Welcome to the latest NewsRoundUp !
St.Edith's welcomes many visitors, with differing needs and interests
The church is open every day. Guide books give a short history of the building's most outstanding features, or you may find a moment's peace and tranquillity within its timeless walls.
Friends from Lincoln Orthodox Church shared Great Vespers in November, a truly inspiring service of music and prayer. Lit only be tapers, with no heating (because the heaters give out light) and no instruments, the atmosphere of the early church was recreated.... A truly inspirational gathering. St. Edith was a Saxon saint and we hope to celebrate her life on her festival in July, again with the Orthodox Church, whose worship style predates "the great schism" when Rome split from the original Christian church.
The Christmas at Coates, in December, started with a time of quiet contemplation, then a Christmas tea (with wonderful cakes!) and a popular Traidcraft stall ,selling jewellery, gifts and food. A Carol Service completed the celebrations. Willingham Brass and the Orthodox choir provided music to rouse the soul, Rev. Rhys Prosser and local readers put the Christmas story in a modern setting.
Christmas Day was greeted with an early eucharist.
On Plough Sunday, Rev. Alan Robson, the Lincolnshire Agricultural Chaplain told of his work and the real meaning of REV... Response.. Engagement.. Values, a very relevant message in times of austerity, yet an inspiration to us all to get involved. Members of Corringham Young Farmers presented a ploughshare, corn seed and soil, which symbolise all that is needed for crops to flourish.
The next event , apart from monthly services, is the Mothers' Day Tea Party, on March 18th, part of a national event in aid of the Eve Appeal ,for ovarian cancer awareness. Revive the Great British tradition , with delicate china, sandwiches and cakes, in delightful surroundings.
(The Hansard Memorial ledger), c. 1490, has been expertly restored by Skillington's workshops, with Heritage Lottery funding. A pile of broken rubble at the back of the church , has been pieced together, held with an intricate stainless steel frame and the missing bits filled with toning plaster. The magnificent result has been placed back in its original position in the chancel. The final touch will be interpreation of the inscription, with translation, which astonishingly, was recorded in 1640 before it wore away. (More)
Mediaeval Glass update. We are delighted to have secured sufficient grant funding ,from The Glaziers' Trust, CBC, The Idlewild Trust and the William and Jane Morris Foundation, to embark on the conservation of these rare pieces. Work is being undertaken by Jonathan and Ruth Cooke, of Ilkley, conservators who have worked on major cathedral windows. The glass was removed in April, will be cleaned ,partially releaded and then isothermally glazed to protect it from environmental damage. We hope it will be back in situ by August.
Thankyou to everyone who has been saving used postage stamps. A big bundle has gone to the Leprosy Mission, which teaches self-help and money-earning skills alongside medical treatment. Please keep saving them . Either leave them in church of get them to the churchwarden.
More thanks from the Seafarers' Mission in Immingham, for a continuing supply of warm clothing . These are used by men far from home, who find themselves in a bitterly cold climate (have you ever been on the docks?). The Mission offers support, help to contact families, provide internet connections on board and a "home from home" in port.. A special thankyou to friends in the Threshold Church, Lincoln Orthodox church and the lady who knitted cosy, trendy beanie hats. One of their representatives is coming to the group service om August 4th, 10am, to show us more of their work. Do join us.
A documentary on the work of the Gilbertine Order, the only monastic order to be founded in England, was filmed at St. Edith's.This is played frequently in St. Katherine's Heritage facility, Lincoln, (open every day, 01522 572778) as part of the Gilbertine experience. MORE INFORMATION
In response to demand, a Garden of Remembrance, for the interment of ashes, has been created within the churchyard. The land was already consectrated and was demarked and rededicated after the April service, a truly moving occasion. All who have an association with or love of Coates, are invitied to use it.
Rogation Sunday saw a crowd visiting the farm, and hearing from the farm manager of the challenges posed by extremes of weather. Several farmers were there, to them the problems are very real and can be overwhelming...our thoughts are with them as they work so hard to continue.
On May 11th and 12th, the church welcomes visitors ,as part of the West Lindsey Churches Festival. There will be historical tours at 2pm and 3pm on both days, but the church is open 9am - 6pm .
The church grounds are now affiliated to the Quiet Gardens Trust. Visitors are invited to enjoy the peace and look at the proposed wildlife conservation management plan.
There is so much to enjoy at St.Edith's, it is open every day, do come!
With blessings from St. Edith's
