Jenny’s letter 18th January

Dear Friends,

The last week in the life of our parish has been one of real encouragement, and I find myself full of gratitude for what God is quietly growing among us.

Last Sunday was a genuinely joyful day. We were delighted to welcome Bishop Julie, who led our service of Baptism and Confirmation. Sylvia, Joe, and David were baptised and confirmed, each responding to God’s call in their own way, supported by family, friends, and the wider church. Alongside them, Barbara affirmed her baptismal vows — a powerful reminder that faith is not only about beginnings, but about returning, renewing, and recommitting ourselves to God’s grace at different stages of life.

There was a warmth and generosity to the service that many commented on afterwards. It felt like one of those moments when the Church is doing exactly what it exists to do: holding people; praying with them; and celebrating faith lived out in real lives. Please do continue to hold Sylvia, Joe, David, and Barbara in your prayers as they take their next steps.

Then on Tuesday we gathered again. This time in a very different but equally joyful way: for Messy Church. We welcomed around 20 children along with their families, and it was wonderful to see the room full of colour, conversation, creativity, and laughter.

What struck me most was the growing sense that this is becoming more than just a collection of people who turn up now and then. Relationships are forming. Children recognise one another. Adults linger to talk. There is a sense of belonging beginning to take root.

Messy Church is gently growing into a proper worshipping community — church expressed in a different way, but no less real. It is joyful, thoughtful, welcoming, and rooted in prayer and story. If you have not yet come along, I would really encourage you to consider it — whether as a family, a volunteer, or someone who simply wants to support and pray for this work. Signing up helps us plan well and offer the best welcome possible, so please do use the sign-up when you can.

As we look ahead to Sunday, the Gospel reading reminds us again that faith is often revealed not in dramatic gestures, but in attentiveness: noticing where God is already at work, responding with trust, and being willing to follow even when the way forward is not entirely clear. Whether through baptism, renewed vows, shared worship around messy tables, or quiet acts of service, God meets us where we are — and invites us to take the next faithful step. 

Thank you to everyone who gives their time, energy, prayer, and care to the life of this parish. These moments of growth are never accidental; they are the fruit of faithfulness, often unseen, offered week by week.With love and blessings,