November issue - Magazine - Page 15
Glenside
News
GlensideNews@mail.com
PARISH CHURCHES
THE CHURCHWARDEN’S LETTER
Since May 25th of this year Fr Ed Martin has been
looking after this benece in addition to his
responsibilities for the Edenham Group with St
Mary’s Stamford.
It is the intention that Fr Ed’s position with
the Bythams will be formalised in 2026 and he will
take up residence in Castle Bytham in a newly
acquired property - a parsonage house - in
January. He is welcomed with open arms!
Every time a member of the forces ghting in
World War Two passes we lose the ability to learn
about them rst-hand and share their story. The
very nature of Remembrance is about unity and
inclusivity - all service should be recognised and
remembered. There are so many conicts and we
must not forget a single one. We need to
encourage young people to engage with
Remembrance, and the uncovering and sharing of
stories is vital to help them understand and
recognise the sacrice made by others to preserve
Above: The Act of
Remembrance at St
James’ church in
Castle Bytham.
Right, left to right:
RAF servicewoman
Maris Hodge, who
read the list of the
fallen from this parish,
churchwarden Sheila
Robinson and Parish
Councillor Helen
Sismey-Durrant.
BIBLE VERSE
from Koleh
(disciple of Christ)
freedom and democracy. It also teaches them to
learn from the past to help preserve peace in the
future.
On November 9th the Act of Remembrance
was observed in Castle Bytham in the morning
and Little Bytham in the afternoon. We must not
forget the importance of recognising the
contribution of all those who fought for our
freedom.
I am writing this in November, but Christmas
is not far away. The supermarkets are already
decorated with Christmas trees and full of ‘must
haves’, and the charity appeals have more than
doubled. There is nothing wrong with the
celebrations, the presents, and the enjoyment of
being festive - but there is an increasing gap
between those who have more than they need (like
us) and those who have not even the bare
essentials and a decent standard of living. In his
life on earth, Jesus identied with the poor and
marginalised, and those of us who call ourselves
Christians must do the same.
However we celebrate Christmas, please
remember to give a present to Jesus in, as Mother
Teresa said, “the distressing disguise of the poor”.
This will make your Christmas a happy one. “He
who is generous to the poor lends to the Lord; he
will repay him in full measure.” Proverbs 19:17
Our local schoolchildren will be ‘performing’
in Castle Bytham church at 4.00pm on Tuesday
6th December and, as always, at the Crib Service
in Little Bytham church at 4.00pm on Christmas
Eve. To me this is the beginning of Christmas.
We hope to see you at any - or all - of the
services over the Christmas period. Join us and
put CHRIST back into Christmas.
The blessing and the peace of the Christ Child
be with us all.
Sheila Robinson
PS When I came to Castle Bytham in 1955 Michael
Grayson and his family were in the village shop
and bakery providing fresh bread daily. His son
Colin was a churchwarden who married Shirley
Beecroft, from another well-known family in Little
and Castle Bytham. Shirley now lives in Southam,
Warwickshire and has just reached the grand old
age of 90 on 23rd November. I am sure those of you
who remember her wish her many happy returns.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own
understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall
direct your paths.
{Proverbs 3:5-6}
Father, how grateful we are that we can put our confident trust in
you to lead us through life. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Page 15
