St Mary’s Church was excited to part of the programme, with a large inflatable planetarium set up in the nave, where visitors were given a guided tour through the solar system and beyond. Children and adults of all ages were shown images of the night sky projected in 3D around them, and could explore the surface of distant planets in detail.

The rector, the Revd Max Drinkwater, said, ‘This was a fantastic opportunity to join in with a local festival and to help people to make connections between the wonder of the universe and worship of the God who created it.’

There were also prayer stations set up, reflecting on the recent Artemis II mission to the far side of the moon, and the opportunities which that gives to think about both human ingenuity and the gifts of God’s creation. One activity asked people to make a ‘constellation of thankfulness’ by writing or drawing on a star something for which they wanted to thank God, while another saw people use the Fibonacci sequence to create artistic pictures such as the ‘big fish’ which might have swallowed Jonah.

Earlier in the week, the church had also welcomed the Revd Dr Alex Shannon, vicar of the Pant Valley Benefice in the Diocese of Chelmsford, to speak on the topic of mathematics and spirituality in a presentation entitled, ‘the Maker of Patterns’. Dr Shannon received his PhD in mathematics before training for ordination, and has since continued to investigate some of the surprising intersections between faith and science.

Speaking about the talk, Mr Drinkwater noted that many of those who have started worshipping as part of the congregation at St Mary’s recently work in the businesses in and around Haverhill, which form an important part of its economy and global significance. He said, ‘It was exciting to see some of our newest congregants make connections between their faith and their work. Haverhill is becoming an important place for both manufacturing and research and development, and it is good to think that the church can play a key role in enabling this growth in the local community.’

It is hoped that there will be another Science Festival in Haverhill in the future, and more opportunities to engage with people on topics which are important to their daily life and work.

Annual Reports can be viewed for Withersfield and Haverhill, to be received by their respective meetings.

Theme: JOURNEYING NEAR

Prayer Station open all week at Withersfield: WORD MADE FLESH

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Palm Sunday

9.30am Procession of Palms and Eucharist (service begins outside)

Monday of Holy Week

10.30am Songs and Prayers at the Meadows Care Home
7pm Meditative Address and Compline

Tuesday of Holy Week

7pm Stations of the Cross

Wednesday of Holy Week

9.30am Eucharist
10.30am Stations of the Cross
12pm Soup and Discussion
6pm Songs and Prayers at Shearman Court

Maundy Thursday

11am Chrism Eucharist at St Edmundsbury Cathedral (all are welcome to join this diocesan affirmation of ministry)
7pm Eucharist and Watch*

Good Friday

10am Walk of Witness from the Old Independent Church (with Churches Together; followed by refreshments at St Mary’s)
1pm Liturgy of Good Friday*
6pm Choral Devotion: Stainer’s Crucifixion

Holy Saturday

9.30am Morning Prayer
10am Community Café
2pm Messy Church
8pm Easter Vigil and first Eucharist of Easter*

*These services form the liturgy of the sacred Triduum

Easter Day

9.30am Eucharist
11.15am Eucharist at Withersfield
4pm Healing Service

Easter Wednesday

9.30am Eucharist
11am Holy Communion at Cleves Place Care Home

Easter Friday

9.30am Morning Prayer
10am Community Café
12pm Café Church

Easter Saturday

9.30am Morning Prayer
10am Community Café

Second Sunday of Easter

9.30am Eucharist

Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday

There are opportunities to mark the beginning of Lent with particular liturgies and devotional actions. On Shrove Tuesday:

• 5pm Max will be available for private confessions
• 5.30pm pancake party
• 6.30pm liturgy for Shrove Tuesday including making ash

Confession is associated with Shrove Tuesday so that we are able to use Lent to draw near to God without guilt or fear of punishment.

On Ash Wednesday there will be Eucharists at 9.30am and 7pm which will include the rite of imposition of ashes. In the evening, there will be music from the choir, including Farrant’s Hide Not Thou Thy Face and Humperdinck’s Loving Shepherd of Thy Sheep.

Daily Reflections

Daily reflections from the Church of England include a prayer, bible verse, reflection and challenge on the theme of ‘draw near: life-giving habits for Lent’. These are available:

• as a printed booklet at £3 (from Max)
• as a daily email or WhatsApp message (register online)
• through the ‘Everyday Faith’ app (download now)

Archbishop’s Lent Book

The Archbishop of Canterbury’s Lent Book is Dancing to the Heartbeat of God, which offers short reflections about faith and witness from different contributors from all around the Anglican Communion. We will not discuss this directly during Lent, but it will help to provide some wider context and further reading if you are interested.

Soup and Discussion

All are invited to St Mary’s, Haverhill on Wednesday lunchtimes at 12pm for discussion over soup. We will use our own version of the Lent book, which offers short reflections from our link dioceses of Kagera, Biharamulo and Lweru in the Anglican Church of Tanzania, taken from posts and reflections made by a group who returned to Kagera with the bishops who visited Suffolk in January this year. A printed booklet of these reflections and photographs is available at £5 from Max.

Charitable Giving

We will collect donations this Lent for our link dioceses. This will help to support the work of the church in enabling communities in developing sustainable, life-giving practices. The church serves communities in one of the poorest, most rural and isolated areas of the country, and is a vital lifeline for much of the population. In particular, the Church and Community Mobilisation Process helps young people to have the courage and develop the skills to start small businesses and change the mindset of dependency prevalent in many of these small communities.

December saw us enjoying movie night, where we rearranged the nave into a cinema and, complete with onesies or Christmas pajamas, by unanimous vote watched Nativity.  Of course, this had to be accompanied by pizza and popcorn!

Cat said “It is exciting to spend time with the future leaders of our church and to see the Spirit moving in the lives of our young adults.” “It’s good to meet up once a month and spend time together and I am looking forward to cooking for everyone,” said Caiden (15), one of the group members.

Over the coming months Youth Group will continue to socialise together monthly but also plans to develop a worship time together, which will eventually be led and further developed by the group members.  It’s an exciting time to watch the developing faith of special people.

The Bishop of Kagera in the Anglican Church of Tanzania arrived in Haverhill on Friday 23^rd January to help the local church share in county-wide celebrations over the weekend. The Rt Revd Darlington Bendankeha visited St Mary’s Church, Haverhill and shared in a programme of services and activities which demonstrated the church’s strong links with the community.

He then joined the congregation on Saturday morning for a service of celebration, during which he talked about his own ministry as a bishop in rural Africa, and reflected on his visit to the UK. Bishop Darlington said, ‘One thing that I will take back with me to Kagera is how important the church is to the local community. It was wonderful to see so many different people come into the church over the course of the day, and to see the church go out to connect with people where they are.’

The church doors were open all day on Friday, with people welcome to come and use the facilities the church has to offer. Bishop Darlington spoke to people using the church as a Warm Space, with support and funding for this coming from West Suffolk Council, as well as clients and volunteers from REACH Community Projects who operate their Welcome Space from the church in the afternoon. He also helped to serve guests at the church’s regular Family Café, providing a hot meal for families and those otherwise isolated or struggling.

The rector, the Revd Max Drinkwater, was one of those who helped to host and welcome the bishop during his visit. Max said, ‘It was wonderful to see people enthused and excited about the bishop’s visit. People are rightly proud of their community here in Haverhill and were pleased that the bishop wanted to experience this for himself and bring his blessing to us from the church in Tanzania.'

