All is safely gathered in, ere the winter storms begin......
These words immediately remind us of harvest time.
For the farmers, harvest is a time of hard work and anticipation, and for us in our villages we see the
evidence in the huge combine harvesters which trundle along our lanes, see the grain being transported
and the balers arriving. Farmers labour throughout the year, nurturing their crops, hoping for a
bountiful yield. When the harvest is finally gathered, it is a moment of relief and thanksgiving.
Similarly, in our lives, we experience seasons of toil and waiting. We invest our time, energy, and
resources into various endeavours, hoping for fruitful outcomes.
The harvest metaphor extends beyond agriculture. It speaks to the spiritual and communal aspects of
our lives. Just as farmers gather crops, we gather experiences, relationships, and spiritual growth.
We are called to recognize and appreciate these blessings, understanding that they are gifts from
God. In the Bible, the concept of harvest is frequently used to illustrate spiritual truths. Jesus said,
“The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few” (Matthew 9:37). This reminds us of our
responsibility to contribute to the spiritual harvest, sharing God's love and message with others.
As we reflect on “all is safely gathered in,” let us also consider the importance of preparation and
stewardship. Just as farmers prepare their fields and care for their crops, we must prepare our
hearts and minds, nurturing our faith and relationships. We are stewards of the blessings we receive,
called to use them wisely and generously.
In this season of thanksgiving, let us take a moment to count our blessings, to recognize the
abundance in our lives, and to express our gratitude to God. Let us also commit to being labourers in
the spiritual harvest, sharing our blessings and the message of God's love with those around us.
May we all find joy and peace in knowing that “all is safely gathered in,” and may we continue to work
towards a bountiful spiritual harvest in our lives and communities.
Christine Wall
Authorised Worship Assistant
Weddings, Baptism and Funerals
It is our privilege to be involved in many of the significant moments of people's lives. Here at The Waterside Group of Churches we will do our best to guide you through what Christians mean by baptism, marriage and funerals.
Waterside Scratch Band
Scratch Band is the church music group for the Waterside group of parishes. The band meets for practice, fellowship, fun and a tea break every Thursday evening at 7.30pm to 9.30pm usually in the Church Room, Ludham or in one of the Waterside parish churches.
We play for services in the Waterside benefice and beyond, supporting regular worship in the churches and outdoors. We also entertain at local events and go carol singing in pubs, care homes and anywhere else that will have us!
Scratch is open to all. A warm welcome awaits whether you sing, play an instrument, or would just like to listen.
Contacts:
David Frost mobile: 07907679630
Diana Rackham mobile: 07880943104
Email: dianarackham@hotmail.com
WATERSIDE SCRATCH BAND – PRESS RELEASE
Meets: Thursdays, 7:30pm – 9:30pm, Ludham Church Room (Please check with a contact before coming, in case we are meeting elsewhere)
Contacts:
David Frost mobile: 07907679630
Diana Rackham mobile: 07880943104
Email: dianarackham@hotmail.com
Scratch Band is the church music group for the Waterside group of parishes.
The band meets for practice, fellowship, fun and a tea break every Thursday evening at 7.30pm to 9.30pm usually in the Church Room, Ludham or in one of the Waterside parish churches.
We play for services in the Waterside benefice and beyond, supporting regular worship in the churches and outdoors. We also entertain at local events and go carol singing in pubs, care homes and anywhere else that will have us!
Scratch is open to all. A warm welcome awaits whether you sing, play an instrument, or would just like to listen.
New member Dianne comments:
Hello, we are the scratch band, a group of musicians and singers who provide music and support for the Waterside Benefice (Ludham, Catfield and Potter Heigham Churches). We were formed some 10 years ago to provide music when there was no organist in the churches. And so now we attend all Benefice services and other special services in the church calendar. This Christmas we sang carols at Stalham Christmas event, sung to the residents at The Old Vicarage, Ludham. We were also found singing carols in the The Crown Public House Catfield one of our more unusual venues. Our happy band could also be heard in all three churches over Christmas. The final feather in our cap was a spot on Radio Norfolk singing our own very special rendition of While Shepherds.
My name is Dianne, and I am one of the new members of the band. I enjoy singing but never felt brave enough to join a choir. So when the bands leader David Frost invited me to become a member of the Scratch Band and I went along in fear and trepidation but I can honestly say is the best decision I made. There’s music, laughter and fellowship at our weekly meetings and I now really hate to miss a meeting. I urge anyone who loves to sing or play and perhaps a little hesitant about joining to come and give us a try. There’s no audition.
There is also a social side to our group and for Burns Night this year we had a haggis neeps and tatties supper followed by the traditional dessert of Cranach. The haggis was piped in by one of our musicians Ros Wilson and the address was given by another of our musicians Eilish. Once we had all enjoyed our supper we were treated to a very informative and enjoyable talk by Dr Zena Aldridge on “Dementia Awareness”. The whole evening was a huge success.
So having read all about us, I hope it’s whet your appetite and made you just a-bit curious about us
THE SCRATCH BAND.
Would You Like To Be More Involved In Your Local Church
All are welcome. We need musicians, readers, singers for the
choir/worship group, people who would like to pray, worship
assistants, help with buildings and maintenance.
People to help
with youth and children's work, people who would like to help
with pastoral care, fundraising people.
Would you like to host a house group or fellowship group?
There are many opportunities for all.
Please come along to one of our churches and speak to a Churchwarden.
The Waterside
