Diary

Parish Diary

A Word from the Rector
Introducing myself…

It is with great pleasure that I accepted the Bishop’s offer to serve as Rector of Waldron and Cross in Hand. I have been involved the parish off and on both at the altar and the organ for many years since we moved here in 2009, and so for me it is wonderful to be able to be involved in my own community as a priest in this way.
Many of you will know me but not know much about me, so here by way of introduction, is a bit about me:
I am from the great city of Hull in East Yorkshire (I still revert to the accent after a drink or two!), and it was there in the church choir and then as church organist that my vocation to the priesthood first emerged. Of course it takes some time for that to be explored and so I went off to Manchester University to study German and after that to St Stephen’s House in Oxford where I studied Theology, at the end of which I was sent off to Middlesbrough to serve my first curacy. I was in the North East for 5 years and still hold the people there in huge affection, it was a wonderful time and I learnt such a great deal there.
I was then asked to join the staff at All Saints, Margaret Street, in London a famous West End church with a wonderful musical and liturgical tradition, and then stayed in the diocese of London for the next 20 years, later as priest-in-charge of St Peter, Paddington and then 14 years at the Grosvenor Chapel, Mayfair. In both churches I met so many fascinating people and had my life and faith enriched in so many ways.
In 2008 I fulfilled a long held ambition to work in Germany and went to be the chaplain of the Anglican churches in Cologne and Bonn, a very different experience, as you can imagine, working in a very different environment.
After my three year contract ended I returned to the UK in 2011. By then we had bought our house in Cross in Hand. After a break following some ill health I started work as a mental health chaplain at the Sussex Partnership Trust (the mental health trust) and I worked in the hospitals in East Sussex. After only three months in the job I became the lead chaplain for the Trust, working with colleagues throughout Sussex. I was responsible mostly for Hellingly Medium Secure Hospital which I loved working in. It was, however, emotionally draining work, so I took early retirement in 2022 and have been active since then supporting the parish and various other churches and also serving as the Retired Clergy Officer for the Diocese.
My whole life has been nurtured in the historic sacramental tradition of the Church of England, and this faith, based on the discipline of daily prayer and Eucharist, has seen me through the ups and downs of life and faith and I am engaged with the spiritual journey as much today as when I was ordained 40 years ago.
Waldron and Cross in Hand parish is the christian community where I live and I have always found it a happy place with hugely committed, engaged and fun people, so I am really looking forward to being part of the community in this new way as the parish priest alongside a superb team of people who contribute so much of themselves in so many ways. The parish is truly a wonderful and joyous place to be.
I live with my Civil Partner Alvin, whom many of you will already have met, who is a semi retired Financial Systems Manager, and is also a local councillor on the Heathfield and Waldron Parish Council. We have two Parson Russell Terriers, Zadok and Nathan, who live up to their terrier nature rather a lot of the time! In my spare time I love cycling - I have just completed a trip to Paris with two of my neighbours; I still play the organ and piano every day, and am as consumed by music as I was when young - especially the music of J S Bach. And I am a keen reader of detective novels - currently working my way through the Grace novels of Peter James, the Vera novels of Ann Cleeves and the Karen Pirie novels by Val McDermid.
I am looking forward very much to getting to know everyone much better too - I am never happier than sharing a coffee and a natter with someone, so I hope very much that I will have many such opportunities with the members of the congregation.
Wishing you all every blessing and all good things
Father Simon

From the churchwardens --– November 2024
It is a great delight to enter our next quarter with a newly appointed Rector and we warmly welcome Simon to the role. Truly, prayers have been answered. This places us in a wonderful position to go forward to the busy Christmas period and into 2025 filled with optimism for the future.
Our last quarter continued to see congregation numbers maintained at our churches and included the uplifting Lammas service at Heronsdale, and a delightful Pet Service as well as our Harvest and Fruitfulness Thanksgivings. Once again, the Harvest lunch was well attended and thanks are due to Tim and Gail Williams for generously hosting this. Just recently, a Healing Eucharist took place and was well attended. Visiting priests continued to provide valuable and appreciated support throughout the quarter.
Work on renovating the bell tower at St. Bartholomew’s is proving more involved and expensive than envisaged, but we shall do whatever we can to see this through.
Porch repairs at All Saints should be concluded shortly ( if not already done so) and our plans to have an internal toilet facility continue to gather pace.
The work of the parish in maintaining buildings and in serving our community continues and will always be with us. We remain grateful to so many people who support our endeavours in a variety if ways, making all things possible.
A lot is happening in the next three months so do keep up with eNews and our website for up to date information. You will note details of our Remembrance Sunday service in this diary.
Come along and join us at our services and, if you can, on a Wednesday morning in the Alleluia Room for coffee and cake and a chat.
Sarah Mackenzie and Ian Dixo