The church in Suffolk has had links with the church in north-west Tanzania for over 25 years, and Bishop Darlington was able to renew that commitment to supporting one another as Suffolk welcomed our new Bishop, the Rt Revd Joanne Grenfell on Saturday. Bishop Darlington had an important role to play in the service of welcome and enthronement for Bishop Joanne, anointing her at the start of her new ministry. At the service in Haverhill on Saturday morning, Mr Drinkwater prayed for Bishop Darlington and sent him to the cathedral with the people’s commissioning and blessing.

He said, ‘To have Bishop Darlington with us on the morning of Bishop Joanne’s welcome was a fantastic way of making a meaningful connection between what is happening here in Haverhill and the life of the church in the rest of the county. It meant that we were able to contribute to the welcome that our new bishop received and gave people here a way of expressing their joy and excitement at her arrival.’

Bishop Darlington did not just experience activities at St Mary’s during his visit, but was also taken out to see life elsewhere in the town. He enjoyed a performance at Haverhill Arts Centre of the Centre Stage Company’s Little Red Riding Hood, and was given a tour of local manufacturer Herma’s premises on Hollands Road. Mr Drinkwater said, ‘I am pleased that the bishop was able to see how people’s faith connects with their everyday life.’ He also spent time at the Link on the High Street, meeting volunteers who help to connect people to the resources and support available in the town. At the end of his visit to Herma, Bishop Darlington was asked to pray a blessing on the factory, and talked to staff about their connections to both church and community in the local area, as well as their global connections.

At the end of his visit, Bishop Darlington was presented with hand-made gifts to take back to his family in Kagera. St Mary’s Church hopes to maintain connections to the church in Tanzania in the future, and looks forward to making the most of the opportunities locally to share in the renewal of the life of the church.

Christmas Eve: Crib Services at 5pm (come dressed as your favourite nativity character)
Christmas Night: Midnight Eucharist at 11.30pm
Christmas Day: Eucharist at Haverhilll at 9.30am and at Withersfield at 11.15am

Note that there are no services or events on the Friday or Saturday after Christmas.

We are grateful for funding and support which enables this to continue, including from the National Lottery Community Fund, as well as from Haverhill Town and West Suffolk Councils.

There is a special festive Family Café next week, Friday 19th December, sponsored by our chef, Colin of Ashdon Catering.

The rosary is a way of reflecting on the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, from the perspective of Mary his mother. It is a repetitive, meditative form of prayer. You are welcome to bring your own rosary or borrow/take one from church. We will look at different sets of mysteries each month until we have covered them all.

Contact us for more information.

From 2 to 4 every week we continue to welcome REACH who additionally provide advice and support for debt, social care, housing, finance, food and other issues. This is a drop-in service and all are welcome.

On the first two Fridays of the month, our Family Café is held from 4 to 6, offering a free hot meal to those in need.

There are lots of other Warm Spaces around the district, offering someone where to rest and meet others. Check with West Suffolk Council to find out more.

There are just a handful of these exclusive tickets available at £10 each for adults or children over seven. Full terms and conditions are available when you book online.

BOOK TICKETS NOW

You can find out more about Karen and her book online, including details of how to buy copies or to book Karen to visit your school or community organisation. As well as encouraging children to think about their stewardship of the environment and promoting ecological responsibility, the project is part of the St Edmundsbury Abbey Heritage Project, which you can find more about online.

Both of our churches have recently earned their bronze award as eco-chuches with A Rocha UK, and are looking at what more we can do to care for the natural world. Welcoming Karen was another way to help people think about this important aspect of our faith and life.

Karen says that there are more adventures awaiting Abbey and Eddie, so look out for more books and workshops in the near future!

There is more information about her visit in the diocesan press release.

As well as the spectacular views across the village and surrounding farmland, visitors to the tower could see the old bells, still rung from a chiming apparatus, the historic windlass preserved in the clock chamber, and the clock mechanism itself, which was also recently repaired to celebrate the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Younger and older visitors alike were encouraged to bring along a favourite teddy to take part in the teddy parachute jumps. Over twenty adventurous bears and other creatures braved the drop, where a specially set-up medical station was waiting to ensure that they were fit to be returned to their owner.

Max says, 'The whole afternoon was a wonderful occasion to bring the local community together. There was something for everyone to enjoy, and it was great to make the tower the focus, now that urgent repair work has been completed. We are hugely grateful to everyone who supported this project, and especially to the Withersfield Church Preservation Fund, which seeks to preserve the church fabric for the community to use now and in the years to come.'

The afternoon concluded with a thanksgiving service, celebrating Harvest Festival. Money raised on the day will go towards the next stages of repair work needed on other parts of the church.

The work to the tower cost in the region of £80k, because of the specialist contractors required to work on the historic stonework in some difficult to reach parts of the tower. As well as local contributions, grants which enabled the work to be done were received from the Suffolk Historic Churches Trust and the Benefact Trust, as well as the National Churches Trust for which Withersfield received a special award, nominated by the Friends of the NCT.

Withersfield Church is open for viewing throughout the day, and there will be more opportunities to explore the tower in the future.

SATURDAY

• 3pm Patronal Party with Tea and Cakes
• 5pm Evening Prayer and Benediction

SUNDAY

• 9.30am Patronal Welcome Eucharist and Refreshments

The Patronal Festival is the date in the liturgical calendar when we honour the feast of our spiritual patron, in this case St Mary whose birthday we celebrate this weekend. It is an opportunity to celebrate the life of the parish, pray for our ministry and mission, and offer our support to all that goes on in the local church.

Charlotte Kalinsky, our interim Eco Church officer, says, 'I am delighted that our churches have been awarded the A Rocha UK Eco Church Bronze Award. This reflects our shared commitment to living out our faith through care, service and stewardship to God’s creation. It’s a testament to what we can achieve together as a community.'

Here are some of the things that we are doing which help us to met the criteria for the bronze award.

More information about our care for creation and our work as an eco church is available on our website.

This has a number of benefits:

• To increase the visual beauty and diversity of the churchyard.
• To increase bio-diversity in the churchyard and allow less common plants a space to thrive.
• To attract pollinators and natural fertilisers such as insects and birds.
• To increase the natural health of the soil in the churchyard.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do be in touch.

We are pleased to be working with the ONE Haverhill Partnership to host a public engagement event on local government reorganisation, and what it means for Haverhill. Join us in church or online at 6.30pm on Tuesday 29th July 2025, with refreshments available from 6pm. For more information and to book your free tickets, see this article from REACH Community Projects.

Sunday 21^st September 2025

Join us for an afternoon of activities to celebrate the completion of the work to the tower at St Mary’s Church, Withersfield and to say thank you to all those who supported this important community project.

Including:

TOWER TOURS

Climb the stairs to see the repair work and wonderful views over the village first hand.

TEDDY PARACHUTING

Bring your own teddy, assemble your parachute and watch them take to the skies! Will they brave the jump? Weather permitting.

Either make your own parachute or use one of our pre-made ones, available on the day.

PRODUCE STALL, RAFFLE, TEAS AND HOMEMADE CAKES

Enjoy our beautiful ancient church and learn its fascinating history, as well as finding out other ways you can support its upkeep and join in with the church community, including the Withersfield Church Preservation Fund and the Withersfield Lottery.

Programme:

12.45  Bellringing and Blessing of the Tower
1.00     Tower Tours and Teddy Parachuting Open
3.30     Last Tour, Close of Stalls and Raffle Draw
3.45     Bellringing
4.00     Harvest Thanksgiving Service

Donations of non-perishable food, drink and sanitary products for the REACH foodback in Haverhill are gratefully received at the Harvest service.

9am

Flag raising on Market Square

6.30pm

Bellringing from St Mary's

7pm

Commemorative event at St Mary's re-telling the story of VE Day, including music from St Mary's Choir and friends.

