love and prayers,
Annette

There are lots of things that I enjoy about the weeks before Christmas.  There is the sense of expectation, waiting for something to happen.  The cheerfulness of decorations, pretty lights in windows and doorways.  A good excuse to catch up with friends – everyone saying ‘let’s try to meet up for Christmas!’  But one thing I really don’t like is going anywhere near the shops!  ‘Goodwill to all’ seems short on supply when the crowds are pressing in, everyone for him/herself in the push to do the ‘Christmas shopping’.  And the enormous pressure to spend, spend, spend, at a time when many can ill afford to do so.    Just an ordinary trip to the supermarket can leave me feeling over-heated, bad-tempered, and cynical.  For me, this can knock the joy right out of gift-giving. 

Rewind two thousand or so years and the town of Bethlehem was also a rather frenetic place to be.  So many visitors, weary travellers looking for somewhere to stay.  We can imagine all the jostling, noisy, smelly, tempers flaring.  And arriving amongst this melee a young couple, the teenage girl heavily pregnant, exhausted, quite probably bewildered and anxious.  Never mind Christmas shopping, they are desperate just for a place to rest, for a space that is safe enough, and private enough, for the imminent delivery of their first child.     

All the usual places that travellers could spend the night are heaving.  No beds left.  No space for them there.  In desperation they end up camped out in someone’s back yard.  Open to the elements, a place only fit for animals.  The most incredible thing is about to happen, the most profound mystery of new birth, the arrival of the Christ-child, relegated to most inappropriate, uncomfortable, inhospitable accommodation.

But space enough there was.  Space enough for the entry of God himself into the chaos of the human story.

It is a challenge to me -  perhaps it is to you - to find enough space in the madness that this season can so easily become.  Space enough to notice the mystery that is still happening in our midst.  Space enough to see that God is still amongst us.  To remember that the event of that dismal night in Bethlehem changed human history for good.  That God came close in a way that he hadn’t before, and he still desires to take up residence in our lives. 

When I was very young it was always a source of great excitement when the time came to put up the Christmas tree.  Having two younger sisters, the event was a lively one, each of us enthusiastically decorating the tree in the way we felt best.  And then the grand finale – putting on the lights!   But my favourite bit of all, which stands out very clearly in my memory, was after all the excitement was over.  The room was left in darkness, with just the twinkling of the fairy lights on the tree.  And while everyone else was busy doing other things, I would creep back in, on my own, and lie on my back on the floor under the tree, breathing in the scent of pine, and staring up at the lights.  It was a moment of total stillness, silence, and child-like wonder. 

Remembering this has inspired me - this year I am determined to find ways to take a moment, from time to time, to step out of the busyness, to ‘disappear’ for a while, and find a still spot.  To breathe deeply and allow myself to wonder again.  Allow the mystery to touch me again.  I suspect many of us feel this need, I don’t believe I’m alone.  So let’s do it – let’s take those moments, as brief as they might be, and when we do, we can know that we are in the presence of Emmanuel, God with us.    

Alison

A Christmas Letter: The Word That Came to Us

As we approach Christmas, many of us are swept up in the hustle and bustle—shopping, decorations, family gatherings. But beyond the holiday cheer, there is a story that continues to speak powerfully to our lives today, even in a world so different from the one in which it began.

The Gospel of John opens with these remarkable words:

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." (John 1:1)

These words may sound a bit abstract at first. What does it mean that the Word was with God, and was God? The Word John speaks of is not just an idea or a concept, but a force of creation, a deep, eternal truth. This Word is the presence of God, woven into the fabric of the universe itself. And John tells us that this Word is a person—someone we can know, someone who walked among us.

Then comes the heart of the Christmas story: "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us." (John 1:14)

This is the incredible, beautiful part of the story—the Word that created everything, the divine presence that held the universe together, took on human form. He came to live among us, to experience our world—the joy, the pain, the struggle, and the hope.

This truth speaks to us in a very personal way today. In a time when so much feels uncertain, fragmented, and divided, we long for connection and understanding. Christmas invites us to reflect on the possibility that God isn’t distant or unknowable. The Christmas story shows us that God, in Christ, stepped into our world to be close to us, to share in our lives.

