Deanery Prayer Diary Sept - Nov 2020 St Benet’s at Waxham and Tunstead Deanery Digest – September, October, November 2020 Please pray this week for………. Firstly, to say many congratulations to Revd Tracy, 31 Aug - 6 Children, young people and staff at the beginning of the new school year; those starting school or Curate at the Wroxham benefice, and Revd Andrew, Sept beginning high school or college this week. Curate at and benefices. Both For the commissioning service on Zoom on 3rd for all who work with children and young people. were ordained as priests by Bishop Alan at the Everyday faith: for those who work in utility services, supplying our water, drainage, and power beginning of August, and presided at communion the following Sunday. May God bless them both as they 7-13 Sept benefice in vacancy (North Walsham, Edingthorpe, & Westwick) continue to follow God’s call. For charities that support church buildings; Churches Trust Ride & Stride on Saturday Everyday faith; fruit pickers and farm seasonal workers

14-20 Waterside benefice in vacancy (, , Hickling, & ) Sept Those who are shielding Everyday faith; those who work at our local doctors and dentist surgeries Secondly, the North Walsham benefice said their goodbyes Revd Canon Paul Cubitt and 21-27 Cathedral, Dean and chapter his wife Claire on 2nd August. Paul has Sept Couples who have celebrated their weddings this year, and those who have postponed to 2021 Everyday faith; the self-employed and independent businesses served at North Walsham for 5 years, and we wish him well as he moves to take on 28 Sept - Our ecumenical links; Churches Together in North Walsham; the new Methodist Superintendent the role of Team Rector for Dereham Team 4 Oct and chapels in the deanery Ministry. Everyday faith; supermarket and shop workers

5-11 Oct Stalham benefice Diocesan Synod members in their decision making on Saturday This leaves 2 of our 8 benefices in vacancy, Everyday faith; factory and office workers and I would like to express my grateful thanks to the ministry team and churchwardens at Waterside and North Walsham for taking on extra workload at this time. 12-18 Oct Smallburgh benefice Our Bishops Graham, Alan and Jonathan This year has been far from straightforward for any of us. Everyday faith; health and fitness instructors, beauticians and hairdressers Keeping up with the new regulations and changing guidance, continues to be a challenge. 19-25 Oct St Benedict’s benefice Families during the half term break, and all on holiday As clergy chapter, we have kept in regular contact with one another for peer support and to share. Everyday faith; those who work in prisons and all who administer justice And thanks go to our church communities who continue to care for each other and support our churches financially, at times sacrificially. This is a time of real challenge financially for the diocese 26 Oct - 1 Wroxham benefice and I am grateful on behalf of the diocese that huge efforts have been made to support the cost of Nov Our partner diocese in Papua New Guinea ministry through Parish Share. My thanks to you all. Everyday faith; local pubs and restaurants And finally, to say there is a mid-term lay vacancy for Diocesan Synod alongside our current lay 2-8 Nov Coastal Group Those at sea or off-shore, lifeboat, coastguard and emergency services reps, Sonia Coupe and Helen Middleton. Everyday faith; politicians, local government and civil servants There are a number of important issues that will be debated over the next year until the full 9-15 Nov Acts of Remembrance and services elections, including making our church buildings ‘greener’ and clergy deployment on Zoom. Everyday faith; service personnel and their families; If you are on the electoral roll in your parish, you are eligible to stand, and need to be proposed and those who suffer as a result of war and conflict nominated.

16-22 Nov Our local nursing homes; for residents and staff All who provide care in the community and those they support Nomination papers have been sent to all deanery synod reps or are available from myself or Sonia, Everyday faith; those who are unemployed and the retired our lay chair, and must be completed and received by me by 12 noon on Wed 1st October.

23-30 Nov Kings Beck Group If more than one nomination is received, voting by lay deanery synod reps will take place on Mon All who work in Diocesan House 5th October. And just to note Revd David Smith takes over from Paul as clergy representative on Everyday faith; funeral directors, grave diggers, crematorium staff and stonemasons Diocesan synod with Simon and myself.

May God continue to bless and keep us, now and always. Catherine Revd Canon Catherine Dobson, Rural Dean

Mothers’ Union The Friends of St Benet’s Abbey [ Area]

Sadly, our quiet day scheduled for August had to be cancelled, but I hope to reschedule it for next summer. However, I am sure members enjoyed the MU quiet day on Zoom organised by our

Diocesan Council.

