St Andrews Great Ryburgh

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

Services this month:

Sunday, 7th December 11.15 a.m. : Eucharist

Friday, 12th December 9.30 a.m. : Informal Morning Prayer

Sunday, 14th December 10.30 a.m. : Morning Worship

Sunday, 21st December 6 p.m. : Candlelit Carol Service

Christmas Eve 5.30 p.m. : Christingle

Christmas Day 10.30 a.m. : Chrsistmas 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 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

CHRISTMAS MARKET and BOOK SALE: Saturday, 6^th DECEMBER 9.30 – 12 NOON

You will be spoilt for choice this year! - Christmas gifts and decorations, crafts, paintings, greetings cards, festive fare, flowers and books will all be on sale and don’t miss the opportunity to win a Christmas hamper full of seasonal delicacies. There are extensive heritage displays to see, thanks to Peter’s researches, and St. Andrew’s Pantry will be open as usual during the morning for coffee, cake, mincepies and savoury treats in a warm and comfortable setting. Do come and support our church and help keep it open!

Contributions of Christmas fare would be very welcome.

CHRISTMAS OPEN FOR TEA: Friday, 19^th December 2.30 – 4 p.m.

Join us for a cup of tea, some festive fare and some carols. Next dates: 16^th January and 20^th February. After Christmas we will probably be in the warmth of the William Martin Building but if the weather is very cold, you can check beforehand that the Tea is going ahead by calling 829413 between 1 and 1.30 p.m.

VILLAGE CANDLELIT CAROL SERVICE: Sunday, 21^st DECEMBER 6 p.m.

An opportunity to invite friends and neighbours to join us in church as a village community to sing carols, enjoy Christmas music, hear the traditional readings and to pray for the world and each other! The church will be decorated for Christmas and the heating will be on, so do come! This is a family service and children will be very welcome.

CHRISTMAS EVE: CHRISTINGLE SERVICE 5.30 p.m.

Calling all children! There will be a Christingle service the night before Christmas. Most children are familiar with the symbolism but for the adults who are not …. The orange represents the world. The red ribbon indicates the love of Christ. The dried fruits and sweets are symbols of God’s creation. The lit candle symbolises Jesus, the light of the world, who brings hope to people living in darkness. Let’s hope we can fill the pews – and if you would like to make a Christingle, please let us know. We will be making them in church on Wednesday, 24^th December at 10 a.m.

CHRISTMAS DAY EUCHARIST 10.30 a.m.

Come and celebrate the birth of Christ with us and hear once again the amazing story of Christmas with all its promise and reassurance for humankind. Families will be very welcome and we always need some children to help us bless the Christmas crib! What better way to get Christmas Day off to a joyful start! Please let us know if anyone needs transport to get to the Christmas service.

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

Provisional Parish Safeguarding Officer: The Revd. Robin Stapleford Tel: 01328 853226

Email: upperwensumrector@btinternet.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

Provisional Parish Safeguarding Officer: The Revd. Robin Stapleford Tel: 01328 853226

Email: upperwensumrector@btinternet.com