October 2025 Newsletter
All Saints Church, Earls Barton
Preparing for the Year Ahead
By Rev Jenny Bland
Well my lovely church family, this is my last month of being amongst you ahead of my maternity leave and so I wanted to try and answer some questions ahead of my leave and help you to imagine how things will look going forward. The first thing to say is my last Sunday with you is 26th October 2025 and my maternity leave starts 1st November 2025. I plan to come back again 1st November 2026 at the 9am Holy Communion service, which I’m looking forward to already! Whilst on maternity leave I accrue ‘holiday’, so I will be phasing back in part-time during November, December 2026 and January 2027 as I learn what ministry looks like alongside raising a new little person.
There are a number of unknowns about the next year as Peterborough Diocese hasn’t had a vicar go on maternity leave for a very long time (if ever) and we don’t currently have a maternity policy in place. Because of this I’ve been working with the Dean of Women’s Ministry, Archdeacon and Bishop to work out what a well-boundaried and good maternity leave can look like.
One of the big projects I’ve been working on for the last few months is finding cover for all the services I am away for. I’m delighted with how the year ahead looks for Wednesday and Sunday services and so grateful to Grace and Simon who are leading and preaching significantly more, as well as Rev Charlie and Sarah who will be leading and preaching monthly too. Regular Sunday leaders include Revd Tony Lynett, Rev Doug Spenceley and you’ll occasionally see Rev John Seaman and even Archdeacon Richard Ormston pop up throughout the year. Revd Katrina Hutchins will be with us monthly on Wednesday mornings as well as Revd John and Grace and Simon. Welcome them all (as I know you will!). There are some Holy Communion services that will become ‘Holy Communion by Extension’ services. This simply means that the bread and wine has been consecrated by a priest before the service, so please do remember that to receive Holy Communion by Extension is just as legitimate as to receive Holy Communion directly after the prayer of consecration. Simon, Grace and other Lay Readers are well equipped to lead these services and will be such a blessing to you.
The hardest months to cover I’m afraid have been this November and December, so as a church we are making some sacrifices with the services that we’ll be able to offer. Any services we don’t hold this or next year have been approved by our Bishop who knows we’re in extenuating circumstances, but I am sorry for where we have to forego a service. I hope and pray that you will be able to be creative with new ways of worshipping and praying when this happens. Please see the newsletter for a full list of services upcoming for the next year.
Do ask me anything you want this next month but below are some FAQs I’ve had:
How long are you away for?
I am away from 1st November 2025 to 1st November 2026, and baby Bland is due around the middle/end of November 2025. I’ll let you know once they’re here via Helen Winrow, our churchwarden.
Where will you go to church?
Chris and I are hoping to pop into services at All Saints Church throughout the year and we will be worshipping around Wellingborough Deanery too (gathering good ideas for when we return!).
Are you allowed to stay in the vicarage? How can we support you?
Yes! Chris, I and the baby will continue to live in the vicarage whilst I’m on maternity leave. We would be so grateful if you felt able to pray for us as we prepare to welcome our baby and get to grips with a new way of living.
Can I still call or email you?
While I am on maternity leave, I’m afraid I wont be receiving emails or calls. All calls and emails should be directed to our churchwarden, Helen.
How can I contact you while you’re on maternity leave?
I would ask as far as possible to not be contacted about anything to do with ministry as it will be hard enough ‘stepping back’ and trying to get into a different mindset after 6 wonderful years as your vicar. I will be leaving church WhatsApp groups for the year and will seek to totally ‘unplug’ from the practical/leadership side of church. If you need to contact me urgently for any reason, please seek advice from Helen.
Does All Saints Church have a vicar while you’re on maternity leave?
Yes! I am still your vicar and the vicar of Earls Barton, so I am technically still ‘in post’, just away on temporary leave.
Who should I approach for spiritual or pastoral help while you’re away?
While I am away please don’t hesitate to reach out for pastoral or spiritual guidance. You might like to talk to someone in the church family who you trust, but if you or someone you know needs a priest specifically then please ask Helen for the list of local priests who are near to Earls Barton and ready to help for when it’s needed.
