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
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
GREAT MASSINGHAM
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
More details later but do keep the date in your diary.
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