Church Newsletter (August 2026)
The Power of Service:
Why Volunteers Make the World Go Round I am sure there are all sorts of theological topics I could build an article around, but I am afraid I feel I have been pointed in the direction of talking about VOLUNTEERS by three recent events:
1. The Festival Fortnight and Village Carnival – What fantastic events, enjoyed by and involving a huge number of people. I just see this as a “win/win situation”. For those who buy tickets and attend the events, they have a great time, and for those who are actively involved in organising and taking part, they experience a wonderful feeling of community, satisfaction and achievement. So, if you have never got involved before try it next year!
2. Further afield –Wimbledon and the World Cup – at the time of writing these are in full flow but many people might not realise how, particularly in this country, large sporting events utilise armies of volunteers to act as stewards, first aiders, etc. At Wimbledon volunteers from the armed forces literally act as security around the courts, but ordinary people get involved as well and be part of an amazing experience. There are lots of websites where you can volunteer for events like the Olympics, Rugby World Cup etc, if you have a look.
3. Closer to home – at All Saints Church EB – we do have some paid staff – a full time vicar and part time administrator, youth worker and cleaner, but everything else is undertaken by volunteers. So there is always lots to do, organising services and community events, and maintaining the church building and the churchyard. So imagine how delighted I was when out of the blue I received an email from someone who lives in the village and works for Scott Bader in Wollaston to say that the company gives employees time off to do community work, so would we like any help at the church! Praise the Lord! So on a very, VERY hot day in late June a team of amazing young men arrived with buckets and brushes and cleaned and painted all of the external ironwork in the churchyard – railings, gates, and spotlight cages. As a Christian and life- long Brownie, part of my faith is to serve, but you don’t have to share my faith to believe that this world would be far worse off without the service of everyone who volunteers in whatever organisation they are passionate to support. SO THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS!
Helen Winrow All Saints volunteer Church Warden
Our Services this Month- What’s on at All Saints Church in August?
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.
Sunday Worship August 2nd - All Together Intergenerational Service 10am
August 9th - Sunday Service with Holy Communion at 10am
August 16th - Sunday Service with Holy Communion at 10am
August 30th - Church Under the Trees and Service with Holy Communion by Extension outside
All Saints Church at 10am Volunteer fundraiser
Dear church family, All Saints is heading for an exciting time over the next few years with plans to carry out some much-needed renovations for our Church Hall and major plans to re-order the church building to make it more flexible, welcoming and available to our village community. But all this needs funding - lots of it! There are many opportunities to raise money outside of generous church family - granting organisations, sponsors, community donations, for example. At the moment, much of this work is being undertaken by our very busy Churchwarden, Helen and our Treasurer, Derek. It would wonderful if someone in our church family felt inspired, enthusiastic and capable of supporting this important work. A willingness to coordinate with the PCC and other external people with an ability to engage with online systems would be good along with some time to dig in and get things done. Please talk to Helen or Derek for more information.
FAIRTRADE NEWS TOO HOT FOR COFFEE?
It’s been pretty hot for the past month or so – we've had the UK's hottest June ever and, as I write, July is bringing more of the same. But this isn’t new for farmers across the world, who have been dealing with the worst effects of the climate crisis for years. They’re being pushed to breaking point, dealing with extreme temperatures which destroy harvests and reduce their income. In an unfair trade system, they’re the ones who suffer most. For coffee farmers, conditions matter. The coffee bean itself is incredibly sensitive to temperature change & the warming climate means every decision is made based on weather – and when weather is unpredictable, it makes their work impossible. Farmers like Naftaly in Kenya are watching the climate crisis ravage their businesses. Most smallholder farmers don’t have the money to make the changes needed to help adapt their farming. ‘Climate change makes me anxious,’ Naftaly says. ‘These days you can’t predict it’.
This is where Fairtrade can make a huge difference. Fairtrade is a partnership & together farmers like Naftaly & businesses develop & invest in the best solutions for the future of their product. That way we can all continue to enjoy our morning Fairtrade coffee for years to come, knowing we’re investing in the future. (My current favourite is the Clipper Italian blend, but come & see for yourself any Saturday between 10 – 1!)
FAIRTRADE CAFÉ & BOOKSALE plus Museum Group Exhibition featuring history of EB Co-op (who also of course sell a huge range of Fairtrade products!) on Saturday 8th August 10 – 1pm As usual our shop will be open for browsing & buying, enjoy chatting, fresh coffee & yummy homemade cakes… Everyone welcome! Email:nicky_smithseb@yahoo.co.uk 07812 686944
GREENBELT FESTIVAL 2026: 26th - 30th August
Time to start thinking about this lovely festival which is on our doorstep for one last time at Boughton House. (We don't yet know where next year's will be but hope it will be close by!) 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? But do ask us too if you'd like to know more & let us know if you're thinking of going for a day or the whole weekend & we could meet up for a picnic & perhaps share transport. Nicola & Bob 07812 686944
