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Brenda is always happy to receive requests for prayer, or for a listening ear, whether on an occasional or a regular basis. It would be helpful, where possible, if contacts about non-urgent matters could avoid Wednesdays and Thursdays - but of course contact her at any time when necessary. And she would be grateful to be told about illnesses or other emergencies affecting people living in the parishes.
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December’s letter from Rev’d Brenda Tipping
The year 2011 will very soon be at an end; in fact the last Sunday of the Church’s year is the Festival of Christ the King, which this year fell on November 20th. It is probably a sign of advancing years that it feels that New year’s Day, January 1st 2011 was only a few weeks ago.
This year has not, generally, been a year of joy and universal happiness. We continue to hear all too frequently of allied soldiers dying in Afghanistan, and of course there are so many young soldiers severely injured. There were the spring uprisings in North Africa and the Middle East, which were so costly for those involved, but hopefully, will end in a better lifestyle, freedom and happiness for the people involved, rather than having to spend their days subjected to cruel inhuman regimes. In this country there were the August riots, which spread through England like wildfire, and I am sure that many businesses are still counting the cost, while we try to make sense of the statistical information about who was involved.
Closer to home several of the older people, who have lived in the villages for decades, and in several cases all of their lives, have passed away. The financial forecasts are full of doom and gloom as several European counties find themselves in serious financial trouble. People often ask the question how can these things happen if there is a God, a good God? I really don’t know the answer to that question, but I do believe that God is our King, not our fascist dictator, he allows us free will, and we don’t always use that facility wisely, which, I am convinced, grieves us as much as it grieves him.
On a more positive note good things have been happening in the villages. Ridge had an excellent fete, and the work on St Giles Church is almost complete and looks very good. St Giles School is going from strength to strength and the staff and governors are keen for the school to get as involved with the community as possible. If you have any ideas for ways to help them achieve that please let the head teacher, or me know.
Finally, I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a good 2112.
Rev’d. Brenda
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