Holy Family Catholic Church, Ipswich Road, Brantham
Priest in Charge: Fr Michael Ryan, 180 Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich, IP2 0QQ
Tel: 01473 684963 Fax: 01473 602362 E-mail StMarks@iaconnect.co.uk
Sunday Holy Mass 9.00
Fri 15 Aug Assumption of BVM
(Vigil Mass celebrated on Thurs 7 30pm)
Sun 14 Sept Triumph of the Cross
Sun 28 .. Harvest Thanksgiving
Is there any reason to go to Church today? Catholics still go regularly in large numbers but many of them do not. I imagine the same applies to those who are C of E. Those who do still go regularly to Church are aware that they appear to be an insignificant minority but regard their church going as important and believe they are making a difference. Bad examples arise from time to time and are well publicised. To state the obvious- Christianity is not a political programme; on the other hand, it is more than merely a religion. Jesus said: I am the Way, the Life and the Truth . Our yes to this may come suddenly for some, for others more gradually but to unpack it all is the work of a lifetime. For this the teaching of the Church and the help of the community is needed.
Diary
Sat. 6th Sept Historic Churches Cycle Ride
Wed 24th Sept Day of Recollection at Clare
Sat. 15th Nov Autumn Bazaar at St Mark's.
Sun 14th Dec Senior Parishioners Lunch
All welcome to attend Holy Family services- not necessary to be a Catholic. Enquiries about the Catholic Faith are always welcome. Please contact the Presbytery above or a local person who is a Catholic.Brantham Methodist Church, Gravel Pit Lane, Brantham
Minister: Rev. Ian Gardner, 34 Medway Road, Ipswich, IP3 0QH. Tel: 01473 - 431832
Email: ig.gardner@ntlworld.com
The services of Marriage, Baptism and Funerals can be arranged by contacting Ian.
Services and preachers in August and September 2008:
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Date and Day
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Time
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Preacher
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Sunday 3rd August
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11.00 am
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Revd. Jack Bingham
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Sunday 10th August
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11.00 am
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Revd. Michael Ayden
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Sunday 17th August
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11.00 am
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Revd. Sue Lambert
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Sunday 24th August
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11.00 am
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Revd. Ian Gardner (Holy Communion)
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Sunday 31st August
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11.00 am
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Revd. Alan Taylor
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Sunday 7th September
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11.00 am
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Revd. Michael Ayden
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Sunday 14th September
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11.00 am
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Mr Harry Chicken
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Sunday 21st September
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11.00 am
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Revd. Jack Bingham (Holy Communion)
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Sunday 28th September
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11.00 am
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Rev. Ian Gardner (Harvest Festival)
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Dear Friends,
This is the time of year when many people will be going on holiday. Indeed, as I write this the sun has been shining all day, the temperature has been very warm and pleasant, and the plants are all growing well. Summertime has arrived!!
Holiday for you may be a chance for rest and relaxation, or the time to do an activity you normally don't have time to do. Whatever you do, it is good to recharge your batteries so I hope you are able to fit in some quality time for yourself, away from the normal "routine". But as you holiday, remember that God goes with you. He doesn't take a holiday but is always there with you; always ready for you. Have a good holiday!
From your minister and friend - Ian
St Michael's church building is feeling rather battered. Now that the chancel extension has been removed, the extent of the damage is becoming all too clear. More of that elsewhere.
What do we do when we are feeling battered? Well, God in his love gives us each other and so often support comes from unexpected sources, have you noticed? God also offers us his strength which helps us cope with things we thought were too big for us. The angel in the picture is being carried!
The holiday rota kicks in during August: services on Sunday alternate between East Bergholt at 10.00 and Brantham at 11.00. No Sunday Club during the holidays. Happy holidays, everyone.
The Lord be with you
Stephne van der Toorn (Rev Mrs)
01206 392646 revsteph3@vodafoneemail.co.uk
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DATE
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TIME
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SERVICE
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10-Aug
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11.00am
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Benefice Family Communion
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24-Aug
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11.00am
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Benefice Family Communion
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06-Sep
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2.30pm
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Wedding Robert Earrey/Clare Powell
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07-Sep
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11.00am
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Benefice Family Communion
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14-Sep
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11.00am
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Healing Communion
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17-Sep
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9.30am
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Holy Communion (BCP)
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21-Sep
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11.00am
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Family Communion + baptism of Thomas Billings
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26-Sep
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2.00pm
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Wedding Stuart Burley and Clare Owens
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28-Sep
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11.00am
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Patronal Festival: preacher Archdeacon David
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05-Oct
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11.00am
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Harvest Festival (come and see the decorations!)
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For over a thousand years a church has stood on the site of St. Michael the Archangel, although the earliest building would have been built of wood. The oldest parts of our present church building date from the 14th century. A major reconstruction was begun in about 1800, with further work in 1869. Throughout the centuries our beautiful church has stood, solid and strong, welcoming and supporting the people of Brantham in their worship and their Christian celebrations.
In their turn, the people of Brantham have supported the work of St. Michaels' and most generously helped in our campaign to raise funds to replace the roof in 2001/2.
Needless to say, St. Michael's today is still in need of significant and costly work to repair, maintain and improve the building for the continuing life of the community of Brantham. The Friends of St. Michael's has been formed, in order to plan the way forward. Our problem is extremely serious. There is dry rot, wet rot and beetle infestation in the wooden floor beneath the choir stalls, as well as the platform of the pews in the nave. In order to keep St. Michael's working for its community we do need major help once more.
The Parochial Church Council has formed the new committee, Friends of St. Michael's, with Mr. John Keeble as Patron. This group is committed to the maintenance, repair and improvement of St. Michael's Church. Please look out for news of forthcoming events to raise funds for our work. Also, we welcome new Friends of St. Michael's, suggested donation £10 a year (or more!), or a one-off donation of £100 secures Life Membership.
Anyone who would like to become a Friend of St. Michael's is invited to contact the Rector, Rev. Mrs. Stephne van der Toorn, or the Secretary, Mrs. Christine Gough (393137)
