Church Newsletter June 2026
What would you save? By Derek (Treasurer at All Saints)
If your house was about to burn down, what would you try to save first? It’s a horrible question really isn’t it and one we hope we never have to contemplate. So, put more simply, what do you treasure most? Most of us have things we value and delight in – things we might call treasure possibly of real or sentimental value – some even irreplaceable. There’s nothing wrong in valuing and wanting to keep our treasure safe. In my role as Treasurer at All Saints, I am tasked with looking after the church’s finances, making sure the money that we receive (almost all of which is through donations) is put to good use and every penny accounted for. The church rightly values this treasure, as much for what is allows us as an organization to achieve as for the generosity of those that give. But Jesus warned us about treasure in his famous Sermon on the Mount: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will also be” (Matthew 6: 21). Where we invest our money, time, physical and emotional energy reveals our true priorities. He also warns us against storing up treasure on earth and rather to store up the treasures of heaven. But what does this mean? No matter what our earthly treasure is – beautiful art objects, precious old family photos, well-loved jewelry or, as in my case, some much played and enjoyed musical instruments all these things are temporary, susceptible to decay or loss. We can love them and enjoy them but we are warned not to cling to them too strongly. Instead, Jesus asks us to go after the treasures of heaven such as love, generosity, compassion, serving others. These treasures last longer and are more enduring because they reside in the hearts and minds of others – of our friends, family and our neighbours. No house fire and no decay can take these treasures away from us. Later in Matthew’s Gospel (Matthew 13: 44-46) Jesus relates the Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl. In seeming contradiction to his earlier message, these to refer to a physical treasure like a beautiful pearl or, perhaps, something found buried in a field that is worth selling everything to obtain. But Christians believe that Jesus is really talking about himself! Jesus, his sacrifice and grace, is a treasure infinitely better and more valuable than anything we can have stored up in our lives. We can see it in the life of Jesus as told in the Gospels and also in the love, generosity, compassion and service of others around us. Keep your treasure safe but also look out for things to treasure in the people we meet and live out our lives with.
Our Services This Month
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
Morning Prayer - Monday to Wednesday : 8:35am
Every Wednesday there is Holy Communion at 9:30am.
On the first Wednesday of the month (3 June 2026) 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 Services
7th June: 9:00am Holy Communion, 10:00am All Together Worship - Intergenerational Service and 6:00pm Evensong
14th June: 10:00am Taize Service with Holy Communion
21st June: 10:00am Holy Communion
28th June: 10:00am “Church Under The Trees” with Holy Communion (Outside service in the Churchyard)
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. Refreshments are served and friendship and fellowship encouraged after every Sunday 10am service in the Church Hall.
Fairtrade News
The Unfairness of the Chocolate trade Did you know one in three cocoa workers in Ghana are children? Cocoa Farmer Dora said: that’s not fair. Dora has 3 children and is also a teacher. She says “ I am passionate about creating opportunities for children and women in my community.” Fairtrade involvement has helped her to realise her dream…when her village in Ghana had no primary school, she built one, starting with six kids in her own home. Now 170 children are learning instead of working. This is what happens when women farmers claim their power and confidence - supported by programmes like Fairtrade’s Women’s School of Leadership which Dora attended. This is what #FairToPeople looks like. Did you know that only 7-8% cocoa products in the UK are Fairtrade certified? So there are many life-changing opportunities we consumers can help change by doing just 2 things: Make sure you always buy fairtrade chocolate so that young children go school rather than to work *Sign the Fairtrade Foundation’s petition asking the government to demand business that’s fair to people and planet: https://action.fairtrade.org.uk/page/186243/petition/1?locale=en-GB So please do pop in to our shop to see the delicious range of Fairtrade chocolate that gives opportunities for children to have an education and women to be hopeful about the future of their families and communities. Dora says: “As you eat your chocolate in the UK we feel the impact in Ghana” So let’s make sure that impact is fair and not harmful. It’s great to know that the UK’s Fairtrade Foundation is part of a global Fairtrade system. ‘We work to change the terms of trade through our certification, campaigns, policy work, and business partnerships. That includes working to secure fairer prices, safer working conditions, and more power in the hands of farmers and workers like Dora. ‘
Look out for our fab new sign & stall at the carnival on the 20 and at our next café we’ll be joined by the guide dogs association and it’s the annual plant SWAP & sale in the churchyard so lots going on: the FAIRTRADE CAFÉ plus GUIDE DOGS PLUS PLANT SWAP & SALE on SATURDAY 13 June 10 am – 1 pm.
Our shop will be open for browsing & buying including chocolate of course, gifts, cards and tasty fairtrade food! So enjoy chatting, browsing our products & secondhand books, & fresh coffee & yummy homemade cakes… Everyone welcome Email: nicky_smithseb@yahoo.co.uk 07812 686944.
Church Spring Clean
A message from Helen - Our Church Warden. CHURCH SPRING CLEAN There is a list of cleaning and maintenance jobs which has been emailed to the church family, and a hard copy is on the red notice board in church. Whilst we started crossing items off on Sunday 24th May, there are probably still some things which need to be done, particularly in the churchyard. If you feel able to help with any of these across the summer months please get in touch to discuss. Many thanks Helen Winrow 07775 708771 warden.earlsbarton@outlook.com
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
Christmas Tree
A festival hosted at All Saints' door, Brings festive cheer to the village core. Let your business design, With a tree that will shine, And show what your group is made for! So gather your team, craft a tree, For the whole of Earls Barton to see. With stories to tell, In our old Saxon bell, Come join in this community spree! Christmas Tree Festival Contact Amanda Mayne to get your entries in. It’s never too early to start. amandamayne21@gmail.com.
Annual Plant Swap and Sale
Saturday 13th June at 10am- noon, All Saints Church Yard, Earls Barton.
A great way to share excess plants and gain new ones. Plants can be donated, swapped or just bought! So start sowing, thinning, cutting, and bring along on the day! (Valuation of plants will be at the organisers discretion) (need more info? – phone 07775 708771).
