church letter

Dear Parishioners
February often feels like the in-between month. Christmas is a distant memory, spring still seems to be taking its time, and the weather can’t quite make up its mind—frosty mornings, grey afternoons, and the occasional burst of sunshine just to keep us hopeful.

Yet February has plenty to offer in the life of the Church. At the beginning of the month, we celebrate Candlemas, when we remember, Jesus being brought to the Temple and recognised as the light of the world. Not a powerful leader arriving with great fanfare, but a tiny baby, carried in his parents’ arms. It’s a gentle reminder that God so often works quietly and unexpectedly.

That feels especially relevant just now. Turn on the news and we see world leaders speaking loudly, arguing strongly, and competing for power and influence.  Jesus offers such a different picture of leadership—one shaped by service, kindness, and truth. In a noisy and sometimes anxious world, his way still speaks deeply to hearts.

There are some really encouraging signs too. Many people are noticing a growing spiritual curiosity among young people. In a world that can feel uncertain and overwhelming, younger generations are asking big questions about meaning, hope, and what really matters. That’s something to be grateful for—and something the Church is called to respond to with warmth, honesty, and openness.

One way we’re doing that is through Alpha. Alpha is a friendly space where no question is off limits, and no one is expected to have the answers. It’s about conversation, community, and exploring faith together. Please keep Alpha in your prayers, invite friends or family who might be interested, and don’t rule it out for yourself for the future—you might be surprised.

As February moves on, we also begin to look towards Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent. Lent isn’t meant to be gloomy. It’s really about slowing down, making space, and having a chance to begin again. The ashes remind us that we’re human, imperfect, and deeply loved—and that God is always ready to meet us where we are.

Outside, the days are stretching out just a little. The weather may still be wintry, but signs of new life are starting to appear. And the same is true in our faith and our church life: God is quietly at work, drawing people closer, planting seeds of hope, and inviting us all to walk a little more closely with Jesus.

With every blessing,  Revd Annett

PRAYERS FOR TODAY
1    Shine on us, O Son of God, with grace unfailing, granting us the gift of wisdom, the power of faith and the endurance of hope. Amen.
Ethiopian Orthodox

2    "I thank Thee, Lord, today
For Thy unfailing presence Along life's rugged way.
Guide me, O blest Redeemer,
Teach me to do Thy will,
And Thine own perfect purpose In me each day fulfill."
Avis Christiansen

3   "God grant you the light of Christmas, which is faith;
the warmth of Christmas, which is purity;
the righteousness of Christmas, which is justice;
the belief in Christmas, which is truth;
the all of Christmas, which is Christ."
Wilda English

4    The Lord’s Prayer – Gnostic Order of Christ Version:
O Giver of All Life, Who Is in Heaven and in Earth,
In Whom We Live, Move, And Have Our Being,
Holy Is Thy Name,
Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done in Earth, as it Is in Heaven.
Give Us this Day Our Daily Bread, And Forgive Us Our Trespasses
As We Forgive Those Who Trespass Against Us.
Keep Us from Temptation, Keep Us Ever Mindful of Thee.
For Thine Is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory,
Forever and Ever. Amen.

Church Contacts

Benefice Administrator: Tamara Laing, part-time at the Benefice Office Email: wbboffice@gmail.com 07359 327072.

Churchwardens:
Inkpen: Charlotte Bampfylde (tel. 669285), email: inkpenchurch@outlook.com.
Combe: Tina Fiertz (tel. 668529), Katherine Astor (katherine@kirby-house.co.uk).

Inkpen graveyards on-line

For anyone wishing to view the details of Inkpen's graveyards, including burial details, grave stone inscriptions and the location of the graves, please click here.  Inkpen Burial, Marriage, Baptism and Birth records covering the period 1607 to 1837 can be found on the Inkpen history website, here.