Annual Reports can be viewed for Haverhill and Withersfield, to be received by their respective meetings.

Update:

There were 115 on the newly revised electoral roll at Haverhill and 18 at Withersfield.

Those elected churchwarden were: Jane Eccleston and Ryan Davey at Haverhill; and Karen Williams and Angela Kinloch at Withersfield.

Those elected to the PCC were: Philip Aubury, Tracey Aubury, John Eccleston, Richard Hart and Nigel Missen at Haverhill (seven seats vacant); and Andrea Featherstone, Felicity Slinger and Steph Watson at Withersfield (three seats vacant).

This year's theme for preaching and reflection is FINDING HOPE. Full details of services and events is as follows:

Palm Sunday

9.30am Procession of Palms and Eucharist (service begins outside for those who wish to walk)

Monday of Holy Week

7pm Meditative Address and Compline

Tuesday of Holy Week

7pm Stations of the Cross

Wednesday of Holy Week

9.30am Eucharist
10.30am Stations of the Cross
12pm Soup and Discussion: Embodied Hope

Maundy Thursday

11am Chrism Eucharist at St Edmundsbury Cathedral (all are welcome to join this diocesan affirmation of ministry)
7pm Eucharist and Watch

Good Friday

10am Walk of Witness from the Old Independent Church (with Churches Together; followed by refreshments at St Mary’s)
1pm Liturgy of Good Friday
6pm Music with St Mary’s Choir: Arthur Somervell’s Passion of Christ

Holy Saturday

9.30am Morning Prayer
10am Community Café
2pm Messy Church
8pm Easter Vigil and first Eucharist of Easter

Easter Day

9.30am Eucharist
11.15am Eucharist at Withersfield

There is also a prayer station open all week at Withersfield on the theme, 'Living Water'.

Not sure what the electoral roll is? Take a look at this video (note that dates refer to a previous year):

This year's APCM at Haverhill is on Monday 12th May 2025, which means we need your application to join the electoral roll by Monday 28th April at the latest in order to be included in time to vote at the APCM or be counted on our diocesan returns. This year's APCM at Withersfield is on Monday 19th May 2025, which means we need your application by Monday 5th May.

Please ensure you apply to join the electoral roll at the correct church:

APPLICATION FOR THE ELECTORAL ROLL AT HAVERHILL

APPLICATION FOR THE ELECTORAL ROLL AT WITHERSFIELD

If you are unable to complete this form electronically, you can collect a paper copy from church.

Thank you for your support.

DONATE NOW

Our proposal is to retune the existing bells to modern standards and rehang them with new fixtures and fittings. We are exploring the possibility of using a new steel frame to reduce movement in the tower and introducing sound control to reduce the volume of the bells in the immediate surroundings without compromising their audibility further afield.

This is the feast of St Nicholas, often seen as the patron saint of children. This time of prayer gives us the opportunity to acknowledge the pain suffered by many victims of abuse, including those who have suffered at the hands of the church, and to pray for them as well as all those invovled in safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

You can view our safeguarding policy online.

Saturday 23^rd November

10am:      Withersfield Christmas Bazaar at the Village Hall

Saturday 30^th November                                                 

11am:      Walking Nativity from Old Independent Church with live animals and carols with the Youth and Community Band
2pm:        Messy Church does Preparing for Christmas

Sunday 1^st December

6pm:        Choral Evensong of the First Sunday of Advent

Wednesday 4th December

7pm:        Civic Christmas Carol Service

Saturday 7th December

10am:      Haverhill Christmas Bazaar

Monday 9th December

6pm:        Christmas Carol Service with Unity Schools Partnership

Friday 13th December

7pm:        Friends of St Mary’s Christmas Quiz

Saturday 14th December

3pm:        Light up a Life with St Nicholas Hospice Care, remembering loved ones departed

Wednesday 18th December

7pm:        Parish Christmas Carol Service

Friday 20th December

12pm:      Café Carols
4pm:        Final Family Café of the Year with Festivities

Saturday 21st December

4pm:        Christmas Carol Service at Withersfield

Tuesday 24th December

5pm:        Crib Service of Christmas Eve
11.30pm: Midnight Eucharist

Wednesday 25th December

9.30am:   Eucharist
11.15am: Eucharist at Withersfield

Wednesday 1st January

9.30am:   Eucharist for the New Year

Sunday 5th January

9.30am:   Welcome Eucharist of the Epiphany

I expect you will have seen today's news that the Archbishop of Canterbury has announced his intention to resign his post, following a review of outstanding commitments but essentially with effect as soon as possible. This is a remarkable step and, I think, a pivotal moment in the life of the Church of England. The situation is still unfolding and I am sure more information will follow over the coming days.

Although not technically unprecedented, as it is customary for Archbishops to resign as they reach retirement age, to do so at such short notice and because of the Archbishop's role in mis-handling information relating to serious safeguarding abuses has not been seen before in modern times. It is an act of humility, and reflects the Archbishop's own recognition of his part in a complicated network of sinful actions and behaviours which prevented reports of this abuse being properly investigated and brought to justice. The Archbishop's own statement can be read in full online.

The event which precipitated the Archbishop's resignation was the publication last week of the report from the Makin review into John Smyth, which again can be read online. Smyth's abuse of young boys in the UK, Zimbabwe and South Africa was first reported in 1982, and further evidence came to light in 2013 which meant that people at the highest level, including the Archbishop, were aware of the allegations and had the opportunity to take further action.

Although Smyth's case is the one in focus at the moment, this is not the first or only case of concerns being mishandled, about safeguarding or other matters of inappropriate or illegal behaviour. Sadly, the Archbishop is complicit in a culture within the organisational structures of the church which has sought to protect our own interests and has prevented the carriage of justice and truth, both intentionally and unintentionally. He cannot take all the blame for this, but has clearly recognised his failure to adequately challenge and transform the structures of the church more widely, as well as his part in the Smyth case in particular, and now sees himself as a hinderance to moving forwards in his current role.

I write this knowing that I am a public representative of this same organisation, of which we are all members in one way or another. We must all take responsibility for ensuring the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults in particular, and in establishing justice and truth in all areas of private and public life. That is why it is so important that we adopt and follow a strict safeguarding policy, encourage everyone to complete safeguarding training at an appropriate level, and keep good, clear, confidential safeguarding records and deal with reports appropriately. A reminder that our safeguarding policy can be read online, and that free, church-specific safeguarding training is available to everyone at a basic level.

Haverhill PCC discussed the impact of the Makin report when we met last night (before the announcement of the Archbishop's resignation) and acknowledged the fact that we would need to respond to this at a local level. As I said above, the importance of these events for the church and for wider society cannot be understated. Many people both within and outside the church may wish to discuss recent events and the way that the church has handled them, and we would encourage that. Your safeguarding officers are myself and Jane Eccleston across the benefice, assisted by Ian Levett at Haverhill and Karen Williams at Withersfield.

I want to thank them, and the wider PCCs, for ensuring that we do have robust safeguarding procedures and that we follow best practice in safeguarding and other matters, which we believe we do. We also acknowledge that we are not perfect and would welcome constructive challenge and questions where you notice things that could be improved.

It is not clear how the church will move forward from this moment, either in terms of ensuring due diligence in safeguarding and other matters at all levels of church organisation, or in terms of appointing someone to take over from Justin Welby as Archbishop and continue to lead the Church of England and play a key role in convening the wider Anglican Communion. But it is clear that what is happening at Lambeth does have a direct effect on us locally in Withersfield and Haverhill, and affects our ability to witness to and serve our local communities. Many others have responded to these events in their own way, and you can read our own Bishop's comments online.

