Rockland All Saints

As I write, Autumn is well and truly upon us, with blustery winds, misty, moisty air and leaves falling from the trees. So far, the temperature is generally mild for the time of year but it will soon drop, so we have put the portable gas heaters back in the church ready to keep congregations from freezing! About a month ago, we held the annual Pets and Harvest Thanksgiving service ‘up the hill’. This year, the rain was a very close threat, and we nearly decided to move everything inside the church, but then we saw a patch of blue in the sky ‘enough to patch a sailor’s trousers’ and we made the call to stay outside…… and our prayers were answered as it stayed dry until we had finished. The music was led by the Benefice Music Group, with Colin on guitar and Kathryn on flute, with the usual singers helped by Julie Dekker and Monty and Ottilie (dogs!) We were delighted so many joined us in spite of the inclement weather, and we all enjoyed playing ‘Who Am I?’ as well as singing traditional Harvest hymns alongside more modern songs. The collection went to the Leprosy Mission as usual, and donations of ambient food were taken to the Food Bank after Kathryn explained what a standard food parcel would be likely to contain for those in need. Our annual Harvest Supper takes place on 8th November in Rocklands Village Hall at 7pm. Tickets are selling well but if you would like to come and haven’t yet booked, if you contact me on 01953 483542 before 5th November, we may be able to squeeze you in. Tickets are only £10 for a two course supper+ tea and coffee (bring your own alcohol and glasses if required) and is followed by a performance by the Roskettes as usual. There will not be an Advent Lunch this year.

In November, we have our usual service on the 3rd Sunday, but then on 30th November, we welcome friends from all 12 churches in the new combined benefice to join in the Advent Carol service at 10.30am. This heralds the start of the Anglican new year and is a time of waiting and preparation for the birth of Jesus and is always a very powerful service. It is not the easiest of churches to find, but if you follow satnav, the nearest postcode is NR17 1XW…Google maps calls the lane ‘St Andrew’s Lane’ for some reason but if you ask a local they will say ‘Church Hill’ or maybe Stowlay Lane!!? If you find Rectory Rd and go past the houses, you can see the church on your left so follow your nose after taking the next left!!! An important date for the diary is 7th December when we will be holding our Christingle service at All Saints at 3pm. The children arrive from 2.30 onwards and make their Christingles in the old schoolroom, then we have an informal fun service in church…..which is so meaningful and powerful as children celebrate Christmas without any of the commercial hype that threatens to take over its true meaning. Rocklands School choir will again be singing at the service, which is always a delight to listen to. More in the December issue, but please book the date in your calendar now!

How To Find Us

Click on the link to find a map of the area on Google maps. (Please note that we have no control over the content of external websites).