News from Woodmancote & Popham November is always a month for reflection and remembrance and at St. James’ we hold our All Souls Service. It is always a beautiful service where we light candles for loved ones no longer with us.
We also listened to an inspiring talk by Juliet Pattinson, one of the Church Wardens at Micheldever. Juliet told us, how after meeting a man who’d recently lost his wife in Micheldever Churchyard, it led her to train and join a small charity in Winchester that helps the recently bereaved. Juliet had me transfixed and I couldn’t help but think what a wonderful thing to do and how in demand this small charity must be. In this world nothing is certain except death and taxes (Benjamin Franklin 8
1789) It is such a shame it's a part we don’t really feel comfortable talking about and therefore often find it difficult to deal with. Talking, Juliet told us, is the best way to come to terms with life‑changing events like bereavement and helps us cope with our feelings of grief. Christmas is upon us and once again it’s carol singing time. St James’ will hold its much-loved Carol Service on Friday 17th December at 7pm. Afterwards, as is tradition, it is all back to Mary Wallis’s house, this year for refreshments around braziers in the garden. It is a wonderful evening and everyone is warmly welcome. We are always so grateful to Mary and Nick for hosting this for us. Mary is also running a Christmas Wreath Making workshop on Saturday 4th December. Mary is a professional florist, so this is a wonderful opportunity to make something yourself, under expert guidance, to take home for Christmas or even give as a gift to someone special. All proceeds from this event will go to St. James’ Church. In January we hope to hold our Sunday Plough Service as normal, details of which will be to follow. Finally, on behalf of St. James’ Church I would like to wish everyone a happy, healthy and peaceful Christmas and New Year! Jane. The Dever–December 2021