By way of immediate response, tomorrow's Eucharist will be offered as a votive Eucharist for the unity of the church, using resources provided for this in our liturgical texts from Common Worship. The collect (the special prayer which summarises the theme or focus for the day) reads as follows:

Heavenly Father,
you have called us in the Body of your Son Jesus Christ
to continue his work of reconciliation
and reveal you to the world:
forgive us the sins which tear us apart,
give us the courage to overcome our fears
and to seek that unity which is your gift and your will;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.

May I encourage you to use this prayer to pray for the church as we discern a way forward, and in particular for Justin Welby, for those involved in appointing his successor, for those involved in handling safeguarding reports and reviews, and most of all for the victims of abuse, for whom present events are little consolation in seeing justice brought to bear and the church acknowledge its continuing sinful and painful behaviour.

Thank you for your continued love, support and encouragement as we seek to follow Jesus Christ faithfully.

Every blessing,
Max

This session allows us to debate the political implications of the bill, as well as some of the social, ethical, moral and spiritual reasons for supporting or opposing the bill. This is an important topic, and as a church we want to encourage good, honest discussion about death, dying, palliative care, bereavement and grief. We hope this is one way of doing that.

Please register for free tickets online in order to attend this session. The session will also be livestreamed online via Facebook and YouTube.

If you would like to put a question to Mr Timothy during the session, you can do so in person at the event, or send your question in ahead of time by email. Please only submit your question by email if you are not planning to ask it yourself at the event.

Cat writes:

‘I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work and worship alongside you for a few weeks.  I am an ordinand from the diocese training for priesthood at Westcott in Cambridge (the same place Revd Max trained). Thank you for having me and for the opportunity to learn from you and with you.

‘I live with my family – husband, daughter and some much-loved fur babies – near Newmarket, although we have also lived in Idaho in the USA. We are currently awaiting A level results and preparing for our daughter to go to university in the Autumn, an exciting if slightly daunting prospect. 

‘Prior to starting my training I was a primary school teacher and had taught all ages from Year 1 to Year 5 and some of the US Grades up to Grade 8. It was a joy and privilege to work with so many children and families, a passion I intend to bring to my Ministry.

‘Hobbies include reading, embroidery, cake baking and decorating (and eating!!) After a long recovery from an accident, I am starting to get active again, but now I have a better reason not to be a marathon runner! You will often find me down by the river with our black lab, Lola, or out at the dog park with Lola and our Brittany spaniel Bertie. You might even be able to tempt me to an Escape room or two or a board game with family and friends.

‘I look forward to meeting you all and spending some of our summer together.’

Free tickets should be reserved online. The event can also be watched live online, thanks to local volunteers.

EDIT: Congratulations to Nick Timothy, MP for West Suffolk, who has been elected following national polls on Thursday 4th July. Thank you to all the candidates for their desire to serve the people of West Suffolk, and in particular for taking part in the hustings at St Mary's.

You can watch the service again online, including the ringing which announced the arrival of the incumbent. The visual reflection can be watched separately online.

The Revd Max Drinkwater has also been appointed a trustee of the hospice, reflecting the important work that the hospice do in the community and the strong partnership between the hospice and other community groups, including churches. The hospice not only cares for those with life-limiting illness, but also supports carers, helps the bereaved and grieving, advocates for good end-of-life care and provides important community spaces through its shops and the Haverhill Hub.

Although this does not change much practically, it marks a significant moment in the spiritual life of the church community, has some legal implications, and is symbolic of the journey of faith that we are taking together. The service in May will be a celebration of the work of God in the benefice through those who minister in his name.

Annual Reports can be viewed for Withersfield and Haverhill, to be received by their respective meetings.

Russell is Professor of Experimental Physics at the University of Cambridge, where he researches nanotechnology and its application to healthcare. He is also a Christian. Some people might find this a strange combination. In this talk, ‘Science and Faith: Friends or Foes?’, Prof Cowburn explores some of the reasons some people think science and faith are incompatible and makes the case for why, in fact, they make perfect companions.

Admission is free and all are welcome. There will be an opportunity for discussion and to ask questions.

On Friday 23rd February 2024, Withersfield PCC met and discussed a similar resolution, reflecting on feedback from individuals in the parish and from the benefice-wide discussion. The PCC also voted to permit the use of prayers of blessing under the same conditions as above.

This means that couples who wish to use these prayers are free to speak to us about this in either Haverhill or Withersfield, although at the time of writing there is still no stand-alone service authorised for use.

- join the discussion on Wednesday lunchtimes over homemade soup, from 12pm. Don't worry if you can't attend every week, or don't have a copy of the book.

- read Tarry Awhile by Selina Stone, the Archbishop’s Lent book, which the discussion will be based on.

- pray and reflect each day using the Watch and Pray booklet. There are versions available for adults and children. You can also download the Watch and Pray app, or ask Alexa to ‘read the Lent reflection from the Church of England’.

- give to Tearfund, which is our nominated charity this Lent - and come along on Sunday 3rd March to hear our guest speak, Diana Pereira, speak about their work.

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, 14th February. All are welcome to the Eucharist with Imposition of Ashes at 9.30am or 7pm, or streamed live online.

Gordon learned to ring in Essendon, Hertfordshire, in 1944 at the age of 10 when the ban on ringing during the war was lifted. He joined the local band in Haverhill when visiting the town for work and hearing the bells from his room in the Bull. He has encouraged ringing across the area ever since and still rings regularly at Haverhill on a Sunday morning and at various towns and villages for mid-week practice.

Gordon said, ‘I am delighted that a band has come together to mark this milestone in my ringing career, most of whom I have rung with personally at some point. I am grateful to the many people who have supported me over the weekend, and contributed generously to my birthday appeal for the Friends of St Mary’s.’

At a 100-strong gathering for his birthday at Haverhill Golf Club, Gordon raised £750 for the Friends of St Mary’s to help preserve the historic and cultural legacy of the church building and community. He made headlines in 2021 raising money for the same cause, when he walked over 1000 miles in a year and was dubbed 'the walking Grandad'. His walking, which he still undertakes every day, keeps him fit and active, which helps him climb the spiral staircase to the ringing chamber at St Mary’s.

The weekend also marked 80 years since the first peal was rung on Haverhill’s bells, completed by a local band after the tower and bells were reopened at the beginning of the twentieth century. A peal is a significant achievement and is often rung to mark a special occasion such as an anniversary or local event. Although Haverhill’s bells are rung frequently, they are not pealed often.

The Revd Max Drinkwater, priest-in-charge, also rang in the peal. He said, ‘Gordon has created a huge legacy from his support of the Haverhill community. Whether it is bellringing or town-twinning, the Friends of the Church or his work at Addis, he has brought commitment, generosity and good humour to many groups and organisations in the town. So many people in the local area have benefited from his tireless efforts.’

The band at Haverhill is currently in a strong position, especially since recruiting and training new ringers for the coronation of HM King Charles III. One of the new recruits is the nephew of Peter Carter, who rang in the first peal in 1944. Anyone interested in the history of the bells or in learning to ring should contact the church for more information.

An online record of the ringing can be seen on the bellringing performance hub, BellBoard.

In Haverhill and Withersfield, we want to enable people to join in with this conversation locally. We organised a discussion on Sunday 10th December 2023, and you can watch a summary of this discussion in two parts online: what is at stake and where do we go from here. We also invited individual feedback on the proposed prayers.

On Thursday 4th January 2024, Haverhill PCC met and passed two resolutions permitting the use of these prayers of blessing with both same- and opposite-sex couples in a committed relationship, in accordance with guidance from the House of Bishops and at the discretion of the officiating minister. This means that it is now up to ministers whether they wish to use the prayers at Haverhill, depending on their own view on the matter and discerning the needs of any couple who requests these prayers.