Who do I talk to if I want to start something new or join a group while you’re away?
If you feel stirred to step up, speak to Helen in the first instance. She will be able to talk through the church calendar, or what teams are available to join. If you’re interested in joining a discipleship group or one of the courses coming up then speak to Rev Charlie Nobbs, Simon Elvin or Sandra Jordan. If you feel called to look into ministry more formally then don’t hesitate to reach out to the Peterborough Diocese Vocations team and see what courses are coming up.
How do I book a wedding, baptism or plan a funeral while you’re away?
While I’m away, please get in touch with Helen in the first instance. She will redirect you to those who are looking after these different ministries. You could also speak to Jill Timms who is our wedding coordinator or David Timms who is our verger for funerals as both are leading on the practical aspects of these respective occasional offices.
What about the reordering project?
Derek Bish is overseeing the communication and planning of the reordering the nave project on behalf of the PCC. This will continue while I am away under the watch of the PCC with Archdeacon. The PCC will keep you informed of progress and updates via PCC minutes or updates from the front of church.
What if I am unwell or pass away while you’re gone?
Please contact Helen if you’re very unwell while I am away or you’re worried a member of church family is coming close to the end of their earthly life.
Who is ‘in charge’ while you’re away?
Technically the PCC and Churchwarden hold legal responsibility and are to direct the church while I am away. They should be the decision makers alongside consultation where necessary with the Acting Rural Dean (Revd Jackie Buck) and/or the Archdeacon (The Venerable Richard Ormston).
Broadly speaking, the people to speak to about the following issues (fairly as normal)
are:
Safeguarding: Philip Clayton is our PSO, you can also speak to Jackie Elvin or Sandra Jordan
Leadership or Services: Simon Elvin or Grace Ogoe or Helen Winrow
Sunday Slides: Martin Pratt or Jackie Elvin
Discipleship: Simon Elvin, Sandra Jordan or Rev Charlie Nobbs
Giving and Finance: Derek Bish
Rotas or Membership: Helen Winrow or our Administrator who takes over from Laura Ward in due course
Intercessions, Pastoral Visiting or Care: Carol Coleman, Margaret Hart, Grace Ogoe
Children, Youth and Families: Sarah Howes
Socials or Events: Helen Winrow or Laura Ward’s replacement
Newsletter Items: Suzanne Turvey
What happens if I see you in the village?
Please say hello! Although I am away from duties as your vicar, I will be so delighted to see you in a social capacity around the village. As you may be able to sense, my being away means a number of church family are taking on more. This is especially true for Helen who will be a kind of overseer of processes for our Church. Please pray for her and support her and all those leading upfront and behind the scenes in the next year (especially our assistant wardens and servers supporting our visiting leaders and priests). Thank you for all the ways you contribute and support the life of the church, there may be times when it feels unusual that I’m not with you, but I have a strong feeling this year isn’t about survival but good and surprising growth, and God’s presence in new ways among you.
I hope it goes without saying how much I will miss being your vicar in this year ahead and that I hope to come back energised (pray that one in!) with fresh perspective on my own ministry which will have to look very different going forward. I have a super mentor, wise spiritual director and wonderful senior team at the Diocese to help me do this at the latter end of 2026.
Finally, thank you for being so generous and supportive ever since Chris and I shared our happy news of expecting a baby. You have made planning this maternity leave a blessing, not burden and we are grateful and blessed immensely by you.
I will be praying for you, especially that the God of surprises will speak and stir up new life in unexpected ways this year. I am praying for the church to flourish in number and in faith and that joy, friendship and generosity continue to bloom. So bear with each other, forgive each other and please do encourage each other — this is who I know you to be.
