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“The quality of mercy is not strained – it droppeth as the gentle rain from Heaven . . “.  This is the opening of Portia’s famous speech in Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice.

Justice and mercy have been on my mind this last week, following the annual commemoration, in Kintbury Churchyard, of the execution of a young, uneducated, family man – William Winterbourne – sometimes called “the Kintbury martyr”.  He was hanged 194 years ago, almost certainly as an example to deter others, for his part in the agricultural uprisings known as the “Swing Riots”;

Living conditions for the rural poor had deteriorated sharply following the Act of Inclosure of 1773, whereby landowners were permitted to enclose common lands which for centuries had provided subsistence for “commoners” who had been allowed to graze animals, collect firewood. grow crops for their families and even live on allocated strips of land.

Impoverished labourers across the south of England were burning barns and smashing farm machinery in protest against starvation wages and loss of employment caused by the invention of the threshing machine.  William was one of these, and paid the ultimate penalty for his involvement.  I often wonder what became of his wife and family – the workhouse, I suspect.

Justice and mercy are twin threads running through the pages of the Bible, in both the Old and the New Testament.  An often quoted verse comes from the Book of Micah, probably dating to somewhere around 700BC “. . . what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” 

When I was reading, this Hebrew Prophet, with thoughts of William Winterbourne and his contemporaries fresh in my mind, I was struck as never before by these words in Chapter 2, which could have been written at any time in the 18th and 19th centuries in rural England:

“They covet fields and seize them,
And houses, and take them;
they oppress a man and his family,
a man and his inheritance.” Mic2.2.

Over two and a half thousand years ago in ancient Palestine – two hundred years ago in this part of our own green and pleasant land.  And today, as we look at the world around us – it can be hard not to feel that justice and mercy are all too frequently neither valued nor practised by governments and rulers. 

Jenny

Dear All

Next year all parishes will be required to prepare new electoral rolls before their APCMs. Everyone who wishes to remain on the electoral roll will need to reapply. It is a good opportunity to encourage new eligible parishioners to enrol so they can have a say in how their local church is run. 

In order to make enrolment as simple as possible early in January an envelope of enrolment forms will be pinned to the church notice board and a box left out to collect returns. The form will also be emailed out to our contacts which can be completed and returned by email or printed out. The rules permit electronic signatures, so it is sufficient for application forms to have a typed name where a signature is required if submitting from a personal email address. 

Thank you for your support.
Annette

Dear All
Just a gentle reminder that Isobel's next session on performance and voice coaching for the benefice is on 28th Jan at 2.30pm in St Mary's Church.  Do come along even if you are confident in your delivery in church. It is an opportunity to support and encourage each other. It is good to have feedback in a positive environment.
If you are interested in being involved in reading in church but want to 'have a go' before committing why not come and join us to see how it feels?  The last one was great fun.
Isobel has asked that we bring something like a short poem we enjoy reading to share.
Annette

Our two Labradors are now aged 9 and 10 years. Dave and I are conscious that they are becoming elderly in human years. We have started to look for signs that they are maturing. I can report that they show no signs.

Daisy still excitedly bounces in circles when she thinks she is going to be fed, and Yukki never slows down demanding a stint of ball throwing even when she has just returned from a long walk over Hungerford Common.  They chase up the stairs to take the best spot on the double bed or down it when they hear anyone opening a food cupboard in the kitchen. They behave like toddlers rolling around and play fighting when they are hungry, and Yuki snuggles up to Daisy to sleep with her nose tucked into her haunches as she did when she was a tiny puppy.

Just like Daisy and Yukki, many of us may find ourselves holding onto a youthful energy or excitement, even as time passes.

Aging is seen as a natural part of God’s design for life, one that invites us to embrace the changes, uncertainties, and challenges it brings with grace. The Bible speaks about aging in Psalm 92:14, where it says, “They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green.” We may not always feel fresh and green, but I hope we all appreciate that there is value and purpose in every season of life.

My dogs continue to exhibit exuberance, their unwavering vitality a reminder that I am never too old to find joy, to be active in my relationships, and to share love.

The love and connection between them reflect the beauty of companionship and loyalty that can deepen with age and I witness so much of this happening in the community and in church. Christian teachings encourage us to be faithful and present for one another as we age and to find wonder in God.

In the end, the “weariness” we feel in the face of possible loss serves as a reminder of the fragility of life. Yet, as Christians, we are reminded that this is not the end but a transition to eternal life with God, where there are no more signs of aging, no more pain, and no more sadness. Until then, we are called to live each day with the same excitement, love, and joy that Daisy and Yuki show—celebrating the moments, knowing we are part of a greater story that God has written. 

Good Morning,

We have cancelled the 8:30am Service in Inkpen on Sunday (Tommorow) due to the weather conditions.

We have a service in Kintbury and West Woodhay later on in the Morning. 