At the time of writing, we are still waiting for further guidance from the House of Bishops, in particular on the use of these prayers in stand-alone services, which are still not yet authorised. This means that the resolutions in place at Haverhill are still largely hypothetical. These resolutions also apply only to Haverhill parish, with Withersfield PCC meeting next in February when they will discuss and vote on these resolutions.

The Revd Max Drinkwater, Priest-in Charge adds:

'I would like to thank everyone for their honest feedback and open engagement with the discussion about this matter; and also the PCC for the constructive discussion at the meeting. There was a good, constructive and nuanced debate about the proposals, with the resolution permitting use of the prayers with same-sex couples passing by a small majority. I and some of the other ministers in the benefice are willing to consider using these prayers with same-sex couples, but every request will be taken on a case by case basis, considering what is in the best interests of the couple and of the wider community. I think you again for putting your trust in me and other ministers in the benefice to make this discernment – and please do pray for us as we do.

'I appreciate that this is a difficult and unsettling time for many people. If you have any questions about any of the things that have been reported, please do speak to me or Wendy, or to other members of the PCC. And please do be assured of my prayers for everyone, as we seek in this Epiphany season to live in the light of Christ that is revealed in the world.'

Services marked (S) are also streamed live online via Facebook and YouTube.

Children and families are welcome at all our services, and those maked (Y) are especially suitable for young people.

Confirmation is for those who have been baptised/christened and who wish to make a public commitment of faith. Candidates are invited to take part in a discussion group in the weeks before the service, and are then presented to the bishop who will pray for the candidates, lay hands on their head, anoint with oil, and invite the Holy Spirit to confirm her gifts in each person.

Anyone interested in confirmation should contact us as soon as possible for more information.

If you do attend the Eucharist regularly, there is a leaflet outlining some of the things that will be familiar in the Welcome Eucharist, and some of the things that might look and feel a little different. There is also a video talking you through the leaflet and explaining some of the choices we have made.

The first Welcome Eucharist will be on Sunday 3rd September, and all are welcome!

Please do pray for this new venture, that we might draw others to come and encounter God, and that it may renew us all in the love of Jesus, who died and rose again for us.

2pm: Chant! Workshop on singing for wellbeing, using physical exercises from Qi Gong and Tai Chi, breathing and singing techniques, and mediaeval chants used by Christian pilgrims.

3pm: Free time to explore the beautiful church and village of Withersfield, located on the new pilgrimage route from London to Walsingham.

4.30pm: Evening Prayer, followed by refreshments.

5.30pm: Concert of readings from the book of Margery Kempe and music from the places she visited including Rome, Santiago de Compostela, Gdansk, Norway, Jerusalem, Canterbury and Walsingham.

Suggested donation for the day, £15.

Saturday 19th August
Saturday 16th September
Saturday 21st October

These sessions start at 2pm and are particularly aimed at primary school age children. They last for around 2 hours and include crafts, music, games, worship and refreshments. Children should be accompanied at all times.

Our programme of Messy Church services replace our regular Elevenses service. We thank everyone who has been involved in Elevenses over its thirteen year run, and celebrate all those who have found or deepened their faith through this ministry.

St Mary's is committed to be a welcoming space for everyone, and that includes safeguarding the welfare of anyone who uses the space or comes into contact with the community, especially the most vulnerable. Please read our safeguarding policy and see our key contacts if you have any concerns.

You can view the annual reports for Haverhill and for Withersfield.

Prayer Station open all week at Withersfield: Palms of Triumph

Palm Sunday

9.30am Procession of Palms and Eucharist
(service begins outside, weather permitting)
11am Elevenses
4pm Healing Service

Monday of Holy Week

7pm Compline and Meditation

Tuesday of Holy Week

7pm Stations of the Cross

Wednesday of Holy Week

9.30am Eucharist
10.30am Stations of the Cross
12pm Soup and Discussion: Dust and Glory

Maundy Thursday

11am Chrism Eucharist at St Edmundsbury Cathedral
(all are welcome to join this diocesan affirmation of ministry)
7pm Eucharist and Watch

Good Friday

10am Walk of Witness from the Old Independent Church to Market Square
(with Churches Together; followed by refreshments at St Mary’s)
1pm Liturgy of Good Friday
6pm Music and Readings with St Mary’s Choir: Were you There?

Holy Saturday

9.30am Morning Prayer
10am Community Café
8pm Easter Vigil and first Eucharist of Easter

Easter Day

9.30am Eucharist
11.15am Eucharist at Withersfield

We have a professional catering chef supervising the kitchen, and are looking for volunteers to help source, prepare, serve and clear on a Friday afternoon.

Thank you to those who have shown support for this project, including West Suffolk Council (through the Community Chest and UK Shared Prosperity Fund), Haverhill Town Council, International Flavours and Fragances, Hughes and many individuals.

There are daily reflections available as a published booklet for children or adults, or sign up at the Church of England's website for a daily email. You can also download the Dust and Glory app for iOS or Android, or ask Alexa to read you today's reflection.

The Archbishop's Lent book is Failure: What Jesus said about Sin, Mistakes and Messing Stuff Up by Emma Ineson. This will form the basis of our Lent discussion over soup on a Wednesday lunchtime. Join us at 12pm every Wednesday in Lent for homemade soup. Don't worry if you can't attend every session, or don't have a copy of the book.

Pastoral Assistants help with pastoral care and leading worship in the parishes, including leading morning prayer, visiting the sick and taking Holy Communion to the housebound, supporting those who come to us for baptisms, weddings and funerals, and working with children and young people.

We are hugely grateful to Charlotte Kalinsky, Tracey Aubury, Jane Eccleston and Richard Hart for being willing to serve in this capacity. We also acknowledge the contribution that many have made to pastoral care in the community over recent years, including David and Jan Bone whom we re-commissioned as Pastoral Assistants, and others who have laid done this aspect of their ministry.

If you would like to find out more about the ministry of Pastoral Assistants, known elsewhere in the Diocese as Lay Elders, and the training available to those working in this way, have a look at the Diocesan website or speak to one of the ministry team.

Sunday 27^th November

5pm: Advent Carol Service

Friday 2^nd December

4.55pm: Carols at the Civic Lights Switch-On Event

Saturday 3^rd December

12pm: Walking Nativity, starting from Haverhill Methodist Church

Tuesday 6^th December

2.30pm Carols with the Women's Fellowship

Wednesday 7^th December

7pm: Civic Carol Service

Friday 9^th / Saturday 10^th / Friday 16^th / Saturday 17^th December

10am-2.30pm: Christmas Tree Festival

Saturday 10^th December

10am-12pm: Christmas Fayre

Wednesday 14th December

6pm: Doorstep Carols with BBC Radio Suffolk, download the carol sheet online

Friday 16^th December

7.30pm: Christmas Quiz with the Friends of St Mary's, £5 per person including mulled wine and a mince pie

Saturday 17^th December

10am-1pm: Book Gifting with Get Suffolk Reading
3pm: Light up a Life with St Nicholas Hospice Care, submit names of the departed to be read out during the service via their website
5.30pm: Village Carol Service at Withersfield

Wednesday 21^st December

7pm: Parish Carol Service

Friday 23^rd December

12pm: Café Carols

Saturday 24^th December

5pm: Crib Service
11.30pm: Midnight Eucharist

Sunday 25^th December

9.30am: Christmas Day Eucharist
11.15am: Christmas Day Eucharist at Withersfield

River of Life Community Church will be open on a Monday, Haverhill Methodist Church (via their Next Door Café and Church Hall) on a Wednesday, West End Congregational Church on a Thursday and St Mary’s Church on a Friday, as Warm Hubs, usually from 9.30am to 3pm. Occasionally there may be special services at these times but generally we will be open to welcome people. This is a place to come to keep warm and meet other people, where you are not required to spend money - something of a rarity these days. We want to give a warm welcome to anyone, of all faiths and none, who wants to share our space as guests.

