Annette writes:

I hope you have had a good day.  I was in the churchyard with Polly hound late afternoon and the light on the trees, church stonework and old memorials was stunning.  The breeze made it hard to be heard but I recorded the Lord's Prayer again as I walked around.

I see the posted quality is no where near as good as the original but I will continue.  I mentioned a gravestone of one Francis Loxley who died in 1812 - he had been the tollhouse keeper on the Great North Road.  I also mentioned a stone behind his of a gentleman with the surname Nott - his stone is c1780-not 300 years as my wind blown voice said.

Sometimes we can doubt the existence of a loving God when sad and tragic things happen.  But with an open heart and mind we can see in nature such beauty that those dark times can melt away and an unconquerable hope in goodness and eternal life come to the fore.

These ancient individuals lying beneath green pastures are at rest, we believe safe in God's everlasting arms.  We ask for strength to commend all those we have known and loved, and those we don't know to God's merciful keeping.

https://www.facebook.com/ThePaxtonsBenefice/videos/894845964272433/

Here is a link to a blog by Canon Jessica Martin of Ely Cathedral.  It was written at the beginning of this month but truly reflects how a lot of clergy may be feeling at this moment.

19th April 2020 is the first Sunday after Easter - and the gospel reading from John takes us to a scene in a locked room where Jesus' disciples are lying low, out of harms way.  One of them, Thomas, wants real proof that Jesus really has appeared to his friends.  He wants to see him too.

Watch out for the various animal noises and get ready for a bit of movement.  Have a candle ready to light if you wish.

Thanks for viewing.

St James Church would like to say a big thank you to everyone for supporting us through the Co-Op Local Community Fund.  Our local Co-Op store has chosen St James Church to be one of it's recipients of their local community fund.  The idea is that shoppers choose from a list of charities the Co-Op support and when they shop a percentage of what they spend goes to their chosen charity.  You can sign up on the link below if you haven't already done so.  So far St James has benefitted from £473, and this is hugely appreciated as we continue to support our local community, especially at this challenging time!