News from Woodmancote & Popham

Woodmancote held its All Souls Service on 30th October. It is a solemn service but a beautiful one, lit mainly by candlelight. For the recently bereaved it gives a chance for reflection and to feel (hopefully) not alone in their grief. I really hope this Service brings some comfort for those who attend, if only briefly.

Rev. Rob Rees took the Service and reminded us that as far back as the beginnings of time people felt and experienced grief. Grief is written about at the very beginning of the Bible and the first reading taught us that eventually we will be filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy “ for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls”. 1 Peter 1 v9 Christmas is fast approaching and as usual we will be having the Carol Service on Friday 16th December at 7pm. It will be followed by cheese and wine at Rownest Meadow, generously hosted by Mary Wallis and Nick Greenwood. All are very welcome to attend. Our Christmas Day Service, which will be taken by Rev. Rob Rees, is at 9.30am. We would love you to join us on Christmas morning. Finally, I also happened to attend the Benefice Service on 30th October where Andy Trenier, Canon Precentor at the Cathedral, was preaching. He shared an old Alcoholics’ Anonymous poem with us and I thought I’d share it with you:

I Am

I was regretting the past And fearing the future. Suddenly my Lord was speaking:

“My name is I Am.” He paused. I waited. He continued, When you live in the past With its mistakes and regrets, It is hard. I am not there, My name is not I WAS”.

When you live in the future

With its problems and fears, It is hard. I am not there. My name is not I WILL BE.

When you live in this moment, It is not hard. I am here. My name is I AM.

Poem by Helen Mallicoat

Wishing you all a very happy festive season. Jane.