Vicar’s Letter by Rev Tom Ringland
In the marriage service, there’s a phrase in the prayers offered for newlyweds that looks forward through time and asks ‘that they may come at last to the end of their lives with hearts content and in joyful anticipation of heaven’.
I sometimes reflect on that phrase as my life proceeds and ask what those words 'with hearts content' look like in lived experience.
We may talk about being happy – and recognise that happiness relates to what’s happening currently for us, which may not be the best. Conversely, we can be in troubled waters and yet still have a sense of contentment and of peace.
The apostle Paul, who faced immense challenges and persecution, could write, 'I have learned to be content no matter what happens to me…' (Philippians 4.11).
The world is a troubled place – and despite the beauty all around us, we can find contentment elusive. Even as the weather brightens in an early summer’s day, a cloud may hang over our hearts, dampening our spirits and threatening our contentment.
Will there be wider war in Europe? Why is society so fractious and divided? What’s my future, and my family’s future? What of climate change?
It’s not surprising therefore that some people are returning to explore faith, and to find contentment in a restored relationship with God through worship.
Our churches are visited all through the week by people who are seeking peace, who are standing where previous generations have raised up wonderful sacred spaces for prayer – and where today’s congregations still meet regularly to sing, pray and hear of God through the Bible.
If contentment is something that you find slips through your fingers – is hard to find and harder to retain – then try praying: and if it’s hard on your own, join others on that journey at a Sunday service and rediscover a living faith!
Another good resource is a free national telephone service set up by the Church of England called ‘Daily Hope’. You’re quite anonymous as you dial 0800 804 8044 any time or day and follow the menu options provided.
We also have our own telephone service on a Sunday morning at 9.30. To join in the conference call, phone 0333 0110 946 and enter room number 61337190# with PIN 7450# - speak to Christine in the office to be sent the little order of service we use. So if you find you are missing out on a contented heart, here’s a challenge and an invitation for you … it may be God prodding you to reconnect! We are not to be passive, waiting for God to appear – rather the Bible urges us in the Psalms:- ‘seek peace, and pursue it’ … (Psalm 34.14) May God grant you peace and contentment as you walk with Him!
click here for the June to July issue of the Penhill Beacon
Our church buildings are usually open:
Preston under Scar and Wensley - Daily
Aysgarth - daily
Castle Bolton - daily
Redmire - Daily
West Witton - daily
Prayer Fellowship
The Prayer Fellowship usually meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month at 7.30 pm to pray together for the Benefice, the wider church, local, national and international issues, and for personal concerns and each other. We begin with a Bible Reflection and short discussion. The next meeting is on Tuesday 23rd July
Wensleydale Filling Station
For this year's programme for the Filling Station see:
http://thefillingstation.org.uk/station/wensleydale/
Contact: 07714 204024
Prayer and Praise at Bedale - click here for details of the monthly contemporary services at the Chantry Hall in Bedale.
Penhill Together: Sunday 4th August, 10.30 am at St Mary’s, Redmire. We will be joined by the Newnham Family from Mission Aviation Fellowship. Informal question and answer time after the service with a cup of coffee and a chance to ask about MAF’s work. Donations for MAF will be very welcome.
The Art, Craft and Coffee Day raised £900 for Mary's Meals through the efforts of Preston under Scar, Wensley, our benefice, and St Peter and Paul's parish at Leyburn. Many thanks to all who helped, sold, bought and ate cake!
Christian Aid
There will be a separate plate in churches for donations to Christian Aid's appeal for aid for the civilian population of Gaza. Christian Aid have partners on the ground in Gaza and are exploring possibilities of supporting Israeli civilians also.
Castle Bolton Print For Sale
If you would like to buy a print of St. Oswald’s Church at Castle Bolton priced at £20 which are mounted and cellophane wrapped please contact the office (01969 663097) for further information.
War Memorial at Aysgarth church: The refurbished War Memorial at Aysgarth church was dedicated on November 11. Click here for an illustrated report.
Supporting biodiversity: St. Mary’s Church, Redmire has recently undertaken the Roche ECO Survey with a view to improving the biodiversity of the Churchyard. As part of the action plan we are seeking sponsorship of bird boxes, wild flower seeds, particularly butterfly habitat plants, and bird feeding stations.
Should anyone be interested in supporting this initiative please contact Denise Houghton, tel. 622625 or 07800658083. Email:
Aysgarth church -
The following are now available online -
War Memorials and Graves at Aysgarth church
The printed illustrated guide to War Memorials and Graves in the churchyard is available in Aysgarth church.
Daily Hope offers music, prayers and reflections as well as full worship services from the Church of England at the end of a telephone line.
The line is available 24 hours a day on 0800 804 8044. Callers will hear a special greeting from the Archbishop before being able to choose from a range of options, including hymns, prayers, reflections and advice on COVID-19. Please let your family and friends, who are not on internet, know about this. More information click here
Hear To Help
Just 'B' is offering emotional wellbeing support to people in the Harrogate District, Hambleton and Richmondshire, with its Hear to Help phoneline, available to anyone who may need help with such issues as grief, low mood, isolation, anxiety or isolation. The line is manned by trained staff and volunteers and is available seven days a week, 8am-8pm. For more information see Hear to Help.