Whether you're celebrating Christmas for the traditions, for the family time, or for the chance to rest, there’s a deeper invitation embedded in this story: To see that the divine isn’t just out there, somewhere far away, but that it has come near. Christmas reminds us that we are seen, that our struggles and joys matter.

The Word that became flesh continues to speak into our lives. In a world that can feel chaotic, fragmented, or even numb, Christmas calls us to pause and consider how we are invited into a story of hope, of new beginnings, and of light breaking into the darkness. Whether through the relationships we cherish, the moments of peace we find, or the simple act of giving and receiving love, there is something transcendent that moves us in this season. The Christmas story points to that reality: the possibility of transformation, of life beyond the ordinary, of the invitation to believe that things can change—for the better.

This Christmas, take a moment to reflect on what it means that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. It’s not just an ancient story; it’s a living truth that still speaks to us today.

May this season bring you peace, joy, and a sense of wonder that the divine is not far off, but right here—close to us, with us, and for us.

May you have a wonderful Christmas

Revd Annette 

On Sunday, we celebrated Christ the King, a powerful reminder that Christ’s reign is not defined by power, superiority, or control, but by humility, love, and service. In a world that often associates leadership with dominance and status, Christ’s example stands in stark contrast. His leadership is not about finding fault, remaining distant, or seeking personal advantage. It is about coming alongside others, serving with kindness, and building up the community in love. As Philippians 2:5-7 teaches us, “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.”

Last week, Jenny pre-empted me by sharing her reflections on the Advent Experience, focusing on her role leading one of the stations. This week I would like to offer a broader perspective. In the days leading up to the event, I found myself worrying. Would there be enough hands? Enough volunteers to make the event meaningful? But my concerns were quickly dispelled as so many of you stepped forward with enthusiasm and generosity. This is what true leadership looks like—humble, focused on others, and committed to building up the community.

It was heartwarming to see how much the young people gained from the Advent experience. At the interactive stations, their excitement and joy were palpable. They weren’t just having fun—they were genuinely eager to connect with the deeper message of the season. Their enthusiasm wasn’t just for the activities; it was for the spiritual growth that was taking place. These moments weren’t only about engaging the children; they were about nourishing their spirits and inviting them into the story of hope, peace, joy, and love. As I watched them participate, I was deeply moved by their genuine desire to grow in faith, as well as their eagerness to connect with one another. It reminded me of the beauty of working together to serve and build each other up—a reflection of Christ’s call for us to be humble servants.

This same spirit of humility and service was evident during the Kintbury Christmas Fair. When a crisis arose, and the event faced potential setbacks, a small group of helpers immediately came together to ensure that Father Christmas and the children’s craft activities could go ahead as planned. Their quick thinking, readiness to help, and selflessness were inspiring. This experience reminded me that leadership, especially in times of uncertainty, requires humility—recognizing the needs around us and being willing to serve wherever there is need.

Similarly, a wonderful family of volunteers has been quietly organising a beautiful Nativity, bringing families together in a shared experience of love, creativity, and community. These moments—whether at the Christmas Fair, the Advent Experience, or the Nativity—are just a few examples of the power of working together in service to others. They remind me that each small act of service, no matter how simple, contributes to the greater good of our community. Every gesture matters.

As Henri Nouwen wrote, “The way to peace is through service, and service means to be available to others, to be a helper without seeking any reward.” This quote beautifully captures the essence of Christ’s leadership—serving others without seeking recognition or reward. Whether in the schools, at the Christmas Fair, or through the Nativity, our volunteers embodied this principle. They served not for applause, but out of love and humility, just as Christ did. And through this service, we experience not only peace but also a deeper sense of connection and purpose.

One moment that particularly stood out to me during the Advent Experience was when a young student shared how the glass stone he had received reminded him of how precious and loved he was. His simple but profound words left a lasting impression on me. It was a powerful reminder of how small acts of service can have a lasting impact—shaping lives and deepening faith in ways we may never fully see. This child’s words embodied the very essence of what we hope to impart: that each person is valued, each life matters, and every act of kindness is a reflection of God’s love.

As we move forward, I want to acknowledge that not everyone may be able to serve in the same way, and that’s perfectly okay. Some of us are in a season where physical or other limitations make it harder to volunteer or give. And yet, even in these circumstances, your presence and prayers are invaluable. Your support, your encouragement, your compassion—these are acts of service too, just as powerful and meaningful as any tangible contribution. Service is not only in what we do, but in how we love, listen, and care for each other. Every person has something beautiful to offer, and together, we are all building the Kingdom of God in our own unique ways.

