February 2025 Newsletter
All Saints Church, Earls Barton
News Sheet February 2025
A message from Jenny, Our Priest.
Feeling Rather February…
Recently I’ve spoken, overheard or seen on social media so many people who are feeling a bit ‘dark’ at the moment. They seem to express that the demands of life are increasing and the pace of life getting faster—so finding time for one’s own rest, renewal and recreation are slipping away.
Sabbath may be a familiar word to you? I once heard that sabbath is time delighting in the reality of the living God. How good is that? Time spent joyfully in way that reminds you how loved by God your are and how good God is. So what is it in life that gives you deep joy, brings awe or space to feel more fully yourself and who you were created to be? What brings you closer to God?
It can feel difficult to find time alone and in the quiet to even start thinking about this question, but in the Christian tradition, the sabbath invites us to do exactly that: stop, rest, and delight in God’s goodness. To carefully and with discipline guard time to spend delighting and resting in God’s realness and ‘aliveness’, whether for a day or an hour.
Recently, I started keeping a gratitude journal. Every morning, I jot down three things I’m thankful for that day. Some days it’s easy—beautiful sunshine, a kind person I get to meet with that day, or good news from the day before. Other days, it’s harder. But even on the most challenging days, I’ve found there’s always something to be thankful for, no matter how small. This small practice in the morning feeds my soul throughout the day too as I collect more and more for which I am grateful. It’s helped me to notice so much more.
The pace of life often makes it hard to notice the good that has been (we’re already onto the next thing) or is (we’re worried about it going or ending or have missed it entirely). But slowing down—taking even an hour of sabbath—can help us see more clearly. A quiet walk, a time of deep breathing and stretching, or even sitting with a cup of tea in silence can be simple ways to pause and reset, to connect with God and yourself.
This time of year can feel especially dark, both literally and emotionally. The long nights and cold days can weigh heavily and we find ourselves eagerly looking out for signs of Spring. Will you remember to be kind to yourself in this season, and gentle, and perhaps trying a sabbath practice or daily time of gratitude? And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, reach out to a loved one, tell someone you trust how you’re feeling and know you’re not alone.
Jesus himself practiced rest, often stepping away from crowds and the expectations of others to pray and listen to God. His example reminds us that rest isn’t a luxury; it’s essential. Sabbath is a mindset we can carry into our everyday lives, a reminder to pause, to give thanks, and trust that God is at work, even when we can’t see the full picture.
A prayer you might want to pray… Lord of the sabbath, you never hurried. You were never too busy for prayer or for those who needed you. As I take this moment in prayer I ask for your help. Help me to be disciplined in slowing down and in noticing the gifts you’ve given to me. In a world that moves so fast, help me to find what I am grateful for whether I find myself in times of joy and expectation or difficulty or bleakness. Lord thank you that you are with me always. Amen.
What’s on at All Saints Church?
Every Day
We are open every day 10am - 4pm* for everyone in our parish to make use of their parish church. So pop in, have a look around, make time to pray, read from the Bible or enjoy a pit stop with your little ones as they play with the toys. We’re open for you.
*Subject to occasional offices (weddings, funerals, baptisms) and special events/circumstances.
Midweek Worship
Every Wednesday - 9:30am Holy Communion.
On the first Wednesday of the month there is a short service of Holy Communion in the Church Hall at 3pm followed by refreshments - everyone is welcome, we often have new people joining us.
February Sunday Services
2nd - 9am Holy Communion, 10an All Together, 6pm Evensong
9th - 10am Holy Communion with JaM
16th - 10am Holy Communion with JaM
23rd - 10am Holy Communion
Everyone is welcome to join us for our services and we warmly encourage children. We have an area with books and toys for families and a toilet a short walk away in our Church Hall. Refreshments are served and friendship and fellowship encouraged after every Sunday 10am service in the Church Hall.
Other events in February
1st - Women’s Breakfast – 8.30am in the church hall. Please contact Nicola on 07812 686944, Sandra on 07979 961902 or Glynis on 07919 952736 if you would like to book a place or would like more information.
2nd - All Saints Youth Group 7 - 8.30pm, contact Sarah Howes at howes_africa@yahoo.com for location details
8th – Fairtrade Coffee Morning and our first annual Seed Swap and Sale, 10am to 1pm, the Church Hall. Our MP, Stuart Andrew will also be in attendance so it’s an opportunity to come and meet him.
9th - All Saints Youth Group 7 - 8.30pm, contact howes_africa@yahoo.com for location details
Saturday 15th February – Wedding Morning. We have 8 lovely couples preparing for marriage and planning their weddings at All Saints Church this year. On the 15th Feb 10-12 we have our annual ‘Wedding Morning’.