Haverhill Library is also open as a warm space on the same terms.

If you are able to be in church after Café Church on an occasional Friday from 1pm to 3pm please let Rev. Wendy know.

If you or someone you know is struggling because of the rising cost of living, there is more information about resources and support available via Suffolk County Council. The church and REACH may also be able to access hardship grants for you, so please speak to us for help.

The names of all those who have died in the past year whose funeral or memorial service has been at St Mary's, Haverhill or St Mary's, Withersfield, or conducted by one of our ministers, will be read out during the service. We will also include other names of those who remain dear to us. If you would like to add a name, please contact us and let us know.

Thursday 8th September

8pm - a short service of prayer and commendation following the announcement of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, available to watch live

Friday 9th September

8am to 8pm - church open for prayer and condolences
12pm - our usual Café Church service includes prayers for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Saturday 10th September

8am to 8pm - church open for prayer and condolences
3.45pm - the church bells ring out in celebration of the accession of His Majesty King Charles III

Sunday 11th September

8am to 8pm - church open for prayer and condolences
9.30am - our parish Eucharist is offered 'for the sovereign' acknowledging both the death of HM the Queen and the accession of HM the King, available to watch live
3pm - all are welcome to gather in Market Square to hear the proclamation of the accession of His Majesty King Charles III, with music from Haverhill Silver Band and some of St Mary's Choir
3.45pm - this is followed by a service of affirmation of the accession of His Majesty King Charles III, available to watch live

Monday 12th September

10am to 12pm / 4pm to 6pm - church open for prayer and condolences
7.30pm - the church bells ring half-muffled in memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth III

Tuesday 13th September

10am to 12pm / 4pm to 6pm - church open for prayer and condolences

Wednesday 14th September

10am to 12pm / 4pm to 6pm - church open for prayer and condolences
9.30am - our mid-week Eucharist is offered as a requiem for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, available to watch live

Thursday 15th and Friday 16th September

10am to 12pm / 4pm to 6pm - church open for prayer and condolences

Saturday 17th September

10am to 6pm - church open for prayer and condolences
3pm - civic service of commemoration and thanksgiving for HM Queen Elizabeth II, available to watch live

Sunday 18th September

10am to 12pm / 4pm to 6pm - church open for prayer and condolences
8pm - everyone is encouraged to keep a minute's silence in vigil from home or in their own gatherings before the state funeral of HM Queen Elizabeth II

Monday 19th September

10am to 1pm - church open for prayer and condolences, and we will be screening the state funeral of HM Queen Elizabeth II

St Mary's in Haverhill is in need of much needed repair work, and we are launching the Sponsor a Stone campaign to raise awareness and support for this important conservation work.

Churchwarden Jane Eccleston says, 'St Mary’s Church has stood at the centre of the town of Haverhill for over 800 years and it is now our responsibility to ensure that it continues to be here, serving the community, for many years to come. We urgently need your support, whether you are a regular worshipper, you are someone who has appreciated having the church here for significant family events or you visit the Community Café and other special events.'

We have already received generous support from individual donors and from the Friends of St Mary's, and are looking to raise around £25,000 in total. Please speak to Jane or to the vicar if you have any questions about the work or about the campaign. You can see how we are progressing on a board in church.

If you are able to donate, please either:

• Visit our designated giving page.
• Pick up a special envelope in church.
• Ask us for BACS details.
• For the younger ones amongst us, why not fill a Smarties tube with coins, after eating the contents of course!

Many thanks for your continued support.

Join us on Sunday 7th August at 11am too for the final mission!

There will be fun, games, crafts and songs. £10 for the week, for children ages 5 to 12 (i.e. anyone starting school in September). Contact Diana for more information and to book a place, and keep an eye on the Children's and Families' Ministry Facebook page which will be updated too.

Download the poster to share with friends and family.

Thursday 2^nd June
3.30pm Concert with Veterans Brass
inaugural concert of the new ensemble from Haverhill Silver Band
7.30pm Music and Video Footage in Market Square
9.30pm Lighting of the Jubilee Beacon
including singing of a specially commissioned piece of music by St Mary’s Choir and friends, and royal proclamation by David Hart

Friday 3^rd June
10am Community Café
12pm Café Church
outside in the churchyard
12.30pm Picnic in the Churchyard
bring your own food, with other refreshments available and a selection of music through the decades, as well as craft activities for children
4pm Civic Service of Thanksgiving

Saturday 4^th June
9.30am Morning Prayer
10am Community Café and Tower Open Day

Sunday 5^th June
9.30am Festival All Age Eucharist of Pentecost
followed by cake and refreshments
11.15am Festival Eucharist at Withersfield
1pm Village Street Party on Withersfield Green
6pm Festival Choral Evensong
including Parry’s ‘I Was Glad’, sung at the coronation

To vote at the APCMs, you must be registered on the electoral roll. The deadline for this in both churches is Sunday 10th April 2022.

The meeting at Withersfield begins with the AGM of the Withersfield Church Preservation Fund, which is then followed by the APCM.

EDIT:

Annual Reports for Haverhill and Withersfield are now available to view.

Palm Sunday

9.30am Procession of Palms and Eucharist (processing outside, weather permitting)
11am Elevenses

Monday of Holy Week

7pm Taizé Service

Wednesday of Holy Week

9.30am Eucharist
10.30am Stations of the Cross
12pm Lent Lunch

Maundy Thursday

11am Chrism Eucharist at St Edmundsbury Cathedral (all are welcome to join this diocesan affirmation of ministry)
7pm Eucharist and Watch

Good Friday

10am Walk of Witness from the Old Independent Church to Market Square (followed by refreshments at St Mary's)
1pm Liturgy of Good Friday
6pm Stainer’s Crucifixion with St Mary’s Choir

Holy Saturday

9.30am Morning Prayer
10am Community Café
5.30pm Easter Vigil and Confirmation at St Edmundsbury Cathedral (we have two candidates for confirmation from the benefice)
8.30pm Easter Vigil and first Eucharist of Easter

Easter Day

9.30am Eucharist
11am Elevenses
11.15am Eucharist at Withersfield

Monetary donations can be made via our Diocesan appeal through World Vision. This goes to support displaced families in the region and is match funded by the government through the Disaster Emergency Committee. We are also working with Matilda Rose in Haverhill to collect material donations.

On Tuesday evenings at 7pm in the Benefice Hall in Wickhambrook, there is a group looking at the Living in Love and Faith resources provided by the Church of England, looking at issues to do with identity, relationship, gender, sexuality and marriage. This is an opportunity to share and reflect openly, and to provide feedback into the wider process of consultation and discernment being carried out across the church at this time.

On Wednesday mornings after the 9.30am Eucharist, we will be looking at a series of paintings by Stanley Spencer entitled Christ in the Wilderness. Christ spent 40 days in the wilderness before his ministry in Galilee and Jerusalem began, so this series provides a useful way to reflect on our own calling as we approach Holy Week and Easter and the stories and events that give us our identity as Christians and as Christian ministers. There is a book available by Stephen Cottrell reflecting on these paintings, but this is not necessary for the course.

These will be followed by simple Lent Lunches, offering homemade soup and bread.

