All Souls Church, Crockenhill

29/05/2026

Today has been a momentous day in the life of All Souls Church. This morning saw first the Funeral and then Celebration of Life Services of Pat Scutt, at which the close family, Jack, Karen, and David contributed to memorable and fitting Services.
While the second service was underway, we received the news of the passing of Lay Reader (Emeritus), Bob Taylor, also much loved by the congregation, who had served at All Souls for many years.
I was able to reach Emerson’s Care Home in time to administer the Last Rites and be with his wife Olive when his body was collected.
At Pat’s Funeral we had a reading from the Book of Revelations 21.1-7. Two things struck me from the reading. First, the phrase: “See I am making all things new.” That phrase had such resonance today. Even in the sorrow of Pat’s passing, and also of Bob’s passing, God is at work, making all things new. Indeed, their passing is a sign of the making new. What is being prepared could not come about without this farewell. We are left with a new, unknown life, without their physical presence, ever more dependent upon God the Giver of all Good Gifts, who offers us water from the spring of the water of life. Drink of it, for He is making all things new including you and me, and it is happening now, even in such circumstances, even when the work is not yet finished.
Secondly, “And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” Pat had her wish today. Two Services, the second in a church full of white flowers to welcome the bride. It is an image of that completed new creation. For Christians, the next time we will see Pat or Bob, will be them taking their place, by God’s grace and mercy, in that union of heaven and earth in communion with the Lord of Life. It will be an everlasting moment of joy, which will make the sorrow seem passing, in the light of what has come.
Say “Farewell Pat”, “Farewell Bob”, give thanks for what has been, but also say, “Fair Forward, Voyagers”, until the time of joy, when we see you as a bride adorned for her husband in a new creation.
May they rest in peace, and rise in glory +

07/05/2026

04/05/2026

At the end of this fabulous Bank Holiday Weekend, by public vote the winners in the adult category of the Scarecrow Festival are:
In first place: No.4,”The Wizard of Oz” congratulations to Claire and Ray.
In second place: No 15 “First Man on the Moon”, congratulations to Robert.

04/05/2026

Congratulations on all who participated in the “Scarecrow Festival”.
By public vote, the winners of the Children’s category are:
In first place: No 5 “Cleopatra”, congratulations to Emilia and family.
In second place: No 6 “Alice in Wonderland “, well done to Molly, Dorothy & Rupert.

02/05/2026

Some more of the great Scarecrows from this weekend’s festival.

02/05/2026

Look at the tempting array…..:

02/05/2026

Our Scarecrow Festival has begun! Come and do the Crockenhill Village Scarecrow Trail. There is also a Mini-Scarecrow Trail for the kids and an amazing array of sandwiches, scones and cakes in the Church Room.
The Festival ends on Monday at 4pm.

30/04/2026

Dear Friends,
This Sunday, 3rd May, the Fifth Sunday of Easter will fall within the All Souls "Crockenhill Scarecrow Festival" (2 - 4th May).
It means that after the Sunday Service refreshments will be not the congregations uniquely, but part of the Scarecrow Festival, which will mean both what is on offer and the prices will be a little different, as one of the purpose of the Festival is to raise funds for the church.
This Friday, 1st May, at 9.30am before the Community Cafe, there will be an Introduction to Contemplative Prayer in All Souls Church for 30 minutes. Contemplative Prayer is a form of prayer that places the emphasis on just being in God's presence. It is a prayer of listening rather than speaking, attention rather than petition. Please do join us! (See the attached flyer)
I encourage you to participate in the Diocesan Prayer Festival on 30th May. We are hoping to bring a group from All Souls, but those who are interested in joining need to register for the event and are encouraged to book asap (there is no fee to participate). If you are not internet savvy, please ask for the assistance of Karen or myself.
Blessings,
Richard +
Vicar of All Souls, Crockenhill

16/04/2026

Thanks to the flatpack guys, Paul and Ivan, building a new cupboard for the Church Room.