12/01

8:30am Inkpen                             Holy Communion - BCP - CANCELLED

9:45am Kintbury                          Holy Communion - CW

11:15am West Woodhay           Morning Prayer
Kind Regards
Tamara 
07359 327072
Office Administrator
Walbury Beacon Benefice
Home - Walbury Beacon Benefice

My first Advent and Christmas in the benefice has been a real eye-opener.  I have been genuinely astonished to see our churches packed, the coming together of community, the excitement and anticipation of the children, the enthusiasm of the carol singing, not just on one occasion but repeatedly throughout the season.  We have heard the Christmas story told over and over again, in many different ways, with plenty to draw our attention to the real meaning of this festival.  It has been a time when this most incredible story, the arrival of Jesus Christ into our world, has been front and centre, and just for a while it has been quite normal to talk about God, beyond the confines of the church!  

I am writing this a few days into the New Year.  There is a sense now that the party is over, and we begin to look ahead.  January has a reputation for being a difficult month, in fact the third Monday of January has been dubbed ‘Blue Monday’, the most depressing day of the year.   Many are affected by the short daylight hours, the weather, reduced social interaction, and a whole host of other factors that affect mood and emotional well-being.  This Christmas I have been close to several friends for whom this time has been marked by painful loss, and for whom the New Year brings not excitement and optimism, but the long, hard journey of grief.  I am aware that for some, the celebrations will have felt remote, excluding, a painful reminder of things not being as they should be. The apostle Paul enjoins us to ‘mourn with those who mourn’ (Romans 12.15), and I have certainly found myself heavy-hearted at times these past few weeks.

At this time of year, we celebrate Emmanuel, which means ‘God with us’.  I believe it’s important that we remember that ‘God with us’ is far more than a nice warm feeling.  It does not depend on a consciously felt experience of God’s presence.  The Christmas story tells us that God is with us, as a fact.  The story we have heard throughout this season is a firm reality, it is a promise, and a hope, that transcends present circumstances.  Those who for now are not able to rejoice, to celebrate, need to know that there is no failure in this.  After all, Jesus himself wept when confronted with human pain and grief.   Our inability sometimes to raise our own spirits takes nothing away from the reality of God’s presence with us.  We need God’s grace, and the strength that only he can give.  As the psalmist wrote, ‘Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil, for you are with me.’

In a few weeks we will be having the next of our healing services.  These services are an opportunity for us to come together quietly, to rest in God’s presence.  A time to allow some space to pray for God to meet us in our needs, and to ask him for strength to sustain us.  It’s also a time to bring prayers for people we know who are suffering or struggling, in mind, body or spirit.  It is for anyone - and everyone - who wants some time to simply be quiet, enjoy some stillness, and take part in some gentle worship.  The next service will be at 4pm on Sunday 19 January, at St Mary’s Kintbury, and all are most welcome.

Alison

Updates and dates for diaries for 2025!

What a wonderful end to 2024 with record attendance at Advent and Christmas services across the benefice.  I have some beautiful memories to treasure.  Just a quick reminder of some of the special things that have already been slotted into the diary.

1.     BENEFICE POP UP CHOIR

Do you love singing? Come and join our exciting new pop-up Community/Church Choir. It will welcome people of all levels of singing experience.  

The first session will be on March 2nd for the 'Songs and Readings for Spring’ service in Inkpen starting at 3 pm to practice together, followed by time to relax and socialise, before leading an informal benefice service at 4.30 pm.

If you would like to join the choir and/or receive updates on the choir, please complete the attached form and return it to  office@walburybeaconbenefice.org.uk.  The information will help Stuart Laing and Christopher Sears who are leading the choir.

2.     LENT GROUP

This is likely to be based on the book. ‘Life Balance: A Five Session Course on Rest, Work and Play for Lent’ by Sue Mayfield and Robert Warren. The meetings will be on Tuesdays 10 am-11.30 am at the Vicarage, led by different members of the Ministry Team.

11th March, 18th March, 25th March, 1st April, 8th April. 

If there is sufficient interest an evening course will run. Please contact revannettes@aol.co.uk telephone - 01488 646385 to let us know if you will be joining us and mention if you would prefer to join in a morning or evening session.  All welcome! You do not need to be a regular member of the congregation!

3.     REV’D ALISON DEAN

28th June 11.30 am in Reading Minster Revd Alison Dean is ordained as a priest

29th June 9.45 am Revd Alison Dean will be able to consecrate the elements for the first time at a special Benefice Communion Service.

Dear Friends,

As 2024 ends, I want to reflect on all that God has done in our community this year. It has been a time of growth, joy, and reflection, and I am deeply thankful for each of you and the journey we have shared in faith.

One of the standout moments of the year was our Advent Experience with the schools. It was such a joy to see the children’s engagement with the interactive stations that explained the Advent story and to watch children carefully paint two special windows bringing the Christmas story to life in a vibrant way. I am grateful for our ongoing partnership with the schools and for the children’s enthusiasm.

