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It has been a tumultuous week for the Church of England and following the Archbishop of Canterbury's resignation in response to a recent report (the 'Makin Report') on historic safeguarding failings. A great sadness in this report lies in both the tragic failure to protect people and the inadequate response to victims who came forward over the years. 
 
Like many institutions, the Church of England has done much recently to improve its safeguarding practices, but this report is not only a reminder of previous failings but also a warning that good safeguarding practice is never an optional extra but a vital part of the mission of the church both at a local and national level.  Where we fail or fall short in this, we should confess and lament it. We should also renew our commitment to the work of safeguarding. For churches must always strive to be safe and welcoming places and to protect those who are vulnerable, as part of seeking to be generous and visible people of Jesus Christ.
 
Amidst this tumult and dismay, however, it is still good to reflect on the encouragement and hope from the psalmist whose words we will hear in our churches this coming Sunday: "I keep my eyes always on the Lord.  With him at my right hand, I shall not be shaken" (Psalm 16:8).  All institutions and organisations are fallible, and humans are capable of doing terrible things, but in all this the divine call remains upon our lives to witness to faith, hope and love in Jesus Christ, who is with us, and because of this we need not be shaken.
 
Revd Iain McColl and the Ministry Team
14.11.24

Sermon from Remembrance Sunday


If you would like to read Alistair Collen's powerful, and moving sermon from last Sunday, click on the link HERE.
 

Hymn of the week


This week's hymn of the week is 'Christ whose glory fills the skies'. You can watch it by clicking on the link HERE which will take you to our Granta Vale YouTube channel.

ABOUT US     OUR VISION

 

Glenys
Hello and welcome to our church. If you are a new visitor, we have a page for you to get to know us and learn more about planning a visit.
Click here to see more.

Planning your Visit

A Warm Hello 

The following information is specifically for those planning a visit, so that you know, beforehand, what to expect on a Sunday morning.

Where and When

First Sunday of the Month
On the first Sunday of the month we gather for our united service held at Balsham church at 10:30am.  There is always a children’s church provided during each of these united services. Music is led by a choir, organ and music group.  There is also an Evensong on the first Sunday held at Little Abington church at 6pm. 

Second Sunday of the Month
On the second Sunday there are Communion services at Hildersham, Great Abington and West Wickham.  There is morning worship at Balsham and Weston Colville and a café church at West Wratting at 4pm.
 
Third Sunday of the Month
On the third Sunday there are Communion services at West Wickham, Balsham and Weston Colville, morning worship at Little Abington and café church at Hildersham at 4pm.
 
Fourth Sunday of the Month
On the fourth Sunday there are Communion services at Great Abington at 8am and West Wratting at 10:45am, a breakfast church at Great Abington from 9pm and an Evensong at Hildersham at 6pm. 

Where there is a fifth Sunday there will be a communion at [  ] and [  ]; and morning worship at [ ]

This pattern of services, however, will vary in the weeks prior to Christmas and Easter and details about these services will be on our website, in parish magazines and on church noticeboards. 


images: Services

What about my children?

Children are very welcome at all of our services but there are services where there is particular provision for them. 

On the first Sunday of every month we gather for our united service held at Balsham Church and during the service children and adults have the opportunity to continue exploring faith and the bible in the church hall. They then return in time to receive communion.

At West Wratting Café Church on the second Sunday of each month always begins with a child-friendly talk.  After this an invited speaker will give a talk to adults – and any children who wish to remain - in one part of the church, whilst children-friendly activities are led in another part of the church.

The Hildersham Café Church on the third Sunday of each month is an intentional all-age gathering where we engage with faith and scripture in a creative, informal way, including discussion and both ancient and contemporary hymns.  Children always play an important part in the readings, discussions and reflections.

The Abington Breakfast Church on the fourth Sunday of every month is also an all-age gathering where, after a shared breakfast, we listen to a story, engage with prayers stations and crafts, and share in a time of prayer and reflection.  There is also a creche available at this service.

Each month there is a Children’s Church Council, which usually meets in Hildersham or Abington.  The CCC reflects on faith, the bible and contemporary life, help to plan themes and activities for Sunday services and enjoys discussion, crafts and sometime nibbles and drinks!

Our children’s provision is led by members of the church community who are DBS checked.

Children

Getting Connected


Church Groups

We believe that home groups can play a vital role helping churches and discipleship to flourish.  These groups usually meet in someone’s home for study, discussion, prayer and fellowship. We have many different home groups within the Granta Vale Churches, ranging from bible study groups to theological reflection gatherings to prayer groups.  If you would like to know anymore about any of these groups, please do contact either Iain or Jeanine for more information.

Serving and Volunteering

If you want to get involved in the life of the Granta Vale Churches you can learn more about how on out Get Involved page. 

Get in touch with us to plan your visit
If you would like to get in touch with us before your first visit. Get in touch and we will contact you and answer any questions you have.
 
Name:
Telephone:
Email Address:
Comments / Questions or anything you would like to say?

Next, we will contact you by email to say hello and help arrange anything necessary for your visit.
 

Leadership 

IM   No Photo icon
Rev Iain McColl - Minister in Charge   Rev Kathy - Minister
Rev Iain has been the minister in charge of the Granta Vale Churches since 2018. Before he was a minister in the Church of England he was a corporate and commercial solicitor in London and Bristol. He enjoys football, cycling and swimming, loves theology and history and spending time with his wife and children.   Leader Intro
 
We hope that whoever you are, you will feel at home at Granta Vale Churches.

Best Wishes

iain