3rd – 9th November

3 FIRST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH – @ ALL SAINTS

All Saints Day

8am Holy Communion bcp

President & preacher: Father Simon Hobbs

10am Parish Eucharist

President & Preacher: Rt. Rev. Will Hazelwood, Bishop of Lewes

First Reading : Isaiah 25; 6-9 ; Perer Venn

Psalm;24; 1-6

Second Reading: Revelations 21; 1-6a; Faith Sandeman

Gospel: John 11; 32-44

Intercessions: Dotty Withers

Welcome: Ian Dixon and John Chambers

Refreshments; Bev & Keith Bulmer

6 WEDNESDAY

10.30am Coffee morning – Alleluia Room

12.15pm Parish Prayer Group – Alleluia Room

9 SATURDAY

10.30am Coffee Morning

with a Musical Entertainment

@ All Saints

10^th November – 16^th November

10 SECOND SUNDAY OF THE MONTH

Remembrance Sunday

8am Trinity 23 - Holy Communion bcp @ St. Bart’s

President & preacher: Father Simon Hobbs

10.45am Remembrance Day Service

@ All Saints

Leader& Preacher:; Father Simon Hobbs

Arrangements for today will be confirmed on our Website and enews

First Reading; Jonah 3; 1-5,10; Sean Dexter

Second Reading; Hebrews; 9; 24-end; Ray Cade

Welcome; Ray and Kathy Cade

13 WEDNESDAY

10.30am Coffee morning – Alleluia Room

12.15pm Parish Prayer Group – Alleluia Room

14 THURSDAY

10.00am to 12.30pm Waldron Community Market

At Holy Cross, Priory Village

“ Gifts for Christmas”

15 FRIDAY

6.00pm Choir Practice at All Saints

17th – 23rd November

17 THIRD SUNDAY OF THE MONTH @ALL SAINTS

Second before Advent

8am Holy Communion bcp

President & preacher: Father Simon Hobbs

10am Morning Praise

Leader; Andy Delves Preacher: Andy Delves

First Reading: Daniel 12; 1-3; Michael Withers

Second Reading; Mark 13; 1-8; Carolyn Dixon

Intercessions: Sarah Mackenzie

Welcome: Ian Dixon and John Chambers

Refreshments; Dawn Chambers & Angela Hough

18 MONDAY

11am Holy Communion Holy Cross Priory President: Father Simon Hobbs

20 WEDNESDAY

10.30am Coffee morning – Alleluia Room

12.15 pm Parish Prayer Group - Alleluia Room

22 FRIDAY

6.00pm Choir Practice at St. Bart’s

24^th to 30^th November

24 FOURTH SUNDAY OF THE MONTH @ST BART’S

Christ the King

8am Holy Communion bcp ( Next before Advent)

President & preacher: Father Simon Hobbs

10am Parish Eucharist

President & Preacher; Father Simon Hobbs

First Reading: Daniel 7; 9-10,13-14; Martin Jenner

Psalm: 93

Second Reading: Revelations 1; 4b-8; Dotty Withers

Gospel: John 18; 33-37

Intercessions: Roger Clark

Welcome: Ray and Kathy Cade

Refreshments; Moira and Ray James

Collect your Advent Calendar

* Please bring any gifts suitable as Christmas Presents for children that can be passed to FSW. In particular, present for teenage boys are welcome as are Gift Tokens. If you donate a Gift Token (please place it in an envelope marked as such. Christmas food is also appreciated; trifle making kits/ tinned fruit etc.

25 MONDAY

12.30pm Knitting Group in Alleluia Room

27 WEDNESDAY

10.30am Coffee morning – Alleluia Room

12.15pm Prayer Group – Alleluia Room

29 FRIDAY

6.00pm Choir Practice at All Saints

1^st to 7th December

1 FIRST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH @ ALL SAINTS

Advent Sunday

8am Holy Communion bcp

President & preacher: Father Simon Hobbs

10am Parish Eucharist

President; Father Simon Hobbs Preacher; Rev. Malcolm Elwis

First Lesson; Jeremiah 33; 14-16; Peter Venn

Psalm; 25; 1-9

Second Lesson; 1 Thessalonians 3, 9 to end;