This year, we have also been blessed by being able to introduce the Space Makers initiative into Kintbury School. This resource teaches contemplative practices to young people. It has been a privilege to witness how these practices help them find moments of stillness and reflection. Looking ahead, we are looking to explore the possibility of introducing Space Makers in our church, offering all ages a chance to deepen their connection with God through contemplation and prayer.

Our deepening bonds with Notrees have been another highlight, offering a wonderful opportunity for fellowship reminding me of the joy and strength that comes from sharing life. I enjoyed the Preschool Christmas Gathering, where families came together with residents from Notrees to sing carols together in Church. It brought a special sense of wonder and joy to the season.

The monthly Compline Service introduced this year in Inkpen, led by Christopher Sears, was a peaceful, reflective way to end a weekend. The Healing Service is a source of comfort and renewal offering comfort even during tough times. These new services will be regular features in the benefice rota in 2025.

This year has also brought moments of sadness, as we said goodbye to beloved members of our community. It has been a privilege to conduct their funeral services and walk alongside their families in their grief while finding hope in the promise of eternal life.

A special blessing this year has been the arrival of Revd Alison Dean, who joined us in the summer to begin her four-year curacy with us. Alison has already become an integral part of our benefice, and it feels as though she has always been here. She has been a blessing to us all, and we look forward to celebrating her priesting this summer. Her wisdom, care, and dedication to ministry have enriched our church family, and we are grateful for her presence.

I am also thankful for our wonderful team of laypeople, whose dedication makes so much of our ministry possible. Their faithful service is a constant source of inspiration. We are equally grateful for Patrick, our retired vicar, whose ongoing wisdom, and support continue to enrich our church life.

Looking ahead to 2025, we are excited to celebrate thirteen weddings already booked across our benefice, and we pray for God's blessing on each of these couples. We also look forward to collaborating with our new Bishop of Reading, the Rt Revd Canon Mary Gregory. We are excited for her leadership and partnership as she begins her ministry with us.

As we enter the new year, God is calling us to a year of service, growth, and deepened faith. May 2025 bring peace, joy, and a renewed sense of God’s presence in your life.

With love and blessing in Christ,
Revd. Annette

“O Magnum Mysterium” – O Great Mystery.  This is the first line of an ancient Gregorian Latin Christmas plainsong chant.  It actually goes on to wonder at the miracle of the animals being present at the Manger to witness the birth of Jesus – but it is just those first three words which have been ringing in my head during Advent.

O Great Mystery.  A friend recently lent me “Tales of a Country Parish” by Colin Heber-Percy.   I hadn’t heard of Heber-Percy, so I looked him up.  I came across an interview in which he describes himself as “agnostic”.

AGNOSTIC?  And a Church of England parish priest?

He goes on to explain that the real meaning of “agnostic” is just “not knowing”.  And he rejoices in the fact that, as humans, as mortals, as the Created – we cannot “know” all about God – all about the Creator.

Advent, with its long hours of darkness, and Christmas, when we celebrate the Light breaking through, seem to me to be the perfect time for us all to celebrate our “not knowing”.  Where would be the point in worshipping if we could “know” all about the One we worship?  The first Advent candle is lit for the Patriarchs – Abraham and his family.  And there is a Jewish legend that Abraham’s father Terah was a maker and seller of idols.  One day, the young Abraham was left in charge of the shop – and went round and smashed the idols, forcing his father to recognise that objects designed by human minds and created by human hands are not worth worshipping.  There is no Mystery in them.

So let us recognise and honour, our human agnosticism.  As we look forward to the revelation of Epiphany, let us celebrate and worship with awe and wonder the Great Mystery of the Incarnation.

A very happy and un-knowing New Year to you all
Jenny

Dear Friends,

As we stand on the eve of Christmas, I invite you to pause and reflect on the wonder of this holy season. Tomorrow, we celebrate the birth of Christ, a gift of love and hope for all. Amid all the busyness, may we take time to breathe in Christ's peace and remember that His light shines in the darkness, bringing joy to our hearts.

For those of you for whom this Christmas may feel particularly difficult—whether through loss, hardship, or solitude—please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. May you find comfort in God's abiding presence and in the love of this community. You are not alone, and His light shines for you, too.

As we look ahead to 2025, I am filled with hope and excitement for all that God has in store for us as a church family. This past year, I have seen the Holy Spirit at work in the most beautiful and tangible ways—through the special events and services held across our churches, the joy of coming together in fellowship, and the deepening bonds we share as a community of faith. Our connections have strengthened, and our hearts have grown closer in service to one another and God.

In the coming year, let us continue to be open to the Spirit’s guidance, embracing new opportunities for worship, service, and love. With God's grace, we will move forward together, ever more united in faith and mission.

Whether gathered in family, among friends, or in quiet solitude, may the spirit of Christmas fill you with warmth and peace. Let us give thanks for the blessings of this year, and for the opportunity to share God's love with those around us.

Wishing you all a blessed and peaceful Christmas, full of joy, hope, and grace.  I hope to see some of you at the Midnight when we light the Christ candle and lay baby Jesus in his crib.

With love and prayers,
Annette