Church News May 2026

Our service on Easter Sunday was taken by the bishop of Colchester. It was a very jolly affair and we were delighted to welcome a large congregation to enjoy the joie de vivre that bishop Roger always brings to his services.

Ever wondered why some Sundays have different names.  Here's an explanation for those in May - 

Rogation Sunday

Rogation Sunday, the fifth Sunday after Easter (or the Sixth Sunday of Easter), is an ancient Christian tradition centered on asking for God’s blessing on crops, agriculture, and the community. Historically, this day initiates "Rogationtide," featuring processions and "beating the bounds" to pray for a fruitful harvest.

The term "rogation" originates from the Latin word rogare, meaning "to ask," which signifies the church's plea for God's blessings and protection.

Traditionally, these days focused on agricultural productivity, seeking protection for emerging crops and young animals. It is a time for recognising dependency on God for daily bread

Dating back centuries, it was a time when parishioners would walk the boundaries of their parish (known as "beating the bounds") to bless the land, often accompanied by singing, prayers, and processions.

Weather permitting, part of the Rogation Service takes place out of doors, as close as possible to agricultural fields

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Celebration of Bell Ringing or Bell Sunday

We hugely enjoy the change ringing that our band of bell ringers carry out each Sunday and on other high days and holidays. There is no more joyous sound to remind us that it is time to go to church.

We have begun to have an annual service to give thanks for all that the ringers do and to remind us of a tradition that goes back hundreds of years. This year it will be on May 117th at 10am.

Whit Sunday or Pentecost

Whit Sunday is a major Christian festival celebrated seven weeks (50 days) after Easter Sunday to commemorate the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus' disciples. Often seen as the "birthday" of the Church, it signifies the beginning of the disciples' mission, marked by symbols like flames, wind, and the dove.

Traditionally we always used to call this festival ‘Whitsun’, probably because, historically, many people were baptised on this day, wearing white.

Trinity Sunday

Trinity Sunday is the first Sunday after Pentecost in the Western Christian liturgical calendar, and the Sunday of Pentecost in Eastern Christianity. Trinity Sunday celebrates the Christian doctrine of the Trinity, the three Persons of God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.