Group meetings will hopefully start again during the period between now & Christmas, but safety is paramount and each group must do

what is right for them. The work of Mothers Union carries on in a

different form and we have already been thinking about the Angel Tree project which provides Christmas presents for children of prisoners at Bure prison. If you think that’s a bit previous, I have this morning received a mailing for the World day of Prayer next March! Help!! Sadly, we still have no guided tours. Once this changes, we will be sure to let you know. Life does carry on but not necessarily in the way we are used to and ------the one thing we can be sure of is that God is with us every step of the way.

If you are interested in finding out about the work of the Mothers Union, or would like further information. I can be contacted on 01603 783387 or via email; [email protected]

God bless you all and stay safe,

Sue Cobb

Coastal Group [www.coastalgoup.org.uk] Wroxham Benefice Bacton, , Hempstead, & Eccles, Ridlington, & Waxham, [Wroxham, , Belaugh & Tunstead] Walcott, Witton]

Happisburgh Services at St. Mary’s Church Sunday 20th September 10.30 - Harvest Festival. Sunday 4th October 10.30 - Church Family Service. Sunday 8th November 15.00 - Remembrance Service.

Sea Palling & Waxham Because of the on-going pandemic there are no special events happening. Our Library is open now on Saturdays but no refreshments are available at the moment. Opening times are 10.30 to 12 noon. Good selection of books to suit all ages. It's worth taking a look at what is on offer! All welcome with the essential face coverings.

St Peter’s Ridlington Riding and Striding in Norfolk

Picture, if you will, the scene: the Autumnal sunlight glinting through a faint mist in the fields; the cawing of rooks in the trees, blackberries glistening in the morning dew, and a sense of anticipation of adventures to come – yes we were starting off on another ‘Ride and Stride’ in aid of our church and others like it. The great thing about Ride and Stride is that it’s entirely up to you how far you go; how many churches or other places of worship you visit, whether you walk or cycle and how long you take. In fact, most of your sponsors will very sensibly give you a fixed amount, which means you’re not under pressure to visit more than you would like. The key thing is to enjoy yourself whilst raising something for your church. Actually, we usually take our bikes and make a day of it, doing a circular tour of perhaps 20 miles round our particular part of this lovely county, and taking a picnic lunch. One year however we ‘strode’ through Norwich visiting its multitude of beautiful churches, built almost on top of each other. Why do it? Well, it’s certainly not out of a grim determination to raise money, although of course money is a spur to get you going in the first instance. We have had great fun exploring the countryside and charming out of the way places. We have been warmly welcomed at places of worship of many different denominations, and have been subject to many temptations in the shape of homemade cakes, and other goodies, in addition to as many cups of tea as it’s advisable to drink. And of course, notwithstanding the cakes, it’s good for you! Why not give it a go? Richard and Vanda Barker, St Peter’s church, Ridlington

Ride+Stride, is a sponsored event fundraising for places of worship, and this year takes place on Saturday 12 September. It is supported by The National Churches Trust and run by county churches Trusts nationwide - in our case by the Norfolk Churches Trust. Visit www.norfolkchurchestrust.org.uk/bike-ride/ for more information, or speak to your church’s Ride+Stride organiser.

United Benefice of King’s Beck Waterside Benefice [, Colby, , , , Suffield, & [Catfield, Hickling, Ludham, Potter Heigham,] Tuttington] IMPORTANT: Face coverings must be worn to all Like everyone, it has been a challenging few month for Church and community life in the Benefice as we have continued to maintain contact with people and provide services practical and spiritual support.

