A message from the curate

As I write this, we are in the middle of Probus Fun Week and I have just got back from Homebase with some poles and cable ties for putting together banners for the Probus Church walking float in the carnival procession. It’s great to get involved with this community initiative and historic tradition (even if it hasn’t happened for a few years now). But banners, processions, rogations and walks of witness have been part of the history of the church for the last two thousand years. These ancient processions would start with a cross bearer, followed perhaps by a bible, the relics of a saint and then maybe a choir. Some processions would be times of celebration or unity, but unfortunately others could be weaponised to stir up division.

Well this year we won’t be carrying any relics and nor will there be a choir sadly but I do intend to carry a cross with me at the head of our procession followed by church members bearing banners representing our saints (Probus and Grace) and what they stand for, along with banners for a number of groups based at the church such as the community larder, Little Lights, Spotlights and Messy Church. The motivation for marching may have changed over the years, but today there are two reasons I’m excited about Saturday. Firstly, this is an opportunity for the church to celebrate being a central part of the village community — something it always endeavours to be but which cannot be taken for granted these days. And secondly, this is a chance to for us to lift high the cross and show pride in the faith we share — not in an arrogant or divisive way but in a way that says ‘we love and follow Jesus and we’re not ashamed of that’. By the time you read this the carnival will be over and the bunting stowed away for next year, but my hope is that what we’ll be celebrating on Saturday will remain true all year round and can be demonstrated regularly without necessarily the need for a banner.

Blessings,

Rev’d Paul Salaman

Church services

Sunday 3rd 9:30 am Connect

11 am Holy Communion.

Sunday 10th 9:30 am Alternative Holy Communion

Sunday 17th 9:30 am Connect

Sunday 24th 9:30am Holy Communion

Other events

Coffee mornings: Tuesdays 10:30 am12 noon. Fridays 9-11 am.

Youth Club: (Years 7 - 13) First and third Sunday evenings 6:30-8 pm.

Little Lights baby and toddler group. Every Thursday 9.30-11 am.