From the Rectory
FROM THE RECTOR
Dear Friends,
Like many other church leaders I find myself reacting positively to the Prime Ministers idea of “Big Society.” The government is seeking to place a greater emphasis on the roll of voluntary groups in serving society and is very keen to “foster a new culture of voluntarism and philanthropy.”
This renewed focus on community; interdependency and shared responsibility is in stark contrast to the individualism promoted back in the 1980's. Hopefully, it will challenge the selfishness and self-interest that can be so prevalent in society.
But this idea that we should serve one another is nothing new. It lies at the heart of the Christian faith. Jesus commanded his followers not only to love God but to also their neighbour as themselves. A love of God finds its expression not only in the spiritual life of the faithful but also in acts of charity and service to others. Faith groups have long played an important part in the life of communities in our country and it is acknowledged that many of the people who volunteer and get involved in community life are members of faith groups.
The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Eric Pickles, recently said that central government had not sufficiently recognised the “ huge difference faith communities had been making day-in and day-out, to every single neighbourhood in the country.” He went on to say that, “Some see religion as a problem that needs to be solved. The new Government sees it as part of the solution,” he said. “I want to send an important signal that we value the role of religion and faith in public life. The days of the state trying to suppress Christianity and other faiths are over.”
Of course, there are those of no faith who are also involved in community life. Motivated by humanitarian reasons many have a genuine concern and desire to help others. They work together for the common good of the communities in which they live. Indeed, the number of people who volunteer and get involved to improve the quality of people's lives can often gauge the health and well being of a community.
We are fortunate to live in an area of the country where I believe so-called “Big Society” is already a reality and has been for a long time. It never ceases to amaze me how many people in this area give of their time, energy and talents in the service of others. Holt Caring Society, the Youth Project, Uniformed Organisations, Charity Shops, Town & Parish Councils, Community Halls, Sports Clubs, Choirs & Orchestra's, Lunch Clubs, Rotary, Probus, numerous Societies, WI, Church & Community groups, to name but a few!
Holt and the surrounding communities are incredibly well served by volunteers. Our corner of North Norfolk is a great place to live and those who volunteer improve our quality of life. No wonder so many people want to come and live here. By promoting “Big Society” I hope this government's initiative will encourage more people to volunteer and create a community spirit that is both vibrant and strong and a society in which everyone is valued and respected.
Every blessing,
Fr. Howard
Rector:
Father Howard Stoker SSC
The Rectory, Church Street, HOLT,
Norfolk NR25 6BB
Tel: 01263 712 048
Rest Day - Wednesdays
Rectors of the Church of
St Andrew the Apostle Holt
1306 Thomas de Schotisham
1338 William de Welyngham
1349 William de Rokham
1360 Richard atte Lane
1372 Richard de Trickingham
1375 William Goodwyn de Bergh
1383 William Woolward
1388 William de Sheringham
1422 William Walkelyn
1466 William Weston
1505 Richard Jekkell
1526 William Moore
1534 William Boleyn ( Uncle of Queen Anne Boleyn )
1543 Thomas Bury
1561 James Bilney
1583 George Leedes
1630 Hamond Claxton ( Ejected 1646 Restored 1660 )
John Bond ( Intruded 1647 - 1660 )
1663 Thomas Underwood
1688 Thomas Burlingham
1722 Henry Briggs D.D. ( Chaplain to King George II )
1743 William Smith ( Resigned )
1750 Joshua Smith
1804 Joshua Smith
1828 William Henry Parry
1837 Humphrey Jackson
1853 Edward Brumell
1902 Lewis Bostock Radford ( Afterwards Bishop of Goulburn N.S.W.)
1909 Herbert Alfred King ( Hon.Canon of Norwich, Proctor in Convocation )
1947 John Roy Southern
1962 Giles Butler Hunt
1968 Jeremy David Saville
1974 Stephen Simpson Gregory
1996 David Lawrence-March
1999 Howard Charles Stoker SSC
