Revd Helen’s Letter ( September 2024)

Many people are surprised when I tell them that there is one Vicar (Team Rector) covering 12 parish churches (13 buildings) across 133 square miles of Reepham and Wensum Valley. How do you get everywhere on a Sunday? How can you manage? Well, the answer is many volunteers. We have a team of people on church councils, some of which are getting small and need extra help such as Great Witchingham, Thurning, Lyng, Wood Dalling and Attlebridge/Alderford. We have a good ministry team, some of whom offer services in retirement which is kind and helpful.

Also, people are unaware that this band of people must fundraise not only for the fabric of the church (Maintenance, Insurance, Amenity Bills etc) and for the Vicar for the church too. Central church offers specific grants only and Norwich diocese asks us to pay around £80,000+ a year for the cost of a Vicar and support services. Out of this money we are provided with curates in training, housing costs, the support staff team and much advice.

People are generous and help us out as they can. We really need to have regular donations to help continue to offer open churches. We would love for all our churches to remain open not just for Sunday/midweek Services also for Weddings, Baptisms and Funerals, for private prayers, for music and social events, for community fundraising events, for well-being social activities, for extra classroom space (inspired classrooms), for history tours and heritage days and so much more.

We are needing some extra help across our area; we are asking everyone for a small regular monthly donation to your local church £5/£10/or another amount.

For Reepham contact:treasurerrwv@gmail.com (Paul)

For Salle contact:jolyonbooth@outlook.com

For Thurning contact:beansargent@gmail.com (Georgia)

For Wood Dalling contact:maggie.leveritt@gmail.com

For Weston Longville contact: mebcoppins@gmail.com (Margaret)

For Attlebridge/Alderford contact: m.c.ridley@totalise.co.uk (Alison)

For Great Witchingham contact: scacloque@gmail.com (Sally)

For Sparham, Swannington, Lyng, and Elsing contact: parishofficerwv@gmail.com or phone on 01603-879275 and your email or call will be forwarded.

For Bylaugh contact: lakeparkfm@aol.com (Roger)