Back in February, I was licensed and installed as “Curate in Charge” for Woolpit and Drinkstone churches. I’m pleased to say that I have now had a service (on the 13^th September) to officially make me the “Rector” for St Mary’s and All Saints’ churches. This was really just a formality, as I have felt very much a part of the community since February, but it does now feel that I am “properly” in place, and I look forward to getting to know more people. So, whether you have been in Woolpit for many years or are new, please do contact me if you would like a chat, or just say hello as we pass each other in the village.  I hope over the next 12 months there will be an opportunity for us to meet.

The Harvest Festival service at St Mary’s this year is on 11^th October at 10:45. This will be a chance to thank God for creation, for the food we have, and to offer gifts to support those who have a greater need than us. We will be taking donations of non-perishable food in support of the Stowmarket Food Bank. This organisation, and all the food banks across the country, are very grateful for all that people can give, and it makes a real difference to the lives of the people that they support.

If you wish to donate items but cannot be at the service, please leave donations inside the church on the Friday or Saturday of that week.

During October, the Woolpit Festival is happening and we are hosting two of the evenings at St Mary’s. We are looking forward to being entertained and seeing many people coming to the church. Do look out for the publicity that will be appearing to find at the timings and details of all the concerts.

To raise funds for church, we are having a race night at the village hall at 6.30pm on 24^th October. It’s a fun evening and there will be a ploughman’s supper included for £12.50. For information on booking a ticket please see the advert.

November is a season of remembering.

At St Mary’s we will be having a short service on Sunday 1^st November at 6pm to remember loved ones who have died, whether that was recently or many years of go. It will be a time to remember and reflect, light candles and add names to a remembrance tree within the church. Please do come and join us.

On Sunday 8^th November at 10.55am there will be our Remembrance Sunday service to remember and honour British and Commonwealth service members who died in the two World Wars and later conflicts. It offers a collective pause, to reflect on sacrifice and loss. Please do join us at the Woolpit Institute.

As the nights start to draw-in and we move from autumn to winter, this can be a difficult time of year for many people. So it can be especially important that we are aware of the needs of those around us, and provide care and support for our friends and neighbours, so that they do not feel alone. This demonstrates a love which reflects the love that God shows for each of us, and can be a light in someone’s darkness.

Reverend Ruth Farrell officially retired as rector of the Woolpit and Drinkstone Benefice on July 20 following many years in her role. 

Retirement parties and gifts were arranged to thank her for all she has done for her congregations since she was made rector in 2007. 

And on August 5, Revd Ruth was gifted a special and prestigious certificate of Long and Exemplary Dedicated Service.

The certificate, which came as a complete surprise to the reverend and is rarely handed out, was from the Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich as an “acknowledgement of her faithful service to the diocese and benefice”.

The certificate reads: “In thanksgiving for many years of dedicated service to the life of the Church of England in Suffolk.” 

It is signed by Martin Seeley, Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich. 

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant,” it reads.