Welcome to All Saints Church, Witley

Revd. Amy Webb writes...

An Authentic Advent

On the last Sunday of October the clocks go back and the dusk begins to arrive even earlier each evening. Bonfire night gives us a brief explosion of warmth and colour as we gather round the fire to 'oo' and 'ahh' at the illuminated sky. But as the embers fade, the night, again, wraps itself around us. Living as we do, in the northern hemisphere, this is the darkest time of the year. However, it's not long before we begin to see bright lights and decorations starting to appear as the preparations for Christmas commence.

The church season of Advent begins this year on Sunday 30th November. Use of the word Advent first appeared in the English language in the 10th century, it meant 'coming', referring to Jesus coming into the world. The original point of this 'countdown to Christmas' was that it should be a time of serious self-reflection and 'making right' in preparation for the celebration of Christ's birth. These days, however, Advent is more often marked by chocolate filled advent calendars, present shopping, tree decorating and parties. We have placed more of an emphasis on fun and excitement as we anticipate the Christmas Day celebration. In fact, so much so, that by the time we get to the 'big day' we're often ready for a rest, and by Boxing Day many are ready to be done with Christmas all together! This means that some of our church traditions and the way in which the wider society seeks to prepare for and celebrate Christmas, can sometimes feel at odds with each other.

So how then should we navigate Advent? Is there a right way?

To only focus on the celebration without the reflection could make this season shallow, but to only dwell on our sinful ways and our need to repent, without the joy of the season, misses the point of the celebration all together. I suspect we need an element of both approaches.

At this time of year when we are experiencing the least amount of daylight, we are also seeing an increasing amount of darkness in the world about us. War, famine, and natural disasters crowd our news reports. Closer to home, stories of abuse, disunity on our streets and the rising cost of living can leave us anxious and uncertain as to how the situation might be improved. Therefore, it is right that we reflect upon how our words and actions contribute positively or negatively to these concerns - and Advent gives us that opportunity.

However, what we need most of all at this time is light in this darkness, and again, Advent gives us space to prepare for and acknowledge 'Jesus the light of the world' coming to be with us. So, alongside our self-reflection, we can chose to celebrate during Advent because that light is already in the world, even though we struggle to recognise it sometimes.

My prayer for us all this season is that, however we chose to acknowledge it, we are able to live out an authentic Advent, so that we can sincerely echo these words from the gospel of Matthew:

"the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned." Matthew 4:16 Amen
Amy.

Safeguarding
Here at All Saints Witley, we take the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults very seriously. We have adopted the national Church of England's robust procedures and guidelines. Details about the national policies and procedures can be found HERE.

Our Safeguarding Officer is Phil Lewis. If you have any safeguarding concerns, Phil can be contacted by email at: safeguarding@allsaintswitley.org.uk. Alternatively, you are welcome to contact the Guildford Diocesan Safeguarding team at safeguarding@cofeguildford.org.uk or on 01483 790379.

If you have reason to think that a child or vulnerable adult is in immediate danger, you should contact the police straight away.

Please click HERE to view our DATA PRIVACY NOTICE.

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VISITING THE CHURCH

All Saints Church has a huge wooden door, which, while being very old and attractive in its own way can be a physical barrier to those who have never entered All Saints before - don't let it be like that. Turn the handle, push the door and come in, all are welcome. Inside you will find a building that is filled with the prayers of 1000 years, a wall painting that is 900 years old, a 700-year-old Lady Chapel with medieval stained glass, signs of the conflict in the 16th and 17th century with an unfinished memorial tablet in the sanctuary and several other family memorials. The 18th century put in a gallery which was removed by the Victorians who added so much more, including a whole aisle on the North Side. The Victorians with three generations of Chandler Vicars built the organ, the bell tower and the vestry. They refurbished the chancel ceiling, floor and altar and put up memorials to the eminent people of the day as they passed on. The beginning of the 20th century completed the collection of stained glass windows and introduced the pews we have now, instead of the previous box pews. All Saints is full of history reflecting the needs of the generations who have worshipped here before us. There have been many changes in the past few years which help us now to use the church on a daily basis for many different groups. There is a children's trail available with many interesting things to find out and see.

Please do come inside and explore and have time for yourself, the church is open from 9.30am to 4.00pm. Or come and meet with others to worship or chat everyone is welcome.

If anyone would like to speak to Amy or Ann, please ring or email and we will endeavour to meet you as soon as we can.

The All Saints Parish Office, is in the grounds of Witley Infant School, opposite the Church.

Wishing you every blessing

               
               Revd Amy Webb and Revd Ann Fraser

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The parish of Witley is made up of the villages of Witley, Brook, Wormley and Sandhills. The Parish Church of All Saints dates from about 1040 and is situated just off the main Petworth Road (A283) in Church Lane, opposite the White Hart public house. Witley CofE Infant School is opposite the church and has close links with it.

Apart from a regular pattern of worship on Sundays and Holy Days, the church serves the whole parish and after recent refurbishment is available every day for a variety of uses. The door is open in daylight hours for anyone who may wish to spend a quiet few moments or longer in the peace and quiet of this ancient building.

The mission of the church in Witley is to bring the love of God to all who live and work there. The church is open to all people, and here to serve the entire parish. Everyone is welcome at all services and other events and anyone is welcome to use the space in church for their own charitable or social events where appropriate. Click here for more information on using the church for your event.

If you are new to the area you are very welcome! There are a wide range of activities going on around the church that may interest you.

A team of Pastoral Assistants visit the housebound, take Communion to those who can't get to church for whatever reason, and generally help the clergy keep an eye on pastoral needs.

Amy or Ann would be pleased to talk with and welcome you. Enjoy the website!

Please feel free to click on the links above or on the right to find out more about us.

Be sure to visit our Parish News section which is updated weekly.

Our site offers documents in Adobe Acrobat format. If necessary, please click here to download the latest version.