NEWS and Diary
HOT OFF THE PRESS
Click on the Images below to download newsletters or use link to topical prayers.
The Village Parish Magazine, can be purchased at the Church, Village shop or Balcombe Club for just 75p, and contains lots of village news and information, including Fr. David's monthly letter. Worth every penny!
Contact us if you would like copy delivered monthly (a year subscription is £9 with free delivery if you live in the village)
Palm Crosses
The palm crosses from last year will be used to create ash for our Ash Wednesday services.
Please leave them on the welcome table at church or drop them off at the rectory
Thank you
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a season of repentance, and spiritual preparation. The ashes symbolize human mortality, humility, and the need for God’s mercy.
Easter Lilies
If you would like to donate towards the Easter Lilies in memory of someone, please put your donation in an envelope with the persons name clearly written in capital letters (this helps us get the spellings correct).
All names are read out at the 8am service on Easter Day and names are printed also printed in the service sheet for the 9.30am service
Deliver to Church warden - Mostyn Field
Freshfield, Stockcroft Road, Balcombe, RH17 6LN
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a season of repentance, and spiritual preparation. The ashes symbolize human mortality, humility, and the need for God’s mercy.
Christmas Celebrations
In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours!’
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.’ So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
(Luke 2: 8-20)
With thanks to all who worked for and praised God during our many services and celebrations.
Vacancy* - Treasurer
A vital role in the life and soul of our church.
(* watch this space as a volunteer has stepped forward to answer our prayers!)
There is still a vacancy on the PCC for a new Treasurer.
This is an important need within our church and we are praying for the right person to step in to this role.
Please speak to Fr David or one of the churchwardens for more details.
We are a supportive PCC who will love to be working with you. We are a busy and active church family and the finances support all our work and outreach to the community.
A full handover and training will be given; with additional resources from Chichester Diocese.
Harvest Celebrations
Our Harvest services were a time of joy and thankfulness for all the Lord provides.
We were able to gift to both the local food bank and Family Support work; and our Harvest collections went to Bishop Ruths appeal Friends of the Holy Land
Our Barn Dance and Harvest Meal was a lovely (energetic) celebration. Thank you to all who made is such a special event
Locus - Bake Off
Great fun first session of the term - boys V girls!
But who won? You had to be there to find out!!
The St Mary's Youth Club, Locus, is open for those aged 11 to 14+ and meets first Friday of the month.
If you would like to come please contact us
Balcombe Village Fete
12th July
We had a church stand as usual and the children enjoyed helping Noah feed the animals, while the adults guessed our largest congregation of the year!
The answer was 175 people came to Christingle (the prize of a bottle of wine has been won with a guess of 174)
Posters told the story of "A year in the Life of the Church" a few of which can be seen here.
It was a wonderful (if hot) event with the village community sharing time together.
Some comments about the evening:
Grateful for your direction Ethan Merrick and for David Moore’s ability to channel an entire string orchestra through an organ! Thanks also Alison Cunningham and Jacqueline Wiginton for the organisation. And everyone else for various contributions, singing or otherwise, making it such a great evening. Karen
It was such a great concert, the singing was fantastic, the music was lovely and your willing help in so many areas ensured that the whole evening went very, very smoothly and was a happy, joyful and uplifting event for everyone. Ali
Warm congratulations to everyone! a wonderful performance of 'A season to Sing! Such a lovely community spirit. Well done team Balcombe. David
What a joyful experience! Thank you everyone for all the hard work. Stephanie
A truely special evening.
Thank you to all who took part for all the hard work.
A couple of short videos - thanks to Mostyn Field
Confirmation Service
Wonderful confirmation service with Bishop Will (Bishop of Lewes) at St. Wilfrid’s church Haywards Heath.
Congratulations to Tracy and Ellen and all those confirmed that evening.
