Letter from the Rectory

X A Letter from Susan Wales October 2026

Nicki Edwards, the Milborne Benefice Liaison Officer, explained last month that we have entered a “period of vacancy” following Rev. Rona’s departure. Whilst we search for a new priest for St John’s and the other churches in the benefice, life will continue much as before.

X A Letter from Nicki Edwards September 2026

It was very difficult to say ‘goodbye’ to our Rev Rona last month.  In her relatively short time with us she achieved so much and has had a lasting influence on our community. Thanks to Rona we have our ‘Little Jays’ toddler group, that meets each Friday morning in Church House, and our Julian Group that meets for a quiet time of fellowship and prayer on a Tuesday afternoon in the church. Rona’s ministry also reinforced for us all that at the heart of the Christian message is love and care for our neighbours.  We will miss her hugely.

X A Letter from Rev Rona August 2026

One of the kindest things anyone has said to me since I announced I was leaving came from someone who has spent her whole life in one of our villages.

She simply said, "I'm so sorry you're going, because you've really become one of us."

I don't think she will ever know how much those words meant to me.

X A Letter from Rev Rona July 2026

One of the joys of living and working in our beautiful corner of the country is watching the seasons unfold around us. By July, the hedgerows are full, the fields have changed colour, and gardens are beginning to reward the patient labour of spring. But it’s also worth remembering St Paul's words to the church in Corinth: "I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth." (1 Corinthians 3:6).

X A Letter from Rev Rona June 2026

As June arrives, the world around us seems to burst into life almost overnight. The hedgerows are full, gardens are blooming, birdsong begins before many of us are awake, and the long evenings invite us outdoors once again. It is one of the loveliest months of the year, with nature making its presence felt all around us in the most wonderful ways.

X A Letter from Rev Rona May 2026

I’m a new convert to Parkrun and was delighted to complete my first one last month. I’m so grateful for the local support I’ve received, especially from the Fitness Group who meet at the Village Hall each Monday - their encouragement has meant a great deal.  Nothing quite prepared me, though, for the camaraderie of the run itself. The sense of community among runners and marshals carried me all the way round, helping me finish faster than I expected.

X A Letter from Rev Rona April 2026

April is a month of deep contrast and great hope. We walk through Holy Week, from the quiet intimacy of the Last Supper, through the sorrow of the cross, and into the joy of Easter morning. It is a story of love that is given freely, and life that is shared for the sake of others.

X A Letter from Rev Rona March 2026

Easter comes early this year, on 5 April, and so we find ourselves moving swiftly from the season of Epiphany into Lent, and onwards towards Holy Week. 

X A Letter from Rev Rona February 2026

Confirmation Classes

Have you ever wondered what it really means to follow Christ today? Are there questions about faith you’ve never quite had the chance to ask? Perhaps you were baptised as a child but never had the opportunity to affirm those promises for yourself.

X A Letter from Rev Rona January 2026

 Welcome to 2026! As we step into a new year, I pray that God’s grace, peace, and joy will surround you and those you love.

This year has been set aside across our diocese as a Year of Prayer—a wonderful opportunity to deepen our life with God. 

X A Letter from Rev Rona December 2025

Stories That Shape Us

I wonder – are there any stories which stay with you? Maybe you were told a story as a child which you still treasure (mine is the Magic Faraway Tree!) or a film, or news story which hasn’t left you?

Recently, I had the pleasure of hearing Elif Shafak speak at St Martin-in-the-Fields. She reminded us that hearing/reading stories offers a space for wisdom and personal growth. 

X A Letter from Rev Rona November 2025

Re-Membering

As the year turns towards November, I’ve been thinking about what it means to be a member of something. We all have groups, teams, and communities we belong to — family, friends, clubs, or causes that give us a sense of connection and purpose. Membership matters. It reminds us that life is not meant to be lived alone.

X A Letter from Rev Rona October 2025

What do the Lifeboats and the Air Ambulance have in common? They save lives every day, and yet they rely almost entirely on donations. 

In many ways, your local parish church is the same, if not ‘saving’ lives then certainly accompanying and enriching them.

X A Letter from Rev Rona September 2025

In 1974, in a field near Kettering, Northamptonshire, Greenbelt Festival was born. Every August Bank Holiday since, it has offered three days of faith, arts, justice, inclusion, environmental and creative events.

X A Letter from Rev Rona August 2025

Speaking Out, Speaking Truth

Summer stirs a sense of openness—long evenings, gentle conversations, space to breathe. It’s in that spirit that I’ve been reflecting on the simple yet radical act of speaking the truth. It isn’t always easy. Saying what’s honest can be uncomfortable, even costly. But I’m constantly moved by how many people in our community carry a fierce sense of justice.