Once we were able to consider returning to our buildings, our Risk Assessments Sunday 6 September Benefice Morning Worship on Zoom, led by Christine Wall at 09:30 made it clear that not all of our eight buildings could be made COVID-secure. From St Catherine's, Ludham, led by Lynda Savage, at 10:30 June, four re-opened for daily individual prayer and just one, St Andrew’s All Saints', Catfield, led by Judith Gardiner at 10:30 joint service with St Felmingham, is being used on Sundays to provide the space for our normal congregation numbers whilst adhering to social distancing, etc. We felt it important Nicholas', Potter Heigham to try and maintain our previous pattern of one Service a Sunday where all the St Mary's, Hickling, led by Ian Watton at 10:30 Church Family could gather in one place in the Lord’s Name. Sunday 13 September Soon after resuming Sunday Services in July, we were delighted to welcome Bishop Benefice Morning Worship on Zoom, led by John Savage at 09:30 Alan to a Confirmation Service on what was supposed to be our Flower Festival St Catherine's, Ludham, led by Stephen Pitkethly, at 10:30 Weekend. Sadly, like many other events we had had planned, the Flower Festival St Mary's, Hickling, led by Zephney Kennedy at 10:30 had to be cancelled but we were able to welcome two of our adult Church members- St Nicholas', Potter Heigham, led by Revd Canon Catherine Dobson at Peter Brown and David Drew – into full membership of Christ’s Church. A great way 6:30pm joint service with All Saints', Catfield to celebrate being able to worship together again in God’s House. Sunday 20 September Planning a Service with the added liturgical requirements of face-coverings was, to Benefice Morning Worship on Zoom, led by Zephney Kennedy at 09:30 say the least, interesting and even the Bishop was happy to be learn along with the St Catherine's, Ludham, led by Christine Wall, at 10:30 rest of us! At one point, we considered introducing a “Liturgy for the placing and St Mary's, Hickling, led by Judith Gardiner at 10:30 removal of masks!” An added bonus was that we could begin to ring the bells again, All Saints', Catfield, led by Revd david Smith (tbc) 6:30pm joint service albeit as a Carillion. with St Nicholas', Potter Heigham

At the time of writing, we are assessing what may or may not be possible as we move Sunday 27 September into the season of Harvest, Pet Services, All Souls and Remembrance. But whatever Benefice Morning Worship on Zoom, led by Christine Wall at 09:30 may or may not be possible, we continue to give thanks to God for his abiding and St Catherine's, Ludham, led by Lynda Savage, at 10:30 constant love for each one of us. St Nicholas', Potter Heigham, Harvest Service led by Judith Gardiner at

In the meantime, we continue with our regular newsletter that is circulated by email 10:30 joint service with All Saints', Catfield St Mary's, Hickling, Harvest Service led by Zephney Kennedy at 10:30 and by hand to people with whom we have maintained contact - through the (joint service with methodists tbc) congregation, visitors, weddings, baptisms, funerals, etc.

www.achurchnearyou.com/kingsbeck

North Walsham Benefice Benefice of St Benedict [North Walsham, Edingthorpe, Worstead & Westwick] [, , Irstead, , ]

Do join us across the week for our live-streamed services, on Facebook. Services are available either live-streamed if you wish to join us from home or you are welcome to join us in person if you wish. Strict social distancing measures are in place and face covering should be worn unless you are exempt.

The church is now open, Monday-Friday, for private prayer and reflection between 9.30am and 12.30pm. Please follow stewards' directions on social Diary Dates for September 2020 distancing.

Monday: 9.00am Morning Prayer

Tuesday: 9.00am Morning Prayer

Wednesday: 9.00am Morning Prayer

Thursday: 9.00am Morning Prayer The Macmillan Coffee Morning will take place on Friday 25th September, 9.30am

-12 noon at the New Victory Hall. Keeping it Simple, keeping you Safe: We are

Friday: 9.00am Morning Prayer taking a different approach to the annual Macmillan Coffee Morning this year in

that although we shall still be providing refreshments as usual, there will be

fewer stalls. To enable social distancing as well as maintaining a friendly Saturday: 9.00am Morning Prayer atmosphere, there will be the Grand Raffle plus the opportunity to buy cakes,

produce and plants. Please note, we are starting earlier to hopefully spread your Sunday: First and third Sundays - Morning worship, second and fourth Sunday - arrival times over a longer period to avoid peaks. We do hope to see you there. Holy Communion

If you are not on our regular email distribution list, and would like to receive regular emails, please email us on [email protected] On Saturday 12th September there will be the annual Norfolk Churches Trust sponsored cycle ride. Your support of those riding or walking in aid of our parish

Most services can also be viewed on our YouTube channel: churches and the Trust would be especially appreciated in these difficult and challenging times when charitable income has been so significantly reduced. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxFBSl3zhoOjV8_vMnwIERA?fbclid=IwAR 0 0SISupqdSGmmD108hRJVT-goGhwWUTePbQImRbFGKVTBXrUnATC7btn0E

