August - Village Voices

Helen Macleod
From Our Team Vicar
Although the days are already beginning to get shorter, there is still plenty of summer to
enjoy, with schools on holiday for the whole of this month and the opportunity to do
something a little bit different. The visitors’ books in our local churches contain many
appreciative comments from people who are pleasantly surprised to find the church open.
In this part of the peninsula at least, churches are almost always open during the day for
people to look round or spend a few moments in the peace and quiet.
Open Churches Week which runs from 6th – 13th August is a chance to celebrate and
explore our wonderful historic buildings and many churches will offer a special welcome
to visitors. So it is particularly appropriate that on Sunday 7th August, Boyton will be
celebrating the completion of the
work on the tower of the church
and the restoration of the tower
steps with an afternoon of music
and a special service conducted by
our Archdeacon, Judy Hunt. In
future, rather than being hidden
behind a locked door for
safety reasons, the steps will be
visible and lit so that visitors can
see their unique construction.
Songs for Sea Sunday service at Coltec
In the same week, Hollesley
church will again open its doors to youngsters aged between 4 and 12 for summer holiday
Messy Church activities. (see advert p.8) Then at the end of the month, over the bank
holiday weekend, the church will be holding a flower festival, celebrating not only the
beauty of creation but the gifts and talents of many people who create works of art to
delight our senses and lift our spirits. The Bible tells us that Jesus welcomed everyone –
old and young, in need and in celebration – to eat with them, to talk with them, to laugh
with them, to weep with them. I hope and pray that everyone who comes to our church
buildings will find that kind of welcome;
and that, in turn, we may have the
courage to open the doors of our hearts to
the love of God.
With warm good wishes
Ruth Hatchett
HOLLESLEY CHURCH FLOWER
FESTIVAL
Saturday 27th – Monday 29th August.
11am – 5pm DAILY.
Light Refreshments
Stalls
Sunday 1 – 4pm
‘ Discovering Bellringing’.
Proceeds to All Saints, Hollesley.
August 2011 page 10 www.villagevoices.org.uk