16th – The Upper Room (young people’s group) - 7 to 8.30pm at All Saints Church
23rd - All Saints Youth Group 7 - 8.30pm, contact howes_africa@yahoo.com for location details
Message from Sarah Howes, our Youth Leader
Youth group/The Upper Room
Youth group restarted last Sunday (19th January) with the Upper Room at the church (with the theme of praying for the world). We gather for snacks (and this week we had a quiz on the environment), then gather in the chancel for worship, sharing and prayer, then move to either the craft table or discussion/fidget toy table before re-gathering to finish. Youth group will continue meeting every week this term in homes (except for the weeks we have The Upper Room). We have snacks, games and explore a theme/Bible passage together. All secondary school age young people welcome! Last term we offered a drop in youth group but as numbers were very low we haven't continued that group this year.
Messy church
As outreach to all ages in our community we are starting a Messy church every month! We had a trial run just before Christmas and it was very well received, with a lovely bubbly fun atmosphere! The next date of Messy church is February 2nd 2.30pm-4pm at the Methodist church. If anyone would be interested in being on team or supporting Messy church we have a planning and prayer meeting on January 30th 1.30pm at my home (5-9 Doddington road, EB).
JAM
JAM has restarted this term with a lovely team providing activities, games and teaching for children of all ages during the morning services (2nd, 3rd and 4th) with the first Sunday of the month being an all age service, it's been lovely to welcome some new families to this recently! If you would like to help with JAM please see Sarah or Charlotte.
B1BS and BOBS
BIBS and BOBs continues to be a warm and welcoming place for babies, preschool children and their families with lovely toys, crafts and refreshments. Recently the children have heard about how Jesus grew into a boy like us, then growing from a boy to a man and welcoming children, and how God loves you if you are happy or sad, good or bad. We have lots of exciting things planned for this term!
School
The school have expressed an interest in receiving both key stage 1 and 2 assemblies from the team so we are looking forward to blessing them in this way from next month. We are also looking forward to providing a happiness club for a small group of year fours once a week in the school as an after school club, hoping to begin this after half term.
If you would like to contribute to sending in some biscuits to the staff in the New Year, please drop them in the box under the table as you come into All Saints.
Idea for families to share God's love as we approach Valentine's day.
Consider sharing God's love by making valentine's day cards for your friends, families and neighbours and including a message of God's love inside them.
Make 'blessing bags' and give them to people in need (or the Daylight centre?). Blessing bags could include small treats with a Bible verse and a note saying they are not forgotten and God cares for them.
NB Youth Group Friday after school is no longer being held.
Some messages from Nicola Smith
MINDFULNESS & CHRISTIANITY COURSE
I'm planning to run this 8-week course likely to be on Monday evenings starting end of February/early March, venue & timings still to be confirmed! Please do get in touch in person if you would like to know more or contact me or text/phone: 07812 686944 or nicola@everydaymindfulnesswithnicolasmith.com
WILD@ALL SAINTS & BIRD BOXES!
We need to replace some of the bird boxes in our lovely churchyard, ideally so they're ready for the nesting season so can welcome some new bird families. Prices from the RSPB range from £20 - £30. If anyone would like to contribute to the cost please speak to Bob Smith 07891 413890
You’re invited to our next Women’s Breakfast
Everyone welcome whether you’re new to our breakfasts or have been lots of times before…
Saturday 1st February
8.30am at All Saints Church Hall
Suggested donation: £7
PLEASE BOOK YOUR PLACE BY Wednesday 29th January so we can plan catering, including for any dietary information, i.e. g/f, vegetarian etc (let us know when you book).
We start with continental style breakfast, (including bacon rolls) with plenty of time to chat. We'll be hearing from Rebecca Groom about 'The Earls Barton Tree Project' but also of course it will be an opportunity to just get together and enjoy each other’s company. We’re usually finished by around 10am, so it’s a really great way to start your Saturday.
We hope you can join us, everyone welcome!
Book with Nicola on 07812 686944 or Sandra on 07979 961902 or Glynis on 07919 952736. Do contact any of us if you need more information..
FAIRTRADE CAFÉ & BOOKSALE on SATURDAY 8th February as we also have the new annual SEED SWAP plus will be visited by our new MP, Stuart Andrew.
And of course we’ll also have lots of beautifully ethical groceries, artisan gifts & cards in stock to help you make good choices in 2025. Enjoy chatting, browsing our products & secondhand books, & fresh coffee & delicious homemade cakes… Everyone welcome! Email: nicky_smithseb@yahoo.co.uk
07812 686944
Save the date
On Tuesday 4th March we are to hold our annual Leek Pie Lunch and Supper at The Old Swan. Lunch will be served at 12.30pm and supper at 7.30pm. The cost is £17.50 per head for two courses.
Many places have already been reserved, so don't leave it too late! Contact Laura on allsaints.earlsbarton@outlook.com to reserve your place.