Church Newsletter September 2026
INVISIBLE PEOPLE By Nicola Smith
There are so many ‘invisible’ people who help our community to thrive, who quietly pick up litter before some of us are awake, people who run the Friday friendship group, the luncheon clubs, people running & supporting children & young people’s clubs and many, many more…Most of us who are not involved have no idea how much time & effort is going into these things but I’m very appreciative that these things are happening in our lovely village.
Jesus told a story or ‘parable’ to some wealthy people about a poor man and a rich man. The poor man sat outside the rich man’s house hoping to be noticed and perhaps given some food, but it seemed the rich man didn’t even see him. He was invisible to the rich man.
I think Jesus told this story both to highlight the injustice and to encourage us all to share what we have with those who have very little. But I also think he was highlighting that one of the reasons we may not be sharing our plenty is that we are not aware, we don’t notice.
For me it seems we rely on many people in the world who are invisible to us, especially the people who grow and pick our food (most of which is imported) and especially things we love to eat or drink everyday…tea, coffee, bananas for example. You’ll not be surprised to hear me say that Fairtrade offers a way to better support those ‘invisible’ people and make sure they are paid enough to thrive rather than struggle to survive. So perhaps this Fairtrade Fortnight from the end of September is an opportunity to notice and appreciate how much we value the things we enjoy and the people that provide them for us?
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 there is Holy Communion at 9:30am.
On the first Wednesday of the month (2nd September 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. 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.
September Sunday Services
6th September: 9am Holy Communion, 10am All Together Service (Intergenerational Service) and 6pm Hymns and Pimms
13th September: 10am Sunday Service with Holy Communion
20th September: 10am Sunday Service with Holy Communion, Fairtrade Fortnight Theme
27th September: 10am Sunday Service with Holy Communion
TOTS Returns on Thursday 10th September
Messy Church returns on Sunday 20 September from 2.30pm till 4pm at the Methodist Church
A message from Helen , Our Church Warden & Derek, Our Treasurer 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.
A message from the Bland Family
Joseph’s Baptism will be on Sunday 18th of October 2026 at All Saints Church Earls Barton at 2 pm and afterwards in the Church Hall for refreshments. Everyone is welcome!
A message from Suzanne
This Month’s newsletter is a considerably weighty and so I have included a handy pull out section that lists all the events planned for the Autumn that we know of so far. Paper copies will be available in the church. Thank you.
A message from Helen, Our Church Warden on behalf of Moulton Church
This year seem to be flying by and a very special day will be coming up soon now! The exciting news is that the first ever UK wide Christian Grandparenting Conference will be happening in Milton Keynes in October and the early bird booking rates are available until 1st September. May we encourage any of you that haven't heard about it or yet signed up for the National Christian Grandparenting conference to consider doing so?
You can find out more about it on the website www.christiangrandparents.co.uk. where you will note that it is a partnership between 4 organisations (Bible Reading Fellowship/Grandparenting for Faith, Scripture Union, Children Can and Inspire Christian Grandparenting (Martyn and Angela Thompson) to encourage and inspire us in intentional Christian grandparenting, whatever our families circumstances, and we know that families can face many difficult situations. There will be great worship, teaching, sharing, networking and exhibitors with resources to help you on your way in this privileged but challenging God designed role as Christian grandparents.
It's taking place on October 3rd in Milton Keynes so ideally located for many of us. The venue has good parking and access too. Tickets are currently £26 at the early bird booking rate until 1st September, with a further discount to £20.80 each if bought as the '5 for 4' , 'fill a car', offer. It will be a great day and would be so good and encouraging to be there with you. We would be delighted to hear from you if you or any of your church family/friends are able to go! Please do spread the word to others you know too and we would be very grateful if you could especially encourage members of your church family. This is an area of ministry where we can see the Lord moving not just here and in the US but also in many countries around the world. Come and be blessed to be part of this as we see the next generations touched by the Lord!
Please drop us a line or give us a ring if you'd like to know more. We look forward to hearing from you Hope to see you there!
With love and prayers God bless
Martyn and Angela Thompson (07713149408)
Grandparenting Ministry Leaders Moulton Parish Church Leaders Christian Grandparents UK
This Month’s Events
Hymns and Pimms Sunday 6th September 6pm
We are holding a Summer Songs of Praise service.This service will include some favourite hymns chosen by members of our community and clergy that have covered services this year, and the reasons they are so special to them.
FAIRTRADE 2026 CAFÉ & MEND & REPAIR CAFÉ on SATURDAY 12th SEPTEMBER 10am till 1pm
Our shop will be open for browsing & buying including OUR END OF SEASON SALE on many products!