With my love, prayers and every blessing this month and then in the year ahead,
Jenny
Revd Jenny Bland
12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.’ ~ Colossians 3:12-14
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
October Sunday Services
5 th - 9am Holy Communion, 10am All Together (Harvest Service) 12pm Private Baptism, 6pm Evensong
12 th - 10am Holy Communion with JaM
19 th - 10am Taize Holy Communion with JaM
26 th - 10am Holy Communion (JaM in Church) (Jenny’s last Sunday)
2nd Nov 4-5:30 All Souls Event: Remembering With Thanksgiving
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. JaM is our ‘Jesus and Me’ children’s group which runs for any children who might prefer games and interactive Bible stories to our service.
A message from Helen, Our Church Warden
Vacancy for Church Administrator (paid)
Due to changing work and family commitments Laura Ward will reluctantly be stepping down as our administrator.
The role is for on average 8 hours per week, paid at minimum wage which equates to approx £5k per year. Hours are totally flexible and will be worked from home.
The contract will initially be for 12 months, to be reviewed when Jenny returns from maternity leave.
Suitable applicants will need to be computer proficient to maintain the online church database and diary, the church website and social media postings, along with other duties.
If you, or anyone you know might be interested and would like to see the detailed job description, or have a chat, please contact:
Helen Winrow: email: warden.earlsbarton@outlook.com
Applicants do not have to be members of our church family, full training will be given during a period of handover.
I would just like to add our sadness at the loss of Laura, and her contributions to the running of our church, most of which is unseen and, to be honest, not always acknowledged or appreciated. So our sincere thanks to Laura, and prayers for replacing her soon.
A message from Derek, Our Treasurer
"Every little helps"
If you like shopping online - from Amazon, Argos, M&S, Tesco, John Lewis and many, many more (over 8,000 outlets) - you can help support All Saints for free! Use the link or scan the QR code to become a supporter of All Saints and every time you order online through Easyfundraising the retailer will make a donation to the church.
https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/all-saints-earls-barton
A message from Andy, our Tower Captain
Belfry Open Event.
I am pleased to say that we will be holding our Annual Open Belfry Event on Saturday, 11th October form 10.00am until 12.00noon.
We still have a Band of around 8-9 ringers and a beginner progressing well. However in order to maintain some continuity of ringing here at All Saints we really could do with one or two more people learning to ring and one day join our Band.
This event is a great opportunity to meet our existing friendly band of ringers over a coffee and a chat Visitors will then get the chance to climb our ladder and , after a demo, have an assisted go on the end of the rope of our lightest bell... You too could be part of the Audible voice of All Saints church!! If you want to find out more before the event then please call me. Andy Smith 0754 131 2407
A message from Catherine, our choir director
Christmas is coming and All Saints choir needs YOU,Come into the choir stalls, get out of your pew!We'll sing lots of carols, traditional and new;This is your invitation... and those around you too.If you would like to join regular choir members in helping to lead our annual service of Lessons and Carols (Sunday 14th December at 6pm), we will be starting rehearsals on Friday 31st October. We meet in the church from 5 - 6pm every Friday, and all are welcome. For further information please speak to Catherine Johnson or any of the choir members. We look forward to seeing you!
Auction of Promises
Promise Auction: Saturday 8th November:
Light supper followed by auction of promises - details to follow - but first we need to compile a list of promises to auction!
Promises for example can be small(ish) : ironing, baking a cake, cutting a lawn, tech support, baby sitting.
or medium size : concert tickets, dog grooming, taxi service, longer garden session, painting a picture, photography session.
or bigger : loan of a holiday home, year's supply of chocolate!! etc etc
So if you, or anyone you know -they don't have to be part of the church family, would like to offer a promise, could you please contact Helen Winrow - warden.earlsbarton@outlook.com
Please provide as much detail as you can plus a "reserve price" -the minimum price you would like the promise to sell for, as a guide. eg.: rather than just "bake a cake" - say "Bake a 10 inch Christmas cake, fully iced and decorated approx value £20 "
rather than just "ironing" -say "iron 10 shirts or equivalent" approx value £10
If you have any questions or queries please contact Helen
FAIRTRADE FORTNIGHT IS HERE!
