Well, we have made it through to February after what was certainly a mixed bunch of weather last month! Even so when walking through our local woods it is incredible to see the little bluebell shoots coming through already. Signs of Spring and I am looking forward to enjoying the bulbs as they begin to bloom along with the daffodils and other lovely Spring flowers. Flowers are such bringers of joy aren’t they and promises of new life to come.
As we begin this month we will be holding our annual Christingle service on Sunday 2nd of February. Christingle is a joyful celebration that brings families and communities together to share the light of Jesus and spread a message of hope. The candle in the centre of the Christingle orange symbolises Jesus as the light of the world. Through him we can enter into new life both now and in the future. As usual our collection that day goes to the work of The Children’s Society. So we go forth into Spring with all hope and promise of better things to come. That is easily said though isn’t it, when we all know someone who is going through a difficult time and life often seems so unfair along with the troubles of our world. Yet as holy messengers often say in scripture to people who find themselves in difficult situations “do not be afraid”. As we go through this month of February, look at the birds, look at the earth beginning to wake up after a time of dormancy, look up at the skies! Someone who was a spiritual mentor to me used to say that when you come to a time of darkness in your life, fill it with beauty so that you can then walk over it. I love that thought.
Parish wise, our Team Rector Revd Andrew Coe has announced that he is retiring from full time ministry so has resigned as Team Rector of the Surrey Weald Team of which our parish is a part and also as Rector of St Peter’s Newdigate. Andrew and Noelle’s final Sunday service will be at 10am on Sunday 27th April at Newdigate Church. We shall miss Andrew’s leadership and wisdom hugely but wish them all God’s blessings in his retirement as they move to Great Bookham. Please do keep them and the parish of Newdigate in your thoughts and prayers at this time of transition.
Have a good month and enjoy all that we have been blessed with that costs nothing – the new shoots of growth around us.
God bless and with my love and prayers
Liz
Revd.Liz Richardson
liz@hostmyserver.co.uk
As we begin this month we will be holding our annual Christingle service on Sunday 2nd of February. Christingle is a joyful celebration that brings families and communities together to share the light of Jesus and spread a message of hope. The candle in the centre of the Christingle orange symbolises Jesus as the light of the world. Through him we can enter into new life both now and in the future. As usual our collection that day goes to the work of The Children’s Society. So we go forth into Spring with all hope and promise of better things to come. That is easily said though isn’t it, when we all know someone who is going through a difficult time and life often seems so unfair along with the troubles of our world. Yet as holy messengers often say in scripture to people who find themselves in difficult situations “do not be afraid”. As we go through this month of February, look at the birds, look at the earth beginning to wake up after a time of dormancy, look up at the skies! Someone who was a spiritual mentor to me used to say that when you come to a time of darkness in your life, fill it with beauty so that you can then walk over it. I love that thought.
Parish wise, our Team Rector Revd Andrew Coe has announced that he is retiring from full time ministry so has resigned as Team Rector of the Surrey Weald Team of which our parish is a part and also as Rector of St Peter’s Newdigate. Andrew and Noelle’s final Sunday service will be at 10am on Sunday 27th April at Newdigate Church. We shall miss Andrew’s leadership and wisdom hugely but wish them all God’s blessings in his retirement as they move to Great Bookham. Please do keep them and the parish of Newdigate in your thoughts and prayers at this time of transition.
Have a good month and enjoy all that we have been blessed with that costs nothing – the new shoots of growth around us.
God bless and with my love and prayers
Liz
Revd.Liz Richardson
liz@hostmyserver.co.uk
Post expires at 5:39pm on Wednesday February 11th, 2026