St Andrews Great Ryburgh

The church is open for private prayer every day of the week.

Services this month:

Sunday, 3rd May 11 a.m. : Eucharist

Friday, 8th May 9.30 a.m. : Informal Morning Prayer

Thursday, 14th May 11 a.m. : Ascension Day Eucharist

Sunday, 17th May 10.30 a.m. : Morning Worship

Whitsunday, 24th May 10.30 a.m. : Eucharist

Please come and join us, even if you are not familiar with our services!

Readings and prayers for those unable to get to Sunday services

(click on the link)

St. Andrew’s stands at the entrance to the Norfolk village of Great Ryburgh, close to the bridge over the River Wensum. This round tower church with its possible Saxon origins continues to nurture a Christian community that has existed in the village since at least the 8th. Century. It remains a distinctive feature of a village that is essentially a working community with a maltings, some light industry and a shop that has been retained as a community venture.

The cruciform design of the church building is unusual, each arm of the cross being almost equal in length.The most recent reordering of the Chancel in 1912 by Sir Ninian Comper gives the building a wonderful feeling of space and light as well as a flexibility of use which the parish uses to full advantage for its services, community events and concerts.

St. Andrew's, Great Ryburgh is part of the Upper Wensum Benefice. The Revd. Robin Stapleford now divides his time between two benefices and looks after fourteen parishes with the help of curate, The Revd. Dr. Rhona McEune, and a number of retired clergy who give generously of their time.

Visitors are welcome every day of the week.

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EVENTS THIS MONTH

CHRISTIAN AID WEEK: 10^th – 16^th MAY

This year the focus is on urban farming projects which are being developed in cities like Nairobi where in the poorest districts hunger is a very real issue. Through training and the gift of tools and seeds, community groups are able to lift themselves out of poverty as they learn how to grow food in small city spaces. The Christian Aid website gives more information about the life changing results achieved through these projects.

If you would like to make a donation to support the work of Christian Aid, please leave your envelope at the shop, the church or with a member of the P.C.C. by 20^th May.

ASCENSION DAY SERVICE 11 a.m. and LUNCH for CHRISTIAN AID: 14^th MAY 12.30 p.m.

Ascension Day is a feast day in the calendar of the Church. Revd. Robin will be leading the service and Jim has agreed to play for us. Please come and join us!

After the service you are invited to join us for lunch. There is no charge but all donations will be sent to Christian Aid as our contribution to Christian Aid Week. It will be a hot meal and so we do need to know in advance if you will be coming. Please leave a message on 01328 829413 by 7^th May and let us know of any dietary requirements.

OPEN FOR TEA: 15^th May 2.30 – 4 p.m.

All welcome! Come and join us for a cup of tea, a scone and a slice of cake. Bring your friends! The next date is 19^th June.

SPRING FAIR - PLANTS and BOOKS: SATURDAY, 23^rd MAY 9.30 – 12 noon

There will be a range of stalls including plants for your garden, second hand books, paintings, crafts, cards, preloved treasure and gifts. St. Andrew’s Pantry will be open for coffee, scones and other homemade delights. The heritage displays are always of interest. Do encourage friends and neighbours to come into the church and join us! Contributions as well as offers of help will be gratefully received. All proceeds to Church Funds.

The choir rehearses on Tuesday afternoons and the Ryburgh Ringers on Thursday evenings. New recruits always welcome!

The Friday Morning Team meets every week to keep our churchyard and field cared for, colourful and open to all. Please come and join us.

Our church building has been here for over 1,000 years and we try to ensure it is a welcoming and inspiring place for worshippers, local residents, visitors and pilgrims.

The William Martin Building with its much needed handwashing and hospitality facilities is fully in use. We wonder how we ever managed without it! We are so grateful to those who built it and to those who donated materials, labour and funds with such generosity.

JOINTING AND REPOINTING 23/24/25: The current project is the repointing of the north and west nave walls, together with repairs to the east and south walls at ground level where the walls meet the perimeter channel. Any donations would be very helpful to ensure we can complete the project on time. Not a glamorous task but a very necessary one to avoid costly bills in the future!

IF YOU NEED TO REPORT ABUSIVE BEHAVIOUR OF ANY KIND, YOU CAN CONTACT THE DIOCESAN SAFEGUARDING TEAM ON:

01603 882345 or safeguarding@dioceseofnorwich.org

See the SAFEGUARDING PAGE for more details.

OTHER SOURCES OF HELP

Help for young people wishing to report abusive behaviour

Parish Safeguarding Officer: Lesley Weston Tel: 07792696619

Email: lslywstn@msn.com

You can if you wish also contact Childline (childline.org.uk or telephone 0800 1111 This service offers free, confidential advice and support about whatever is worrying you.

Help for adults wishing to report abusive behaviour

Parish Safeguarding Officer: Lesley Weston Tel: 07792696619

Email: lslywstn@msn.com