As this New Year begins to unfold, let me share with you three things - two new ventures and one existing and growing event.

First, at the end of February, a new parent and toddler group for people from all our villages will start up. It will be held in one of our village halls and supervised by a children's support worker. This is offered as a weekly time for parents, carers and their children to gather for play, stories, support and friendship. So often we have to look outside our villages for these needs to be met, and now we hope to meet them locally. Posters will be on display soon in all villages, so please keep an eye open.

Second, I want to put a singing group together, to enrich the Benefice Services we share, and make them even more special. I should like the group to develop a repertoire including songs from the world church and from communities like Taize and Iona, as well as a more modern form of responses to use at Holy Communion. The first Benefice service we will sing for will be the one on 30th March. If you are interested, please let me know.

Thirdly, did you know about our monthly all-ages service in Field Dalling, which is going from strength to strength? Everyone is welcome, especially families with children and those who are comfortable with a more informal and relaxed kind of service. It is a joyful and creative way to worship God, with songs, stories, conversations and activities intended for all ages, with or without children. It is at St Andrews, at 11am on the third Sunday of every month. Do come and join in!

And a Happy New Year to you!!

Joanna Anderson

Rector. 01328 830246