Smallburgh Benefice Stalham Benefice [, , Honing, Smallburgh] [Stalham, Sutton, Ingham, & Brunstead] What a wonderful week! So the date and location had been set for my Ordination as a Priest. Saturday 8th Church services began again in Holy Trinity Ingham and St Mary’s Stalham in mid-July. Both of these church buildings are big enough to make social distancing easy, so were the obvious ones to start August at 11am in surely one of the best places to be ordained – St Mary’s Church with. Services will resume in St Michael’s Sutton and in the Smallburgh Benefice in September. It has Stalham. been good to be able to meet for worship once again, even if it feels very different. We have It did not matter that the date and location of the service had been postponed due continued to deliver Pews News Extra each week for those who are not yet ready to come out, and to the current Covid Crisis. It was just a blessing that the service would take place have used the same material in our church services to help us continue to feel a sense of and, in a location, which felt so special to me. togetherness. On 8th August we had the joy of Rev Andrew Bevan’s Ordination to the Priesthood at Stalham church along with Rev Viv Ridpath. Sadly of course numbers were very limited but the OK the numbers were limited. I could only bring along immediate family and a few Diocese arranged for the service to be streamed. Andrew celebrated Holy Communion for the first representatives of our church family. However, by using modern technology it was time the next day which was another joyous occasion. possible to broadcast the service, which was watched by many who may not have been able to attend a service in Norwich. I have had the privilege of officiating at weddings for over thirty years, and whilst in their own way each has inevitably The week began with a gathering of Ordinands in the Bishops Garden for the been different, nothing has been so different from the recent wedding I took. This wedding was one of the first in the Diocese to be happening after the ease from lockdown, for during the Covid 19 lockdown no ceremonies had been swearing of Oaths and a two-day retreat. The weather was perfect, the location permitted. The couple, like many others, had had to change their plans and the wedding was very different from the could not have been better and the time to sit and reflect on the coming week was one they had intended. Firstly, they were only allowed a maximum of thirty people being able to attend, of which I most helpful. The scent of roses in the garden was delightful. was one of the 30, so 29 really. So, they then had to look at the list of their original invited guests and decide which family and friends would be present and which would not be able to attend. We were not allowed hymns, because It is difficult to try and explain what the service itself meant. Needless to say, it was no singing was permitted, but music played via an iPod and a speaker was acceptable of course, so we had music at very special and will remain with me as one of the most memorable experiences of the beginning at the signing of the registers and at the end of the service. my life. Surrounded by the love of my family, my church family and being so aware Then came the real changes. As each person entered, they were required to give their name and contact details for of the special blessing that was being bestowed upon me and the responsibility that the track and trace requirement, to sanitise their hands, and to go and sit only in their respective bubbles or this will carry. Having just got over the excitement and emotion of ordination day household groups, being escorted to their seats to enable this. The bride’s escort walked six foot in front of the bride, following social distancing rules, and then went straight to her seat. Before the service began the Best Man, after itself I was then given the opportunity to celebrate my first Holy Communion the sanitising his hands had deposited the two rings on a table for later in the service, and had sat down. following Sunday. This was such a special moment. To be entrusted with the most The wedding then began, at the part where the bride is given away, the bride’s mother was invited to stand, from significant part of our Christian worship, bringing together our congregations her seat in the pews, and verbally give her daughter away. As officiant I was not permitted to touch the bride and before God in the celebration of Holy Communion. It was an immense privilege and bridegrooms’ hands at the vows, as would normally be the case. I blessed the rings on the table as they lay, not something that I will reflect upon for many years to come. touching them as one would normally in a blessing. Then the bridegroom placed the ring on the brides finger he had to sanitise, and she too before places her ring on his finger, at the Blessing of the Couple, I was unable to place my So, what’s next? I will continue to serve my Curacy in the Stalham and Smallburgh hand on the couple’s heads, as would be my normal practice. Benefices for the next three years. As a self-supporting minister I will not be leaving We then proceeded to the altar for the prayers as normal. When it came to the signing of the registers, I had to wear at the end of three years to take on a Parish of my own. I will continue to serve God a visor, to be close enough to ensure all was completed correctly, after the couple had signed the witnesses were in this location alongside so many Christian servants within our Benefice churches. I required to sign. Each witness had to sanitise their hands both before signing and after, and each had to use different look forward for us all to have the opportunity to explore our faith together and to pens to sign. witness the mission of Christ’s church within our community. The Blessing was given, the music began and the Bride and Bridegroom walked out into the sun to applause from the It just remains for me to say thank you for all of the love, support, encouragement congregation. and prayers that have been bestowed upon me and my family by so many. I also I had warned the couple it would be very different, they had said they just wanted to get married, no matter what, extend special thanks to Simon for his confidence in me by gifting so many that was the important thing to them. Which is all of course as it should be. I was very happy to conduct their wedding, but I do hope soon things will be back to normal, and we can go back to the way we used to do things at these lovely opportunities to develop my ministry and serve alongside him in this place. services. May God bless you and keep you. Andrew.