I am deeply grateful for your generosity, your selflessness, and for the ways you all bring Christ’s light into the lives of so many, especially the young people in our community. As we continue to serve one another in love, let us remember the words of Christ, who calls us to be humble servants. Let us look for opportunities to serve, whether big or small, knowing that our acts of service not only make a difference in the lives of others but also help build a community grounded in love, compassion, and unity.

May we continue to follow Christ’s example of humble service, allowing His light to shine through our actions. As we work together, may we build a community that reflects His love and grace, bringing peace and hope to all.

Amen.

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who have generously sponsored this event. Your support makes a meaningful difference, and we are especially excited to showcase the beautiful window created by the young people at the upcoming Community Carol Service. Your contribution not only helps bring this event to life, but also empowers the creativity and spirit of our community's youth. Thank you for being a vital part of this wonderful celebration.

      Inkpen Primary Schools Advent experience, Please come down to see the Beautiful window they have created, More to come from St. Mary's Kintbury. These will be added to the website. 

Harvest-time, with all of its exuberant fruitfulness and colour, has now passed.  The clocks have changed, and we are fast approaching the darkest months of the year.  It is a time that some find particularly hard, for all sorts of reasons, and it can impact on energy levels, and emotional well-being.  It’s a time when we need to be particularly mindful to look out for each other.  

The time is approaching when it seems like nothing much is happening.  In the natural world around us, there appears to be no growth, no change, the earth becomes cold and unproductive, everything is dormant, just waiting.   Not so our human lives!  How often are we thinking about the next thing, before we’ve even finished what we’re doing now?  Do you, like me, get so caught up in the ‘doing’ of life that when there is an unplanned quiet moment it takes you by surprise and you think ‘Oh! Now what should I be doing? How could I use this extra bit of time?’

It is very hard to resist the pressures of modern living, where we pride ourselves on busyness, and are congratulated for our productivity, and achievements.  The speed and immediacy of our technology, as helpful as it is for some things, can also place significant expectations upon us.  Of course, there are times when it is necessary and appropriate to attend to the many demands that are put upon us.  But how much more important then, is it that we find ways to take a moment to stop.  To still ourselves.  To find some kind of a space.  The prophet Elijah famously heard God speak, not in earthquake, wind or fire, but in silence (1 Kings 19:12-13).  In the ‘still, small voice’.  What might God have to say to us, if only we could find a moment to be quiet?

I think there is a widespread acknowledgement that it is hard to get the space and stillness we need these days if we are not deliberate and intentional about it. The concept of ‘mindfulness’ is in common usage.  And there is a whole industry built up around the need to retreat, relax, pamper ourselves.  Rest has even become a lucrative commodity!  But I wonder what our Christian traditions have to say about this?   I would suggest that we actually already know a thing or two about how to attend to this need, how to ‘reset’ and be replenished.  We have a rich array of symbols, and simple actions that might help us focus.  It might be a simple as the lighting of a candle and sitting for a while.  We can use silence, we can choose a moment’s solitude.  Perhaps the bodily action of walking, making pilgrimage, or the physical posture of kneeling, or opening up our hands.  Looking at something beautiful, in nature or in art, listening to music, letting poetry, or the psalms, bypass our intellect and sink in to our hearts.  All sorts of ways of setting ourselves aside and adopting a posture of stilling, waiting, receiving.  Ways of ‘wasting time’ with God!  Times when it might be hard to discern that anything is happening at all, but we allow space, and be quiet.  Sometimes we need to take time to do this alone.  Sometimes we can deliberately make space to be together to be quiet, in the presence of God, such as in our recent services for healing, and bereavement.  

I wonder whether by stilling ourselves, we are actually doing something that is in our spiritual, as well as physical, DNA.  Getting in touch with how God created us to be.   During the dark days of the year it looks like nothing is happening, we can’t see anything going on at all.  But if it wasn’t for the decay of autumn, and the dormancy of winter, spring wouldn’t come.  Nature won’t be rushed.  It rests, and it waits.  Perhaps we can learn something from this.