We’re delighted to celebrating our newly awarded fairtrade village this year with extra events, including a Fairtrade evening with the Brownies on October 1st and then a special ‘Brew It Fair’ café on 3rd October. All events at All Saints Church Hall.
BREW IT FAIR CAFÉ FRIDAY 3RD OCTOBER 10.30 – 12.30
with our MP Stuart Andrew visiting.
Brew it fair with Fairtrade Tea campaign information, find out how you can make things fairer for those who grow & pick our tea. Refreshments including tea, coffee & homemade cakes, quizzes & a Clearance sale in our Fairtrade Shop – come & help us make space on our shelves for our new seasonal range. Everyone welcome & hope you can join us!
Then later this month, we’re really looking forward to our Christmas Preview Event:
FAIRTRADE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING EVENING
THURSDAY 23RD OCTOBER 7pm
*A chance to explore our lovely new season’s range plus 10% off purchases on the night
*Chocolate Christmas decorations with Karen…this was a very popular activity last year!
*We’ll be serving Fairtrade wine, juice & nibbles
*A chance to sample some of our new grocery products
*Everyone welcome to stay a while or just pop in, we’d love to see you!
….AND FAIRTRADE SHOPPING EVERY SATURDAY so do pop in to our shop any Saturday between 10 – 1 to find delicious fairtrade groceries & sweet treats, greetings cards & charity Christmas cards, unusual gifts & crafts from around the globe, many made from recycled & repurposed materials.
At our October café we look forward to being joined by Natasha to help make bat boxes & encourage the bat population in EB….
FAIRTRADE CAFÉ & SECONDHAND BOOKSALE on SATURDAY 11th October 10 – 1pm
Enjoy chatting, browsing our products & secondhand books, & fresh coffee & yummy homemade cakes & making bat boxes… Everyone welcome!
07812 686944 nicky_smithseb@yahoo.co.uk
Save the date as The Tearfund Big Quiz Night 2025 is on its way… and you’re invited!
Saturday November 22nd @7.30pm All Saints Church Hall
We welcome teams of up to 6 people & ask for a suggested donation of £5 minimum per person – Please book in even if you don’t have a team, as we will work that out on the night, we’d love to have you come along!
For information/ to book: 07812 686944 or email nicky_smithseb@yahoo.co.uk & we’ll send the link to our Tearfund JustGiving page for your donation. See you there!
Martin, Sandra & Nicola
Save the date Events
Patchwork Exhibition on November 1st
All Saints Church 10am til 4pm.
In aid of music therapy for Lawrence's care Farm residents. Tea, coffee and cakes in the church too.
Admission £2 per adult and £5 per family.
The Tearfund Big Quiz Night 2025 is on its way… and you’re invited!
Saturday November 22nd @7.30pm All Saints Church Hall
We welcome teams of up to 6 people & ask for a suggested donation of £5 minimum per person –Please book in even if you don’t have a team, as we will work that out on the night, we’d love to have you come along!
For information/ to book: 07812 686944 or email nicky_smithseb@yahoo.co.uk & we’ll send the link to our Tearfund JustGiving page for your donation.
See you there! Martin, Sandra & Nicola
All Saints Christmas Bazaar
on 6th December 10am til 1pm in the Church Hall. Stalls are £10 each.
Lee's Butchers are doing a BBQ. Tea, coffee and cakes will be available. We would like to collect items for a tombola and offers of cakes would be appreciated.
Mindfulness and Christianity 8-week course
From Monday 9th February 2026
7.30 – 9pm
Earls Barton Methodist Church Rooms
36 Broad Street Earls Barton NN6 0ND
Do you find prayer and stillness are filled with distraction and difficulty in focusing?
Would you like to learn how mindfulness can help your spiritual, physical and mental
wellbeing? What are some of the possible benefits?Mindfulness can help you:
Manage better with life’s ups and downs
Cultivate calmness, peace and appreciation of life
And make space for God & for living life in all it’s fullness
Contact Nicola Smith for more information: 07812686944
https://www.everydaymindfulnesswithnicolasmith.com/mindfulness