August 25 Newsletter
All Saints Church,
Earls Barton
Summer Holidays Meets Pilgrimage
By Rev Jenny Bland
I wonder what you think of when ‘summer holiday’s are mentioned? For me, I think ice creams, sunshine, laughter and epic car playlists for the long drive to somewhere lovely! Now I wonder, ‘what comes to mind when you think ‘pilgrimage’? Maybe ‘what’s that about? Something to do with long painful hikes?’… August traditionally feels like a restful month to me— school is out, sun is shining and everything normally slows down a bit on my emails and to-do list. I hear of holiday plans where many of us will have a chance to get away, if only for a day or a week. Even if it’s just a reset of rhythm, August often brings a little extra time to rest and recharge or get out and about.
The Bible is full of people on the move. In the first book of the Bible (there are 66 books in the Bible believe it or not!) Abraham sets out without even knowing his destination. Later, God’s people, the Israelites, wander in wilderness trusting that God will lead them to their forever home. In the Gospels (in the New Testament), we often find Jesus and his disciples walking together, where more often than not, the walking, travelling and the conversations along the way are just as important as reaching the destination itself.
In religious tradition, pilgrimages are journeys that are made with the hope of growing closer to God. But you don’t need a long silent retreat or an intense walk (like Camino de Santiago) to experience that—any journey or season can become a pilgrimage if we carry the intention to hear God, to notice, to listen and to be open to things of God.
So this August, I wonder, where you are going?
Whether you are staying in our beautiful village or travelling to the other side of the world, I hope and pray you find moments of stillness and restful joy in this month where hopefully the pace of life, if only for a few days, can slow down for you. May in all your travels, your heart be open to God, who reminds us that wherever we go, He is with us.
A prayer you might like to pray: Loving God, where will you lead me this August? Help me to slow down and to enjoy a sense of growing closer to you this month. Whether I am home or away, be the one who leads me, feeds me, guides me and may I see your love and handiwork in all my days. Amen.
Our Services this Month
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.
Monday to Wednesday : 8:35am Morning Prayer
August Sunday Services *HC denotes Holy Communion
3rd - 9 am HC, 10 am All Together, 6 pm Evensong 10th - 10 am HC
17th - 10 am HC 24th - 10 am HC
31st - 10 am Church Under The Trees (outdoor church) HC, noon Private Baptism
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. Light refreshments are served and friendship and fellowship encouraged after every Sunday 10am service in the Church Hall.
This Month’s Events
FAIRTRADE NEWS
Please visit our shop open 10 - 1 on Saturdays & join us for our next
FAIRTRADE CAFÉ & SECONDHAND BOOKSALE on SATURDAY 9th AUGUST 10 – 1pm
Plus we will be joined by our EB Museum team
So come & find out more about what they do & see some of their collection. Enjoy chatting, browsing our products & secondhand books, & fresh coffee & yummy homemade cakes… Everyone welcome!
07812 686944 nicky_smithseb@yahoo.co.uk
Greenbelt 2025
August Bank Holiday weekend 22nd - 24th August!
This inclusive Christian festival of creativity, justice, prayer & fun will be here soon. There's something for all ages and more information & tickets can be found here: What is Greenbelt Festival?
Do let us know if you're thinking of going for a day or the whole weekend & we could meet up for a picnic & maybe share transport
Nicola & Bob 07812 686944