Gt. Massingham
Mary & the Angel Gabriel
"I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people." Luke 2.10
INTERREGNUM - SEARCHING FOR THE RIGHT PERSON AS OUR NEW RECTOR.
Presently we are in that period of Interregnum when we do not have a Rector and we are hoping and praying for the rihght person to step forward.
The Diocese is advertising our Parishes Profile on line and there is also a video showcasing all that we can offer.
You can see the profile click here and the video is in our on YouTube or our video files here :Video - GGM Benefice
GRANT OF £10,000.00 AWARDED
ST ANDREW'S CHURCH, LT MASSINGHAM
The Norfolk Churches Trust has recently annouced that £10,000.oo has been awarded to St Andrew's Church, Little Massingham to help with re-roofing the Chancel.
Yet still more is needed, If you can help in any way, please contact Rosemary Jewers at info@fosalm.org
SPECIAL PRESENTATION AT ST LAWRENCE, HARPLEY
DONALD GOTTS - A LIFETIME OF DEDICATION
For more than half a century Donald Gotts has opened beautiful Harpley church to visitors, seven days a week, 52 weeks a year.
Churchwarden Lucy Brown with Donald Gotts
Don has lived in the village, between King’s Lynn and Fakenham, all his life and has hardly missed a day since he volunteered, back in the 1960s, to unlock the door to the ancient church every morning and relock it every evening.
In fact, the very first time Don unlocked the door was an incredible 75 years ago, when he was in his teens and volunteered to help his mother. He later took over the role from her.
Don is now handing the huge iron key to a rota of volunteers who will make sure medieval Harpley church continues to welcome visitors and worshippers.
At a special presentation to thank him for his years of service the Revd Karlene Kerr gave the retired farm worker a framed picture of the church he has cared for so faithfully, his own key to the door and a personal letter of thanks from the Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Revd Graham Usher, who said: “You have been opening and closing the beautiful church in Harpley for every day of my life!
“Thank you for your dedication and faithfulness in serving Harpley Church and village. Your example of selfless, quiet dedication has inspired your friends and neighbours.”
Harpley churchwarden, Lucy Brown, said Don’s lifetime of volunteering was inspirational. “Don is full of fascinating facts about our church fabric – only last Sunday he pointed out a carved two-headed eagle on the back of a pew which I don’t remember seeing before! His love of the church is evident in such loyal service and devotion.”
She said he would point out historical features such as the slice marks in the sanctuary where Puritans had destroyed ornate stonework and he took great care over the security of the church.
The 15th century door which Donald Gotts has been unlocking daily for decades is known for its carvings of eight saints, a lion and a stag.
The Church of St Lawrence, Harpley, dates back to the 13th century and many of its pews are medieval too, with bench-end carvings of bears, monkeys, a menagerie of mythical monsters – and bishops.
It has a 15th century angel roof, a fine early 14th century double piscina (with two basins so communion vessels could be washed separately from the priest’s hands) and some 14th and 15th century stained glass showing kings, saints and angels – including a medical angel with a urine flask.
YOUR TOWER NEEDS YOU!
ST BOTOLPH CHURCH, GRIMSTON
Are you interested in learning the art of church bell ringing?
If you are 18 years or over and able bodied we are looking for reliable and enthusiastic persons with good sence of humour to join our team and become trainee ringers.
Tuesday evening is our regular practice night, if this appeals to you and you would like more info and a informal chat call Mike on 07846 574230
We did say a sense of humour required but it is not always like this photo opposite.
MONDAYS 9.00 - 10.00 PRAYER GROUP at GRIMSTON
meets at Orchard House, details from Rosemarie Bowers: 01485 600485
TUESDAYS 11.00 -12.30 BIBLE STUDY at GREAT MASSINGHAM
at Cobwebs, Station Road, details from Kim Frazer: 01485 520930
PARISH WALKS 2025
NEXT WALK WEDNESDAY 6th AUGUST 6.30 pm
WALKS PROGRAMME
SUNDAY 27th APRIL BAWSEY
As it was too wet and chilly to walk after the Harvest Service at Bawsey last September it was decided to kick off this year’s diary of walks with a Spring Walk at Church Farm, Bawsey PE32 1EU.
We hope to see some bluebells in the woods!
This year our series of walks continues with a new one at Little Massingham which takes us along part of Peddars’ Way. There is a range of walks for all abilities so there should be something to suit almost everyone.
If you’re not a walker why not come along and join us for, or help, with refreshments?
These walks have proved to be popular ~ they are also great social events, a chance to chat and get to know those from other villages across the Benefice.
Remember to wear strong footwear as these walks often include tracks and fields which are uneven or possibly muddy.
Why not join us sometime? Mark the dates in your diaries!
SUNDAY 11th MAY Start at 2pm ST ANDREWS, LITTLE MASSINGHAM PE32 2JT
A longer walk of 4 miles; approx 90 mins (can be shortened at several points), returning to St Andrew’s for refreshments at 3:30pm
ROGATION SUNDAY MAY 25th Sart at 3.00 pm ABBEY FARM, EAST WALTON PE32 1PP
Rogation is an ancient church festival to seek blessing for a community and its sustenance. The word rogation comes from the Latin verb rogare, meaning "to ask", which reflects the beseeching of God for protection from calamities. As the Book of Common Prayer puts it: “Rogation Days are the three days preceding Ascension Day, especially devoted to asking for God’s blessing on agriculture and industry.”