On Thursday evenings at 7pm there is a fellowship group offering a space to read scripture and other Christian writings together, and to reflect on how we see God as revealed in the Word at work in our everyday life.

These begin on the 1st/2nd/3rd March and run throughout Lent.

Withersfield’s Crowning Glory

The beautiful tower of St Mary’s Church – Withersfield’s oldest building, and still in regular use for the purpose for which it was built – has graced the landscape of this lovely corner of Suffolk for maybe 600 years. Standing sturdy and elegant, it is the crowning glory of the church’s exterior, which would look rather depleted without it.

To me, the tower of a church is similar to a face of a person, which really identifies that person. I’m often asked to identify pictures of unknown churches, and I have much more success if the tower is shown, because that is often the part which sticks in the memory and enables me to recognise and place it.

Why build church towers?

Towers have graced our churches for maybe 1,000 years and beautiful Saxon examples have survived, including some of our East Anglian round towers. Each church tower is a unique ‘one-off’, and is a character in itself. Our mediaeval forefathers did not just build them for decoration, but in the days before our ‘mod-cons’ they served very useful purposes – some of which they continue to serve.

A heavenward-pointing tower rising above the church makes the building prominent, and makes a ‘statement’ – a statement of God’s presence in the community, advertising both the fact and the purpose of its existence. These towers are often beautiful pieces of mediaeval design and craftsmanship, funded by generous donors, maybe sometimes to further their heavenly chances, and certainly to create ‘something beautiful for God’, inspiring people with their grace and artistry. Some Suffolk towers (like Lavenham, Southwold, Eye, Mildenhall and Laxfield) soar over 100 feet and are just amazing.

An important function of the tower was to house the bells – the higher up they were, the further they could be heard. Church bells not only called people to worship, but also alerted the community to important local and national events, announce deaths,  emergencies, gatherings, etc.

Increasingly for the past c.350 years towers have created excellent locations for the dials of the church clock, thus providing a useful amenity to the community, and a vital one before the days when every home possessed a clock.

For mediaeval people the church tower provided a wonderful look-out and viewing-point, to spot distant happenings, arrivals and dangers. The parapet was an excellent defensive position, should it be needed.

Towers were also places for storage, and where people could resort for safe refuge. I know of two Suffolk towers where the door in the wall to the belfry newel-staircase is at least eight feet above the ground and a ladder is needed to reach it. Several of our round towers were originally entered above their tower arches. The psalmist wrote that ‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble’ – and they took God at His word!

St Mary’s tower

Some visitors to churches rush to see the inside of the building, having missed the wealth of beauty and interest in the exterior, which was also built to inspire us – and there is no way in which we can admire a lovely tower from inside the church!

Standing back to admire St Mary’s exterior reveals what an elegant and beautifully-proportioned tower constitutes the church’s crowning glory. It probably grew during the first half of the 1400s and it is a fine example of the design and craftsmanship of its mediaeval architect and builders, who built by hand and built to last. We wonder how many thousands of flints and stones from the fields were lovingly gathered and assembled to form its sturdy rubble walls.

Strong yet elegant diagonal buttresses in receding stages support its western corners and also enhance the tower’s profile. In the south-east corner the embattled turret containing the newel staircase to the upper stages rises above the height of the parapet. This is a feature rare in Suffolk (but very common in Kent), although others may be seen in this small area of the county, including Haverhill, Great Bradley and Hundon.

Unusually there is no great west doorway, although the three-light west window, in the 15^th century ‘Perpendicular’ style of architecture, is tall and stately. Small single windows light (and ventilate) the silence chamber above and higher up on the south side is the face of the clock, made by Smith of Derby in 1969.

The bell-chamber has large and graceful two-light Perpendicular openings, equipped with wooden louvres, allowing the sound of the bells to ring out and be heard across Withersfield. (Thankfully it is the northern window, which is less commonly seen, which has lost its mullion and tracery)!

At the centre of the stone string-course beneath the parapet on the east and west sides are pieces of carved stone, whilst on the south side a 15^th century carved gargoyle head peers out at us. Its open mouth was designed to throw rainwater from the tower roof clear of the walls.

Internally, a lofty and handsome 15^th century tower arch, soaring to the level of the western tie-beam, links the tower with the nave. The tower floor above rests upon rugged mediaeval beams; the central section (with two later beams) probably once contained the hatch which enabled the lowering of the bells when required.

The belfry staircase has retained its original sturdy 15^th century door, which has a simple but beautiful six-lobed iron boss. In the silence-chamber and clock-room upstairs are vertical timbers which formed an ancient winch. Above are the timbers supporting the mediaeval bell-frame in which hang the church’s five bells.

The treble, 3^rd , and tenor bells were cast by Robert Taylor of St Neots in 1804, the 2^nd at Richard Bowler’s Colchester bell-foundry in 1603 and the 4^th at Sudbury, by John Thornton in 1718. The tenor bell has a diameter of 40½ inches and weighs 11cwt 1lb.

As an occasional visitor and pilgrim over many years to St Mary’s (and always grateful for your welcoming open door), I am delighted that you are raising funds to repair and conserve your lovely tower. I am also honoured that Richard, churchwarden, has asked me to write about it. I wish you well as you seek to raise the money for this vital work, and may God bless you.

Roy Tricker (Reader and emeritus Lay Canon),
February 2022.

The service at Haverhill will be livestreamed and available afterwards on Facebook and YouTube for those unable to attend in person.

We will still run our own service on Saturday 18th December at 3pm, which will also be accessible online, for those who wish to attend a live service. We recognise that Christmas can be a difficult time of year for those who have been bereaved, especially in a year when many have been denied the opportunity to grieve openly, and that being part of a community is an important part of coping with feelings of grief, loss and bereavement. If you are attending in person, face coverings are now a legal requirement unless exempt and you are encouraged to use free lateral flow tests - for more information, please see the government website.

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The annual Light up a Life service hosted by St Mary's for St Nicholas Hospice Care is on Saturday 18th December at 3pm. This is for anyone - whether or not you have had a loved one cared for by the hospice - to remember the departed. Christmas can be a difficult time of year for those who have been bereaved, so this gives an opportunity to name, remember and pray for those whom we love but see no longer.

Names to be read out during the service can be submitted via the St Nicholas Hospice website, where there is also an online service for those unable to join in person.

There will also be an opportunity to find out more about the organisation itself, and what you can do to help. You can also give to their Christmas appeal, on the night or online.

The service will be livestreamed and available afterwards on Facebook and YouTube for those unable to attend in person. If you are attending in person, face coverings are now a legal requirement unless exempt and you are encouraged to use free lateral flow tests - for more information, see the government website.

You are encouraged to take part from your doorstep, and join with friends and neighbours. You could also light a candle in your window as we welcome Christ, the light that shines in the darkness.

The service will be livestreamed and available afterwards on Facebook and YouTube for those unable to attend in person.

The same weekend is the Town Council's Winter Wonderland Weekend, including late night shopping on Friday 3rd December. St Mary's will be open with stalls and crafts as well as hot dogs and drinks available. There will be carols on the High Street starting at 6pm, which everyone is welcome to join in with .

This will be followed by a reflective Advent Carol Service at 4.30pm, including lots of beautiful music and readings for the start of this season of preparation. The service will be livestreamed via Facebook and YouTube for those who wish to join us from home, and the order of service is also available for download.

There will also be an Act of Remembrance on Thursday 11th November at 11am on Haverhill High Street, and as part of our services on Friday 12th November at 12pm and on Sunday 14th November at 9.30am.

In Withersfield, there will be an Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial on Sunday 14th November at 11am, followed by a short service in church.