NEWS FROM ST. MICHAEL'S

New Year message from Annette: As we step into a new year, I find myself looking back with deep gratitude for all that God has done among us over the past twelve months. Our church family has shared moments of great joy and moments of sorrow, all held within the love of Christ and the care we offer one another.

We have rejoiced in the baptisms of children and adults alike—precious signs of new beginnings and God’s grace at work. We’ve celebrated weddings, standing with couples at the start of their life together. And we have also known the sadness of farewells, entrusting much-loved friends and family into God’s eternal keeping.

We miss those who have moved away, and we give thanks for the new faces who have made their home in our village and in our congregations where it has been a year of encouraging growth. Our ministry team has also grown, with new gifts, fresh ideas, and a shared commitment to serving our communities.

Looking forward to 2026

February sees the start of Lent with Pancake Day on 17th and Ash Wednesday on 18th. Lent is often a time for giving up but we will again be focusing on our Lent Giving campaign which secures the vital funds we need for the day to day running of the Church.

Our Family Services are becoming more popular so put these dates in your diary for the next few months:

Mothering Sunday 15th March – making posies for Mums.
Palm Sunday 29th March – outdoor service at the Church with donkeys!
Easter Sunday 5th April – lots of eggs!
Rogation 10th May – another outdoor service usually at a farm.
Pentecost 24th May – flying kites on Combe Gibbet.
Pet Service 28th June – bring your pets for a blessing.

Holy Communion at Home
We are now offering parishioners Holy Communion at Home. This might appeal to those who are unable to come to Church. Contact Annette 07708 823285, email: revannettes@aol.co.uk

DONATIONS URGENTLY REQUIRED TO COVER BULLETIN COSTS
Each year it costs c. £1,200 to print the Bulletin and even with Elon Musk’s chainsaw methods, it’s hard to cut them further. The Parish Council contributes £400, the Church £250 thus, c. £550 per annum is required. I won’t labour the fact it would make our job (and the distributors) infinitely more efficient if residents could consume the bulletin via email, this website or Facebook as it would cost, give or take, a tarriff busting £0. We will continue to print assuming funds roll in from this appeal.

Please either send monies to
1. St Michael’s Church, Inkpen – Sort code - 60-11-28 Account number – 73133078. Please put ‘Bulletin’ as reference.
2. Or write a cheque made out to St Michael’s Church, Inkpen and drop into the Crown and Garter or the Bakery.

church services FOR INKPEN, COMBE and West Woodhay

Other Services in the Benefice are on the Website which is www.walburybeaconbenefice.org.uk

INKPEN
Sunday 1st February – Compline at 4pm
Sunday 8th February – Holy Communion at 8.30
Sunday 15th February – Holy Communion at 9.45am
Sunday 1st March – Compline at 4pm
Sunday 8th March – Holy Communion at 8.30am
Sunday 15th March – Mothering Sunday Family Service at 9.45am
Sunday 29th March – Palm Sunday Family Service at 9.45am

WEST WOODHAY
Sunday 8th February – Holy Communion at 11.15am
Sunday 22nd February – Holy Communion at 11.15am

MASONS FARM
Sunday 1st February – Youth Alpha Team at 5pm
Sunday 8th February - Youth Alpha Team TBC
Sunday 1st March - Youth Alpha Team at 5pm catholic services

CHURCH SERVICES AT THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN HUNGERFORD
Our Lady of Lourdes, Priory Road, Hungerford RG17 0AF Parish Priest - Fr Zbigniew Budyn 01635 40332
Sunday Mass - every Sunday at 9.00am
Weekday Mass - every Wednesday at 10.00am

BAPTISM ANNOUNCEMENT
Olive Elizabeth Ball, daughter of Alexander and Laura Ball, baptised 16 November 2025 at St Michael’s Church, Inkpen. Granddaughter to Wayne and Linda Ball and Tim and Jo Kempster of Inkpen.

OBITUARIES

A victorian view - now and then

The images of St. Michael's past and present are shown here