I write to you this week with a heavy heart, aware that many of you, like me, are struggling with the fallout from the recent revelations in the Makin report, which have cast a dark shadow over our Church. The suffering and betrayal endured by the survivors of John Smyth, and the failures revealed within our leadership, are nothing short of horrific.

As you may have heard, the Bishop of Newcastle, Dr. Helen-Ann Hartley, has publicly called for the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury in response to the findings of the report. She has spoken plainly of the damage done to the Church’s moral authority, and the very real doubts now surrounding the credibility of our safeguarding procedures. As a body that claims to represent Christ on earth, we cannot ignore the grave failure to protect the vulnerable and ensure justice for the abused.

The Archbishop himself has acknowledged his own profound failures, and while I have no doubt that his apology is heartfelt, the question that we must all wrestle with is this: how do we move forward? Dr. Hartley’s call for the Archbishop to resign is not simply about accountability, but about sending a message that we, as the Church of England, are ready to confront our sins and take the necessary steps toward true healing and reform.

We know that the resignation of one individual, however high their office, will not solve the deep, systemic issues that have been laid bare. But it would, as Dr. Hartley suggests, offer a clear indication that a line has been drawn. It would show that we are willing to take the necessary steps to ensure that the failures of the past do not continue into the future.

What does this mean for us, as a local congregation? It means that we must continue to pray, not only for the survivors of abuse, but for our Church as a whole. We must pray for the leadership of the Church of England, that they might have the wisdom, courage, and humility to make the hard decisions needed for true reform. We must pray that God will guide us through this dark time, and that His love and justice will be evident in all that we do.

And we must also act. We must continue to hold our leadership accountable, not in judgment, but in the spirit of truth and love, that we might truly live up to our calling as the Body of Christ. We must commit ourselves to doing all we can to support and protect the vulnerable, and to ensure that our Church is a place where trust is restored and justice prevails.

I know that many of you may be feeling disillusioned, angry, or deeply saddened by what has transpired. I share those feelings with you. But let us remember that our faith is rooted in a God who is both just and merciful, and who calls us to repentance, reconciliation, and renewal.

Together, let us pray for the strength to walk this difficult path, knowing that we do not walk it alone. We walk it with Christ, and we walk it with each other.

In Christ’s peace,

Rev Annette

Vicar of Walbury Beacon Benefice

Last Sunday we held our benefice Bereavement service, and we read the names of those from the villages who have died this year and those who we miss. It was a large congregation making it clear that the community is currently holding a lot of loss and pain. 

Many grapple with the difficult question in the depths of grief: "Why did God allow this to happen?" This question is natural and deeply human; it reflects our desire to understand the incomprehensible pain of loss. While we may seek clear answers, it’s important to acknowledge that some aspects of life’s suffering remain mysterious, and the reasons behind our pain often elude us.

In the Bible, we see characters like Job who faced immense suffering and questioned God openly. His story reminds us that it’s okay to voice our struggles and seek understanding. God does not shy away from our questions; instead, He invites us to bring our doubts and fears to Him. In those moments of confusion, we are reminded that our perspective is limited, and while we may not see the whole picture, we can trust in a God who is good and compassionate.

God does not cause our suffering, but He is present with us in it. He walks alongside us in our pain, offering comfort and strength. The life of Jesus exemplifies this; He wept with those who mourned and carried the weight of our sorrows. In the midst of our questioning, we can find hope in the assurance that God understands our pain and is deeply involved in our healing process.

As we wrestle with these profound questions, it can be helpful to focus on what we know to be true about God: He is loving, faithful, and present. Even in the darkest valleys, His light can break through, offering moments of peace and solace. While we may not grasp the reasons for our suffering, we can cling to the promise that God is working all things for good in ways that we may not yet understand.

In your journey through grief, it might be comforting to reflect on the ways God has been present in your life, perhaps in the support of friends and family, the beauty of memories shared, or the quiet moments of peace that come unexpectedly. These glimpses of grace can serve as reminders of His love amidst the turmoil.

Ultimately, we are invited to trust God with our questions and our pain, knowing that He is with us in our sorrows and that He holds our loved ones in His care. In this trust, we can find a glimmer of hope, even amid our grief. Healing is a process, and though we may not have all the answers, we can take comfort in the presence of a God who cares deeply for each of us.

With much love and prayer

Revd Annette