Gospel; Luke 21; 25-36

Intercessions; Ian Dixon

Welcome; Ian Dixon and Sarah Mackenzie

Refreshments; Bev & Keith Bulmer

2 MONDAY

7.30pm The Licensing service

for Rev. Simon Hobbs as Rector

All Saints

4 WEDNESDAY

10.30am Coffee morning – Alleluia Room

7 FRIDAY

4.00pm Ministry Team meeting in Alleluia Room

8th – 14th December

8 SECOND SUNDAY OF THE MONTH @ ST BART’S

Advent ii

8am Holy Communion bcp

President & preacher: Father Simon Hobbs

10am Parish Eucharist

President and preacher: Father Simon Hobbs

First Reading: Malachi 3; 1-4; Barbar Duncan

Benedictus

Second Reading; Philippians 1; 3-11; Sue Garden

Gospel; Luke 3; 1-6

Intercessions: Andy Delves

Welcome: Muriel Campbell and Ann Bassett

Refreshments; John and Nicole

8 12.30 until 3.30pm

Cracking Christmas Craftshop at All Saints, Waldron

Entertainment, activities and fun for children and families.

Refreshments, mulled wine and more!

Father Christmas will be in attendance

11 WEDNESDAY

10.30am Coffee morning – Alleluia Room

12 THURSDAY

10.00am to 12.30pm Waldron Community Market

At Holy Cross, Priory Village

“ Foods for Christmas”

13 FRIDAY

6.00pm Choir Practice at St. Bart’s

15^th- 21st December

15 THIRD SUNDAY OF THE MONTH

Advent iii

8am Holy Communion bcp @ All Saints

President & preacher: Father Simon Hobbs

10am No morning service today as,

4.00pm Candlelit Service of Nine Lessons & Carols

@ St. Bart’s

Followed by Mulled wine and mince pies

16 MONDAY

11am Holy Communion Holy Cross Priory President: Father Simon Hobbs

18 WEDNESDAY

10.30am Coffee morning – Alleluia Room

19 THURSDAY

2.30pm Lost and Found – Afternoon Tea

at Holy Cross Priory, Lewes Road.