Since mediaeval times there has been a tradition of “beating the bounds” of the parish, praying for God‘s blessing upon the crops and thus the well-being of that particular settlement. It is still observed by some parishes today – with a procession, prayers and a sharing of hope in God‘s goodness to nourish every endeavour which enables people to flourish. Farmer Bill Lewis will guide us around the crops and doubtless there will be samples to try.
TUESDAY 10th JUNE 2pm ST LAWRENCE, HARPLEY
The walk will start and finish at 3, Becks Wood (opposite the Village Hall, PE31 6UW)
A walk around Harpley taking about an hour. Refreshments at the church afterwards. A chance to view the “Thousand Birds of Hope” display taking place that week.
WEDNESDAY 2nd JULY 2pm ST MARY, GREAT MASSINGHAM PE32 2JA
Approx 1 hour; 2.5 miles but several options along the way to shorten the route. - Refreshments at St Mary's available from 2:30pm
WEDNESDAY 6th AUGUST 6:30pm from ST ANDREW, CONGHAM PE31 1DT
An hour’s walk returning to church for refreshments from 7:30pm
SATURDAY 6th SEPTEMBER 3pm start at ABBEY FARM, EAST WALTON PE32 1PP
A walk of 3 or 4 miles ‘on the wild side’ ~ come along to see the progress of the re-wilding project at E Walton. With refreshments from 4:30pm
For more details contact revdsuemartin@gmail.com or rosemarymehers@hotmail.com .
SUNDAY 29th JUNE 10.30 am
SPECIAL GROUP COMMUNION SERVICE TO CELEBRATE OUR LONGEST SERVING CHURCHWARDENS
ST MARY'S, EAST WALTON
Mary Howard ( shown on left with Hilary on the right of photo opposite) is to serve another term on East Walton's PCC.
Mary first joined our PCC in 1958 and has served a remarkable 67 years! 48 as Churchwarden.
Hilary Scase, similarly, has served over 40 years at St Andrew's Church, Congham.
In recognition of their achievements a special Group Service was held at St Mary's, East Walton Sunday 29th June 10.30am.
Both ladies received our warmest congratulations and respect for all they have done and received bouquets of flowers with heartfelt thanks.
SATURDAY 5th JULY 10.30 - 2.00 pm
COFFEE AND CAKE AND MORE
ST ANDREW'S CHURCH, CONGHAM
Join us Saturday 5th July 10.30am - 2pm when there will be Coffee and delicious cakes - and more! £3.50 for Coffee and Cake.
Bring and buy cakes, home produce and plants, books, Tombola and other stalls.
Bring a chair if the weather is fair!
Any items for collection please contact Helen Lilley on 01485 600153 email helenlilley@hotmail.com
SATURDAY/SUNDAY 26/27th JULY 8.00- 13.00 pm
HARPLEY PLANT SALE
A plant sale is taking place over the weekend at Flint Cottage, 3 Back Street, Harpley PE31 6TU more details : 0757 8464332.
SATURDAY 9 th AUGUST 7.00 pm
BAT EVENING
ST ANDREW, LT MASSINGHAM
A SPECIAL BAT EVENING At St Andrew’s Church , Church Lane, Lt Massingham PE32 2JT
Refreshments available. Families welcome Join us for… A fascinating talk, Live camera feeds, Real bat encounters! Event by donation
SATURDAY 16th AUGUST 2.30 - 4.00 pm
TEA AND COFFEE AFTERNOON
ALL SAINTS CHURCH, ROYDON
Enjoy tea and coffe and biscuits ( with free refills) as you listen to songs and music from the Victory year 1945.
SATURDAY 13th SEPTEMBER
NORFOLK CHURCHES TRUST ANNUAL BIKE, WALK, DRIVE
ACROSS THE BENEFICE
Across our benefice our churches are open to people, they can record their visit to the church,and we can sometimes offer refreshments.
We are looking for a volunteer to help organise the event in our benefice.
It’s a beautiful place for cycling, walking, and driving too.
You may be willing to take part or simply making sure that our churches have the forms ready for the visitors.
Please contact me if you can help. revdsuemartin@gmail.com.
More details of the day and how to register to raise funds etc. here
THURSDAY 25th SEPTEMBER
BENEFICE TRIP TO LINCOLN CATHEDRAL
Cost £30 for Coach journey and guided tour of the Cathedral
The afternoon is free to enjoy the lovely city of Lincoln
Coach leaves Hudsons Fen promptly at 8.30am, and leaves Lincoln 4pm to arrive back at 6pm
To reserve a place contact
Rosemarie Bowers on 01485 600485 or Joy Smith on 01485 600402
SATURDAY 4th OCTOBER 10.00 - 2.00pm
CRAFT FAIR
ST NICHOLAS CHURCH, GAYTON
SATURDAY 11th OCTOBER
CRAFT FAIR and OPEN TOWER
ST BOTOLPH CHURCH, GRIMSTON
Many local artists and craft people will be showing off their talents with original items for sale for that perfect early christmas gift. There will be a warm welcome, a raffle, and refreshments available
SATURDAY 11th OCTOBER MORNING
TALK WITH REVD DR SUE WOAN
ST NICHOLAS CHURCH, GAYTON
Revd Dr Sue Woan joins us again for a morning talk and workshop on "The Journeys of St Paul". Times to be confirmed
From the Church Registers of Baptisms,Weddings and Funerals
An archive of the year's entries in the Church Registers is on the "From the Church Registers" page. Follow the links for 2018/2017 and 2016..
FOR AN OVERVIEW OF NEWS THE YEAR 2021 AND PREVIOUS YEARS CHECK "THE ARCHIVED NEWS" CLICK HERE