Parishes by the Wall - Living Faith on the Frontier

On Tuesday August 7th, eighteen members of the congregation set off on a Prayer Walk from Bardon Mill to Beltingham Church. It was a beautiful evening and the countyside we walked through was bathed in soft sunlight.The group stopped in woodland, in meadow and in the churchyard. The theme of the walk was "God's Creation". Everyone contributed with readings from the bible, prayers or poems. After singing the hymn, "Be still for the presence of the Lord is moving in this place", everyone moved into church for the service of Evening Prayer. Afterwards there were  refreshments and a time of fellowship at The Old Vicarage.

On Tuesday July 10th, ten of us gathered in the beautiful setting of Shepherd's Dene Retreat for a "Day of Reflection". This was a follow - up to the contemplative meetings held during Lent.

Our thoughts and discussions were led by Gill Alexander. Doreen Palmer and Jenny Sadgrove also  led sessions on different aspects of prayer.

Some of our time was spent outdoors in the extensive grounds surrounding the house.

Everyone agreed that it was an uplifting experience to be able to share our time and thoughts in such a relaxed atmosphere.

Many in our community will remember Stanley Prins, who died recently aged 88.  Stanley retired to Scroggwood with his wife Marion after serving for many years as the Vicar of Humshaugh.  In a packed St Peter's church in Humshaugh on Monday 16th June, there was an opportunity for his many friends to come together to celebrate his life.  With well loved hymns and eulogies which gave a flavour of his range of interests and drew out his humour and his love of people, the service was a fitting tribute to him.  The sermon was preached by our Vicar, Rev'd Dr Benjamin Carter.  Over tea in the village hall, there was a display of some memorabilia of Stanley's life, including photos of his early life as a schoolboy in India and his connections as a Chaplain in the Territorial Army.

Surrounded by family, friends and visiting clergy, our Curate Gill presided at her first Eucharist on Saturday 7 July following her ordination the previous week.  At 5 pm, St Cuthbert's Beltingham in the sunshine was the setting for the service, followed by drinks and afternoon tea in the church grounds.  The Rt Rev'd Dr Nicholas Chamberlain, Bishop of Grantham, was the preacher.  At the end of the service, there was a presentation of gifts to Gill.  Many thanks to all who worked to make this such a joyful and memorable occasion