Last week, Revd Kathy and I visited REACH in Haverhill, where we met Harry Wilson, and had the opportunity to help pack a food parcel. There is something quite sobering about placing tins, packets and everyday essentials into a box, knowing that very soon they will be on the table of a family who needs them.

What made the visit particularly special was hearing how the idea for REACH began with Harry in our very own Weston Colville Church. A seed of an idea, planted in one of our small rural churches, has grown into a charity offering practical help and hope to people across our local community.

 

This Sunday, Paul reminds us that "God loves a cheerful giver", while in Matthew’s Gospel Jesus looks upon a hungry crowd with compassion. He does not simply notice their need; he responds to it, and what is offered becomes enough to share.

Perhaps that is the real challenge of Harvest. It is easy to give thanks when we see abundance before us. But Harvest asks a further question: what will we do with what we have been given?

If you can give food items to REACH this Harvest, please do. The list of food items they are currently requiring is below. Collections are being made at the Harvest Services, or items can be left within the churches to be collected and taken to REACH in Haverhill.

May our gratitude become generosity, and our thanksgiving become sharing.

Revd Hannah Threlfall and the Ministry Team


 

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Sunday 27th September
17th Sunday after Trinity

9.30am Harvest Communion, Hildersham
Service led by Iain McColl.

9.30am Harvest Creative Church, Abington Institute
Led by Revd Hannah Threlfall.

11.00am  Harvest Communion, Balsham
Service led by Hannah Threlfall.

11.00am  Harvest Morning Worship,  West Wickham
Service led by' Revd Kathy Bishop.

11.00am  Harvest Morning Worship,  Weston Colville
Service led by' Revd Iain McColl.

6.00pm Evening Prayer, Great Abington
Service led by Alistair Collen.
 

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Readings for 17th Sunday after Trinity

First Reading:  2 Corinthians 9.6-end

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 15: 29-39  

Evening Prayer Only - Great Abington:

First Reading:  Philippians 2.1–13 

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 21.23–32 
 

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Services in September

Click HERE to see the September services rota.

Details of all our services can also be found on the website: www.grantavale.org.uk
 

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News:

Intoducing Jess
 

Hi, I am Jess Finlay, and I have the privilege of being on placement in the Granta Vale Benefice while I train for ministry at Ridley Hall. My husband, David, and I live in Great Abington with our cat, Shirbek. We are also expecting our first baby in early January 2027! I am looking forward to worshipping with you and learning more about the communities that make up this benefice.

A little bit about me: I was born in New Zealand and grew up on a rural smallholding until I was 15, when my family immigrated to Nova Scotia, Canada. I completed high school and university there, where I swam on the university team and coached swimming. I later returned to New Zealand to undertake further studies at the University of Otago, continuing to coach swimming alongside my studies.

After this, I returned to Canada to spend some time with family before moving to the UK in the summer of 2023 to join David, who had moved to Cambridge in March that year for work. I began my new role as Youth Worker and Communications Admin at St Andrew’s, Chesterton. During this time, I also began the process of exploring my vocation to ministry through discernment, and I am very thankful to everyone who gave up their time to answer all my questions and support me along the way!

In my downtime, I love to swim, bake, read, and chat with family. I am really looking forward to getting to know you and the wider benefice over the coming months, and to sharing in the life of the different churches and communities here.

 

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Celebrating Parish Safeguarding Officers at St Paul's Cathedral

 

Our wonderful Parish Safeguarding Officer, Cazzy Walshe, was recently nominated to represent the Diocese of Ely at a national Service of Recognition and Thanksgiving for Parish Safeguarding Officers, held at St Paul’s Cathedral last Saturday.

The invitation was a wonderful way of recognising the vital contribution that Parish Safeguarding Officers make to the life of the Church, helping to create safer and more welcoming church communities.

Cazzy commented that:  “It was a beautiful service of Choral Evensong, with a very moving and inspiring sermon given by the Right Revd Robert Springett, Bishop of Tewkesbury and Lead Bishop for Safeguarding.”

We are delighted that Cazzy was chosen to represent the Diocese of Ely and are grateful for all that she does in her important role, helping to ensure that safeguarding remains at the heart of our parish community.

Thank you, Cazzy, for your dedication and commitment!

 

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