How wonderful to be back together again in September for Cafe Church in Cley.

We have all missed this different event in our lovely church. It’s not really a service, more a gathering of lovely people ‘doing church differently’.  Yes, of course worship and prayers, but also proper coffee, croissants and newspapers creating a lively atmosphere for stimulating thoughts and lots of conversations with old and new friends – and their canine companions! Do come and enjoy us every 3rd Sunday at 11.15.

We give thanks for the lives of Robin Combe & Jim Woodhouse.

They gave so much in God’s service to both Glandford & Wiveton churches and also the wider community over many decades. Their presence amongst us, their infectious joy, deep wisdom and experience will be hugely missed.  May they rest in peace and rise in glory.

It was a delight to welcome Jonathan Lamb to our recent Praise and Worship service. We know Jonathan well through our links with Life in Abundance and his leadership of groups from the Glaven Valley to Rwanda. He visits us often.

In his interview with Richard, Jonathan talked about how he felt God’s strong call to become a Volunteer with the Beachy Head Chaplaincy after hearing a talk from their CEO at his church. He sensed a real connection between Beachy Head and Rwanda. Both are places of great beauty, but also of darkness and sadness: Rwanda being associated with the Genocide, and Beachy Head as a place where people go to take their own lives. When he was originally called to the mission field, he wondered how God could possibly ask him to serve Him in that way! He now felt just the same way about Beachy Head. However, he had been feeling for a while that he would like to support a local outreach mission alongside his international support for Life in Abundance and Rwanda.

He completed a 10-week training course for the new skill sets needed – observation, intervention and negotiation. After this and much prayer, he reflected on how God had picked him to serve Him and support those in crisis in this particular way. How did that happen? The confirmation came after his first 5-hour shift. He felt that this really was of God! The work is a direct front-line activity and very different from the work he does with Life in Abundance. He is convinced that both are God’s work and fully worthy of his time and energy.

Let’s continue to support Jonathan in prayer.

We had a lovely afternoon working together to care for the wildflowers and wildlife in Blakeney Churchyard.

Churchyards can be both burial places for tranquil reflection on the lives of relatives and friends as well as havens for wildlife abundant in flowers, birds and butterflies (be careful you don’t step on a toad!). In Blakeney this was recognised by groundsman Ian Moy who sadly died recently after a short illness. He clearly loved looking after the churchyard.

The combined wildlife value of the five churchyards in the Glaven Valley is enormous. Each church is responsible for the care and management of its churchyard. The very wet weather this Spring has meant that all growth has flourished, but churchyards have been a riot of colourful flowers. Managing churchyards for wildlife and people requires expertise, but with a willing band of helpers! Do get in touch if you’d like to join us.