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150 years of The Mothers' Union
Sept 2026
On Monday 21st September our Mothers Union were invited to take part in the 150th Anniversary at Shottery Church. Alcester new members were enrolled plus 3 of our members received certificates for many years of service!
The service started with lighting 3 candles, each remembering Marie and Jim Symonds and also Canon David Capron. The Rev Craig took part but the service was mainly taken by Karen Morris the Diocesan President. The address given by Catherine Bartlem.
The service was very meaningful and lasted 45 minutes, after which we were invited back for tea and a celebratory cake.
- Maggie Payne
Kinwarton brings in the Harvest for Arden Food Bank!
Sept 2026
St Mary the Virgin, Kinwarton church had their Harvest service on Sunday 20th Sept and all food donations were taken to Arden Food Bank , part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.
The parish of Kinwarton has received a certificate of acknowledgement at of their fundraising efforts, 13.7kgs of produce - 100% of which goes directly to the charity and to people in need.
Arden Foodbank have messaged saying they wish to thank everyone for their generosity.
THANK YOU!
News from the Diocese - Sept 2026
Issue 25 of the Diocesan Digest newsletter.
News from the Diocese - August 2026
Issue 24 of the Diocesan Digest newsletter.
Haslor's Summer Church Fete
Saturday 6th June 2026
Although there was some rain from time to time at our annual Church Fete held at Haselor school, itdidn’t dampen anyone’s spirits! In fact, more people came than we expected, given the uncertainweather. We all had a wonderful time playing games, trying our luck on the tombola and raffle (and the Human Fruit Machine!), buying plants for the garden and cakes to take home (except for those we couldn’t wait to eat!)!
As the photos show, the Octomaze was challenging, Pot Holes was frustrating, and Guessing the Number of Balloons in the Tractor Cab was tricky. For those who were unable to stay to the end, the number was 167!
When all the takings were counted it was clear that we had raised an amazing £3,800 towards the cost of the stonework repairs at the church. An exceptional result!
Even without climbing the hill, one can see the scaffolding around the church tower. The essential stonework repairs are underway. This is only possible through fundraising events such as the Fete.
Our thanks to all who planned and organised this quintessentially British event, the many who contributed in so many different ways, and to all those who attended to make all the planning worthwhile.
With the Plant Sale and the Fete now behind us, it’s time for a well earned rest! Until next year!!
Reverend Caroline Castle's Ordination
Sunday 28th June 2026
We welcome Rev Caroline Castle following her ordination at Coventry Cathedral on 28th June. It was a moving service, with the ordinands making their vows and declarations, before Bishop Sophie ordained and prayed for them. A few folk from our family of churches were able to attend and add their support. We are looking forward to introducing Caroline around the minister in the coming months.
Pentecost at Holy Trinity, Arrow
Sunday 24th May 2026
The sun shone as we celebrated Pentecost – the birth of the Church and the coming of the Holy Spirit. It was a wonderful day filled with joy, worship and celebration, made even more special by several baptisms, complete with full immersion in the pool!
It was also lovely to see people staying on after the service to enjoy a picnic lunch together in the sunshine. The beautiful grounds of Holy Trinity Church, Arrow proved the perfect setting for such a joyful occasion as we celebrated new life, new faith and the continuing work of the Spirit among us.
Small Pilgrim Places Network
Who are they? What do they do? Who in our Minster is involved?
The Small Pilgrim Places Network is a national network of quiet, reflective, and spiritually inclusive spaces across the UK. These spaces are designed to offer breathing spaces on the pilgrim journey, providing a peaceful environment for contemplation, prayer, and personal reflection.
They produce a monthly newsletter and this month TWO of our churches feature which is very exciting! Click the image left to read all about it and more!
Arden Foodbank - April Newsletter
The Quarterly newsletter for Arden Foodbank is now out!
Click the HERE to the logo to the left to read the April 2026 newsletter.
Maureen Knight becomes an Anna Chaplain
On Palm Sunday 2026 at St Nicolas Church in Alcester, nine Great Alne Park residents supported me when I promised to serve the GAP community as an Anna Chaplain.
I was presented with a special lanyard to make it official, having completed the training last year.
Anna was an elderly widow, known for caring for her neighbours and was one of the first people to recognise baby Jesus after the more familiar Christmas stories ( Luke 2). The UK network of 500 Anna Chaplains mostly work with people who live in care homes and sheltered housing complexes, along with their carer’s and families.
At Great Alne Park there are about 220 over 65s, who have chosen an independent later lifestyle and many have left behind their previous support network and friendships. At GAP, my ministry concentrates on welcoming newcomers of any faith or none, and being available for discussion, or when spiritual support is needed in illness or bereavement. I facilitate the GAP monthly Service, Christian Fellowship Group and Songs on Sunday, which you are all welcome to.
It’s now more than 60 years since I first promised to love God and serve my community and I feel honoured to be able to do this.
"I promise to perform this work prayerfully and in a spirit of mutual respect and collaboration, and to develop the faith, gifts and skill given to share in Christ's mission and ministry"
Maureen Knight
Anna Chaplain, Great Alne Park
https://www.annachaplaincy.org.uk/
Minster Announcement!
We are delighted to announce that Caroline Castle will be joining us in the Alcester Minster as our curate.
She will be ordained in Coventry Cathedral on Sunday 28 th June subject to the satisfactory completion of
her studies.
We look forward to welcoming Caroline and her family to Alcester in June as she serves her curacy with us
for the next three years. Please be praying for her and her family as she prepares for ordination as a
deacon and for them as a family as they prepare to move a
A few words from Caroline:
Hello, I’m Caroline, I’m married to Andy and we have three adult children, Hannah, Dan, and Josiah and an elderly rabbit called Oreo.
We are currently based in Leamington Spa where we’ve been for 17 years.
I enjoy spending time with friends and family, being outside in nature and drinking really good coffee. I also go to the gym (although enjoying that is too strong a description).
Three things about me in ministry:
• My passion in ministry is helping people discover who they are in Christ.
• I have a background in women’s ministry both here and in Uganda.
• I am very pastoral and love people
I am looking forward to joining Alcester Minster and getting involved with what God is doing there.
Loving God, We thank you for calling Caroline to your service. As she prepares for her ordination, fill her
with your Holy Spirit that she may know your love and guidance. Help us be ready to receive her in our
community that we may be a blessing to each other. Amen.
Arden Foodbank Newsletter - January 2026
Click the image left to open the January 2026 Newsletter from Arden Foodbank and to hear all about what's been happening.
Mother's Union - January
The Mothers Union ladies held their committee meeting this month to discuss future engagements. Speakers have been organised for the year. Plus great interest was given on the 159th Anniversary of the Mothers Union.
The A.G. M. is on February 12th in Church House 2.30pm where members are asked to bring their 'Bring and Share Lunch'.
New members always welcome.
Maggie
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