Last year, around this time, a song was rapidly climbing the iTunes charts, eventually making into the top 50. The song was called “A a a a a Very Good Song”. It consisted of 10 minutes of absolute silence. Not exactly what you would expect to be a chart topper. One of the reasons put forward is that iPhones are set to automatically play the first song alphabetically in their library when the phone is plugged into their car stereo – and people were getting fed up with the same song over and over. 

And it is true, repetition usually results in boredom. So I wonder what that says about our lives when we follow the same routines over and over? Perhaps there is something to gain by being willing to step outside our comfort zones and try something new or different. Certainly God says he wants to put a new song in our mouth – a song of praise and thanksgiving rather than a song of complaint or anxiety or fear. 

But I believe there is another reason A a a a a Very Good Song climbed so high. That is many people rediscovered the value of silence, the value of space to pause, catch your breath and reflect on what is important in life. Many of us live frantic lives not only filled with activities, but even when we are not doing something, filled with sound from the radio, TV or MP3. When we are constantly bombarded like that it is easy to lose perspective and indeed, to lose contact with ourselves and what is important. 

The Bible says, “Be still and know that I am God.” And also, “stand still and see the great thing the Lord is about to do before your eyes.” Sometimes we need to pause to be able to see what is truly happening – to know not only God and what he is doing, but also to know ourselves. 

At All Saints we are offering a step towards solving both issues. Beginning in October on the first Sunday of the month instead of traditional Evensong, we will be holding “Something Else on Sunday” at 6pm. The format is a work in progress, but it is intended to help those who feel the need for something different to help them engage with God. 

But beyond this, anyone is always welcome to come into All Saints anytime during the day and take advantage of its peaceful atmosphere for a few minutes (or more) of quiet reflection or prayer. 

I am also always happy to meet with anyone to listen and pray with them. Just give me a ring. 

God bless 

Richard 

PS. I hope everyone had a chance to see the beautiful flowers on display at All Saints during the "Bounteous Gifts" weekend. Thank you all those involved for putting on this weekend. The weekend was to celebrate the generosity of gifts given to the church over the centuries. Flower displays and a special book highlighted donations for specific projects for the fabric and contents of the church building. I hope also that you didn't miss the introduction and the poem at the front of the book which paid tribute to the voluntary labour provided by so many over the years. For all these we are very grateful. 

I would like to add my special "Thank you" to the many people over the centuries who have given, often sacrifically, to the running and mission of the church. Without them, the church would not be here. After all, it is the purtpose of the church to help connect people with Jesus Christ and each other and to pass on the faith. These faithful people have often given anonymously, in amounts both large and small, in one off gifts and more importantly, regular giving. Others may not have been able to contribute financially, but have given freely oftheir time, not only in maintaining the building and its fabric, but in passing on the Christian faith through serving on church committees, running fetes, teaching Sunday School, running home gtoups, encouraging their neighbours to come to church, demonstrating the practical care and concern for our neighbours that we are commanded to display and in many other ways. THANK YOU! 

 

A new oak door has been installed in the outer entrance to the main porch, and new glass doors with an engraving have replaced the inner porch timber door. This creates a much needed draught lobby, as well as introducing a fine piece of 21st century art to our beautiful building. 

All Saints’ new heating system is installed, and the Church is now beautifully warm for our Services in the cooler months! Come and see for yourself and enjoy being warm at All Saints'. 

 

All Saints’ regularly supports the MK Food Bank, the Tearfund, and Crisis at Christmas. 

 

All Saints’ has an enthusiastic small choir, who lead the singing at Sunday Services. Choir members enjoy joining the Royal School of Church Music for some of their ‘Come and Sing’ events. The Choir is supported by the Village Embertones at Weddings and special Services. For further details please contact Hilary Proud via the Rector. 

 

There is an active band of bell ringers, who ring All Saints’ 6 bells before Services, and also practice on a Tuesday night 7.45 – 9.00pm. New recruits are very welcome. Please see the Bell Ringers’ page on this website, or contact Sheila Watts 07703 279165 for more information. 

 

The Children’s Church meets in the Institute on the 2nd Sunday each month at 11.00am under the leadership of Maddi Forrester and Judith Taylor. See the photographs for some of their activities, and please contact Maddi Forrester, 01234 714903, for more details. 

 

The Homegroup meets on alternate Monday evenings to discuss various aspects of the Christian message. The group includes people from other parishes, and new members are always welcome. Please contact Judith Taylor on 01234 240690 to find out more. 

 

All Saints’ is supported by the Friends’ group (FOAS), who are a registered charity. They work with the Parochial Church Council to preserve and protect the fabric of the Church and Churchyard and to raise funds to assist with improvements to make the building suitable for use by the community for a wide variety of activities. Please see the FOAS page on this website. 

 

It is believed that the building was constructed between 1340-1410. It is in the ‘Decorated Gothic’ style. Work began on the Chancel, with its magnificent east window and progressed through to the building of the tower. During this period, England was at war with France and the Black Death killed thousands of the population resulting in a shortage of skilled masons. This led to wages and prices soaring, which explains why the decoration becomes plainer on the west side of the Church. 

Unusually we have a portrait in brass of Reverend John Morden, who was the priest when the Church was completed. His brass records that he gave two bells, one of which had the inscription ‘In Multis Annis Resonet Campana Joannis’ (John’s bell shall sound for many a year). 

An interesting ‘rumour’, for which there is some corroborative evidence is that the remains of Sir Everard Digby, hung, drawn and quartered for his part in the Gunpowder Plot, lies buried in the Chancel. 

By the mid 19th Century, the Church was in danger of falling down. Very extensive restoration work was undertaken by the Reverend Campbell Hulton - many of his relations and descendants gave generously to the scheme and are commemorated in the mural tablets and windows which are such a dominant feature of the Church interior. Restoration and improvements continue to this day, with the recent addition of cloakroom and kitchen, as we strive to bring the building into the 21st Century. 

 

 

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