We’ll also be be joined by ‘Friends of All Saints’ so come & find more about what they do & their next events.! So enjoy chatting, browsing our products & secondhand books, & fresh coffee & yummy homemade cakes… Everyone welcome!
A message from Nicola Smith Fairtrade News
FAIRTRADE FORTNIGHT is coming up soon: 21st SEPTEMBER - 4th OCTOBER so please join us at our special events:
SUNDAY 27th SEPTEMBER: FAIRTRADE TEA PARTY 3-5pm with Children’s Activities too at All Saints Church Hall. There’ll be delicious savouries & yummy homemade cakes provided by our volunteers & our friends at ‘The Good Plate.‘ We’re raising funds for Transform Trade so please do give generously. RSVP to: 07812 686944 to enquire & to book your place & we’ll send a link for your donation. Do please join us & look forward to seeing you there : )
FRIDAY 25th SEPTEMBER 11 – 3 MACMILLAN COFFEE MORNING at EB MARINA:
Come & visit our stall! And the cake stall at this event is highly recommended . Email: nicky_smithseb@yahoo.co.uk 07812 686944
Carers Cafe - Saturday 26th September 9.30am - 1pm
Northamptonshire Carers hosts the Earls Barton Drop In every couple of months. It is a Community Cafe event, which one of our volunteers attends. It gives you a chance to meet other carers, and you can bring the person you care for if you choose. Join us for a break, enjoy refreshments and a chat with Carer Advisors and other Carers. Get information, advice and support. The Carers Information Hub provides advice, guidance, and practical support for carers. It’s a place to access information on services, benefits, and local resources, connect with others, and get the help you need in your caring role. All Saints Church, Earls Barton Page 4 Church Newsletter | Issue #9 September 2026 ECO Church News: Ideas to inspire and feel hopeful .On 22nd September our friends at the Wellingborough ECO group have organised a screening of this inspiring film,'Six Inches of Soil,' about young British farmers standing up against the industrial food system and transforming the way they produce food. More information & how to book here: https://wellingboroughecogroup.org.uk/eco/six-inches-of-soil/ There's also a screening of a nature & climate film 'The People's Emergency Briefing' at the Umbrella Pavillion, Northampton Racecourse: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/umbrellaclimateemergencyactionhub/ 2350728? fbclid=IwdGRjcAToSDZ0ZGNwBOWI0GNsY2sE5YjHcGRvZgVleHRuA2FlbQIx MQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAwzNTA2ODU1MzE3MjgAAR6 I7_h4COXIrBxCKc8eomD4rUCphzKDDrcWtAaZwsdgoaDJpbNDiCkMQKiBA aem3vazJ-0PUj6Q3080jj94DA Do let me know if you'd like to know more and if you'd like to share lifts to either film. Nicola 07812686944
New course coming up this month .'Finding God's Peace in a Frantic World' Timings: Mondays 7.30 - 9pm 8 weeks from 28th September.
We will be using prayer, scripture & mindfulness skills to improve our physical, emotional & spiritual wellbeing. Please contact Nicola for more information: 07812 686944
September 2026 Friends of All Saints Church Earls Barton (Registered Charity Number 1118769) Notice of AGM 2026
Friends AGM will be held in the church at 7pm on Monday 7th September. Following last year’s great turnout we’re inviting anyone who has an interest in historic buildings, is fascinated by local history, or just loves our church to come along. You’ll hear all about the work we’ve done this year to preserve, sustain and celebrate this historic building at the heart of our community.
After the meeting there will be a presentation of historic pictures and photographs of the church and the village presented by Iona Flanagan. There will also be refreshments.
All Saints Church Earls Barton is a unique and precious building. Dating back over 1000 years the church, with it’s world renowned Saxon Tower, is an historical and architectural gem. Indeed, it is said to be the best preserved working Saxon Tower in Europe!
Friends of All Saints is a charity that exists to raise funds to help look after the fabric of the building, which is run entirely by volunteers.
We know many people beyond the church community, as well as those with family ties to Earls Barton, care deeply about this iconic centrepiece of our village. To become a member, make a donation or find out more visit www.FriendsofAllSaints.org or email FriendsOfAllSaintsEB@outlook.com Please add the following two events to your diaries to help support us.
Christmas Tree Festival
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!
Contact Amanda Mayne to get your entries in. It’s never too early to start. amandamayne21@gmail.com
You’re invited to the 2026 Tearfund Big Quiz!
Saturday 7th November at 7.30pm All Saints Church Hall
Please contact Nicola for more information & to book. Even if you haven't got a team we'll organise that on the night. 07812 686944