Both of our churches have benefited from SHCT grants in the past, and will be looking to do so again in the future, and so this is an opportunity to raise money for the trust as well as highlighting the importance and diversity of our historic church buildings.

The churches are open all day, with stewards on hand at Haverhill to help out. Contact us for more information or to pledge sponsorship. Thank you for your support!

The vicar has recorded another 'What is...?' video explaining a little more about what a patronal festival is, why we keep one, and why it is an important moment in our community life. Take a look on YouTube.

The first episode is available via BBC Sounds (listen from 42.35).

We are also considering some future uses for the churchyard in Withersfield. Do you have any suggestions? Would you like to see a wild flower area? Could we reuse some of the space for future burials? Let us know.

One way to mark this journey is to collect stamps from places along the route, which can be used to collect your official certificate if you make it to Santiago. As part of their promotion of UK pilgrimage, the CSJ have generously provided us in Withersfield with one of these stamps. If you are passing Withersfield, you can always head into the church to take a look!

The stamp has been designed for us by local artist Celia Hart, an illustrator and printmaker. Her inspiration was the door handle which you used to enter the church today, which is said to date from the twelfth or thirteenth century and is one of the oldest surviving parts of the church building. How many other people have touched this door handle as they make their pilgrimage to this church, week by week, year by year?

The creatures depicted on the door handle are likely to be salamanders, often shown by mediaeval artists without legs as here. The salamander was thought to withstand great heat and even extinguish fires with the liquid excreted by its body. Because of this, it has been used to represent the righteous person withstanding the passions and desires of the world, as well as being linked to the story found in the book of Daniel of three men who survived the flames of King Nebuchadnezzar’s furnace.

It is exciting to think that Withersfield can continue to be a part of people's spiritual journey, and can continue to be a place of prayer and worship, rest and refreshment. May God bless all who pass through the church, and may St James pray for us.

These are instead of our usual holiday club, which we plan to run again in the near future!

Andrew will be returning to Haverhill on Sunday 11th July as our guest preacher, which will give us the opportunity to wish him well in his new venture.

Admission is £2 per child or £2.50 per adult, with a family ticket on offer at £5. Refreshments will be available.

Adults should wear a face covering in the church unless medically exempt and everyone will need to use the sanitiser provided to clean hands before and after touching any instruments or equipment.

The theme this year is 'rejoice, revisit, remember' - encouraging us to connect with the communities, memories and experiences that form us. There is a flag raising ceremony in Haverhill's Market Square at dawn on Monday 21st June, at which the Mayor will read the Suffolk Day proclamation. More information is available from Haverhill Town Council.

We thank Jane and Richard for taking on this role, and it would be appreciated if people could show their support by joining the service using Zoom. Contact us for the link.

Churchwardens are key in helping the parish to run effectively, and provide oversight for much of the practical side of running a church. They are a first point of contact for many people enquiring about the church and liaise with the archdeacon and bishops on pastoral matters.

There are still vacant positions for another churchwarden at both Haverhill and Withersfield. If this is something you would be interested in, speak to Max or to one of the wardens. The visitation is also a good opportunity to find out more.

You are able to join the service via the Cathedral's Facebook page, and your prayers and support would be very much appreciated.

We will then be able to welcome Wendy on Sunday 4th July at our morning services at Haverhill and Withersfield. There will also be a chance to meet her over lunch in Haverhill churchyard to which all are welcome. Please bring your own picnic - we can provide hot drinks and seats. This will be held from 1pm until 3pm, finishing in time for our healing service at 4pm.

What is the difference between a deacon and curate?

Ordination is a sacrament, not unlike confirmation or marriage, that changes who you are as a person and how you relate to the church and to other people. People are ordained deacons, many are then ordained priests and some go on to be ordained bishops. That status remains with you, whatever role or job you end up doing, and whether you work directly for the church or act as a volunteer.

The role of a deacon is one of serving others, teaching and preaching the Gospel, and encouraging and nurturing others in their faith. Jesus acted as a deacon when he washed the feet of his disciples and taught them about the sort of God he wanted them to believe in: one who would relieve and soothe them in their suffering. He encouraged us to do the same for one another.

Deacons, priests and bishops fulfill their calling in a variety of ways, and can take a variety of jobs. Some might be vicars and lead a parish church or group of churches. They are often helped by an assistant curate: one who shares in the cure or care of the people of the parish.

So a deacon is a type of person within the church, a status that a person holds; while a curate is the job a person does.

Armed Forces Day: Saturday 26th June

Haverhill Town Council are planning a whole day of activities, beginning with a convoy of historic military vehicles and emergency vehicles, which will begin at 11am, moving around the town to arrive at Market Square about 40 minutes later. For more information about the route, see the Haverhill Arts Centre website. There will then be entertainment and a bring-your-own picnic in the churchyard, organised by the Town Council.

Throughout the day, the Friends of St Mary's will be holding a tower open day, so you can climb to the top of the tower and see this spectacular view of the town for yourself, including a birds-eye view of the vehicles in the square below. Note that the ringing chamber will not be open on this occasion. St Mary's will also be open for refreshments all day.

At 1pm there will be a flag raising ceremony in Market Square, when flags of the Army, Navy and Air Force will be raised. St Mary's will be flying the Armed Forces Day flag for the day from our tower.

Flag Raising Service: Monday 21st June

Earlier in the week, there will be a short service at which the Armed Forces Day flag will be raised on Market Square, with prayers offered for all those who are serving or who have served in the Armed Forces, and for world peace and security. This will be attended by the Mayor and by representatives of the Royal British Legion, and all are welcome to join us at 2pm.

We are inviting donations for refreshments, which we are able to take by cash or card. The government guidelines for hospitality venues apply, which means at the moment we need to be seated when consuming food or drink, in groups of up to six, or two household bubbles.

We are also working with local charity REACH to provide community support while the community café is open. Speak to REACH in the first instance if you require support, and they will help you access the support and advice you need.

Once we are up and running on a Friday, we will look to bring the community café back on a Saturday too. Watch this space!

The closing date for nominations is Sunday 13th June.

REACH support people in poverty, and those who are most vulnerable, in and around Haverhill, by supplying food and other necessities, by helping with applications and management of utilities, and by offering debt and money advice. This is a simple way that we can show our support to REACH, who are looking to work more closely with churches in the area to connect people in need to those who are able to offer a pastoral presence.

We are hugely grateful to the team at Church Pages who have worked with us to develop and host this site. A website is a crucial tool for churches to engage with the wider community, and it has been a pleasure to work with a team who know about good web design and have a passion for enabling churches in their mission and ministry.

In this short video, Max introduces confirmation and explains what it means to be confirmed in the Church of England:

Here is the Confirmation Service that took place on Sunday 8th August which was led by The Bishop of Dunwich, The Right Reverend Dr Mike Harrison:

On the first Sunday of the month starting on Sunday 6th June, there will be a quiet service of healing at 4pm in St Mary's, Haverhill, to which all are welcome. You may have specific prayer intentions for healing, either for yourself or for someone else, in which case you are welcome to speak to us and come forward for personal prayer. Or you may wish to come along and take part in the service, praying generally for healing and wholeness.

Speak to Ian if you would like to find out more, or if you would like to arrange a private conversation about healing.

We will continue to produce resources for worship online for those unable to join us, so keep an eye out for videos on Facebook and YouTube, although this may not be every week.

If you are coming to church, there is no need to book in advance, but we will need to follow the current guidelines on gathering in church. At the moment, that means that anyone over the age of 10 is required to wear a face covering unless medically exempt, and we are asked to sign in and use the hand sanitiser provided on entry and exit.