22^nd to 28^th December

__________________________________________________

22 FOURTH SUNDAY OF THE MONTH @ ST BART’S

Advent iv

8am Holy Communion (bcp) @ St Bart’s

President & Preacher; Father Simon Hobbs

10am Parish Eucharist

President & Preacher: Father Simon Hobbs

First Reading: Micah 5; 2-5a; Ray Cade

Magnificat

Second Reading: Hebrews 10; 5-10; Colin Webb

Gospel: Luke 1; 39-45

Intercessions: Carollyn Stanbridge

Welcome: Ray & Kathy Cade

Refreshments; Roger and Alex Clark

24 TUESDAY – CHRISTMAS EVE – See Display Board

25 WEDNESDAY – CHRISTMAS DAY – See Display Board

24 CHRISTMAS EVE and 25 CHRISTMAS DAY

Christmas Eve – 24th

4.00pm – Crib Service at St. Bart’s

11.00pm – Midnight Mass at All Saints

Christmas Day

9.00am - Holy Communion (bcp) @ St Bart’s

11.00am – Family Christmas Celebration @ All Saints

29th December – January 4^th 2025

29 LAST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH @ ST BART’S

First of Christmas

8am Holy Communion bcp

President & preacher: Father Simon Hobbs

10am Morning Praise

Leader; Tim Hough Preacher: Tim Hough

First Reading; Colossians 3; 12-17; Ian Dixon

Second Reading: Luke 2; 41 to end; Tim Williams

Intercessions: Carolyn Dixon

Welcome: Ian Dixon and Barbara Wint

Refreshments; Ann Bassett & Muriel Campbell

FRIDAY

4.00pm Ministry Team meeting in Alleluia Room

6.00pm Choir Practice @ All Saints

5^th to 11^th January

5 FIRST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH @ALL SAINTS

Epiphany

8am Holy Communion bcp

President & preacher: Father Simon Hobbs

10am Parish Eucharist

President; Father Simon Hobbs Preacher: Father Mark Hill

First Reading: Jeremiah 31; 7-14; Peter Venn

Psalm 147; 13 to end

Second Reading; Ephesians 1; 3-14; Martin Jenner

Gospel; John 1; 10-18

Intercessions: Ian Dixon

Welcome: Ray and Kathy Cade

Refreshments; Bev & Keith Bulmer

8 WEDNESDAY

10.30am Coffee morning – Alleluia Room

12.15 pm Parish Prayer Group – Alleluia Room

9 THURSDAY

10.00am to 12.30pm Waldron Community Market

At Holy Cross, Priory Village

12^th to 18^th January

12 SECOND SUNDAY OF THE MONTH @ ST BART’S

Baptism of Christ

8am Holy Communion bcp

President & preacher: Father Simon Hobbs

10am Parish Eucharist & Celebration of Baptism

President & Preacher: Father Simon Hobbs

First Reading: Isiaih 43; 1-7; Ray James

Psalm; 29

Second Reading: Acts 8; 14-17; Moira James

Gospel: Luke 3;15-17, 21-22

Intercessions: Doty Withers

Welcome: Ian Dixon & Barbara Wint

Refreshments; Moira and Ray James

15 WEDNESDAY

10.30am Coffee morning – Alleluia Room

12.15 pm Parish Prayer Group – Alleluia Room

16 THURSDAY &

17 FRIDAY

7.30pm Jack Waldron and the Enchanted Beans

The Parish Pantomime in All Saints

18 SATURDAY

2.30pm and Jack Waldron and the Enchanted Beans

7.30pm The Parish Pantomime in All Saints

19^th to 25th January

19 THIRD SUNDAY OF THE MONTH @ ALL SAINTS

Epiphany iii

8am Holy Communion bcp

President & preacher Rev. Desmond Burton

10am Morning Praise

Leader; Tim Hough Preacher: Andy Delves

First Reading; 1 Corinthians 12; 1-11; Roger Clark

Second Reading: John 2; 1-11; Valerie Chidson

Intercessions: Carollyn Stanbridge

Welcome: Ian Dixon and John Chambers

Refreshments; Faith Sandeman & ANR

20 MONDAY

11am Holy Communion Holy Cross Priory President: Father Simon Hobbs

22 WEDNESDAY

10.30am Coffee morning – Alleluia Room

12.15 pm Parish Prayer Group – Alleluia Room

24 FRIDAY

6.00pm Choir Practice @St Bart’s

26th January to 1st February

__________________________________________________

26 FOURTH SUNDAY OF THE MONTH @ ST. BART’S

Candlemas

8am Holy Communion bcp

President & preacher: Father Simon Hobbs

10am Parish Eucharist

President & Preacher: Father Simon Hobbs

First Reading: Nehemiah 8; 1-3, 5-6, 8-10; Barbara Duncan

Psalm; 19; vs 1-6

Second Reading; 1 Corinthians 12; 12-31a; Carollyn Stanbridge

Gospel; Luke 4; 14-21

Intercessions: Roger Clark

Welcome: Ian Dixon & Sarah Mackenzie

Refreshments; Pete & Joan

27 MONDAY

2.00pm Knitting Group in Alleluia Room

29 WEDNESDAY

10.30am Coffee morning – Alleluia Room

12.15 pm Parish Prayer Group – Alleluia Room

31 FRIDAY

6.00pm Choir Practice @All Saints

Parish Services

Please note that amendments to the normal pattern of services may be required due to changing circumstances

1^st Sunday of the month

@All Saints

8am Holy Communion BCP (approx. 35mins)

10am Parish Eucharist CW ( approx.. 1hr 15mins)

Followed by coffee

2^nd Sunday of the month

@St Bart’s

8am Holy Communion BCP

10am Parish Eucharist CW

Followed by coffee

3^rd Sunday of the month

@All Saints

8am Holy Communion BCP

10am Morning Praise – a non communion service for everyone (approx, 45 mins)

Followed by coffee

4^th Sunday of the month

@St Bart’s

8am Holy Communion BCP

10am Parish Eucharist CW

Followed by coffee

5^th Sunday of the month – see notices

Holy Communion CW

is celebrated in the little chapel at Holy Cross Priory

on the third Monday of each month at 11am

All welcome.

Especially suitable for those who cannot get to church on Sunday

Parish E-news

This is a weekly publication sent out from the Parish office giving information on services and events across the parish.

If you do not already receive this and would like to do so, please let the Parish Administrator know by email and your name will be added to the circulation list.

Pew Sheet

If you have any announcements that you would like to make or notices to give please send these to the Parish Administrator by Thursday Evening.

Diary

Parish Diary

A Word from the Rector Introducing myself…

Diary

3rd – 9th November

10th November – 16th November

17th – 23rd November

24th to 30th November

1st to 7th December

8th – 14th December

15th- 21st December

22nd to 28th December

5th to 11th January

12th to 18th January

19th to 25th January

26th January to 1st February

A Word from the Rector
Introducing myself…

10^th November – 16^th November

24^th to 30^th November

1^st to 7th December

15^th- 21st December

22^nd to 28^th December

5^th to 11^th January

12^th to 18^th January

19^th to 25th January