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As this is by way of an open letter
to all, let me begin be expressing my sincere thanks
for your ongoing openness and warmth as I live and
work amongst you.
I use the word "work" because it is my
contribution to our community, but just how much I
wonder of what the Church does and stands for means
to most of you, in your full and busy lives? I appreciate
that many people don't feel a great need for regular
worship and fellowship. But I do know that you value
your Church from my many conversations around the
place. The good thing about village life is that it
is the world on a smaller scale and Church attendances
may be statistically down but the need for a meaning
in life is just as important as it ever was, more
so I believe and I am sure from these months in Coltishall
that your Parish Church does, as I've said, mean a
great deal to you, particularly in times of joy and
in times of sorrow when in my short experience the
Church is soon full.
My concern is that the Church's message, that God's
love, is there always for all people, is not fully
understood. It is right to be drawn to God in the
highs and lows of life but the offer is open to all,
every day not just Sundays and I would like think
when anyone has a problem, a crisis or personal doubts
they can come to us for help and support, for that
is what we are here for. For example, the Churches,
that is the whole of Coltishall Benefice, will be
holding a Jubilee Summer Fete on Saturday
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