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Mary Ives writes August 2025
How quickly does the year past; it seems like only yesterday we were celebrating Christmas, but we’re now more than half way on to the next one! School’s out for the summer, and many people are on holiday, either at home or in more far-flung places. Routines in many families are all upside down as it can be seen as a transition time. For children, many will be moving on to new classes, new teachers or even new schools – so as the month continues there will be the usual scramble to get the uniform sorted and any other resources necessary purchased ready for a new start in September
However, it is also a time for rest and relaxation and enjoying the world around us. We are so fortunate in living in such a lovely area. We don’t need to travel far to find exceptionally beautiful beaches, lovely waterways and brilliant countryside to explore. Do you, like me, like to take photos of the places you visit? It brings back wonderful memories of the times we have spent with family and friends. Trawling through some pictures the other day I was reminded of the glory of creation. The heavens declare the glory of God; In the Bible it says at the beginning of Psalm 19 ‘The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands’ Have you ever at a sunrise or a sunset and not been in awe of the wonderful colours, or cloud formations. Just recently we visited West Norfolk, close to Hunstanton, and were privileged to see a wonderful sunset over the sea. As I sat soaking in the joy of that sunset I thought – how many sunsets have there been? – and no two of them are exactly alike! We could visit the same spot every day of our lives at sunrise or sunset, and never see the sky exactly the same! Nothing man-made there – just a declaration of God’s glory through creation
In our diocese of Norfolk there are countless beautiful churches which we love to visit – each one built as a place of worship where people can go to pray, to reflect, to worship or to meet with other like-minded people. Each and every one is built to the same fundamental shape, but each so very different. During the first week of August the diocese asks that many of these churches are opened for people to visit – you don’t have to be religious to do so. Just to take the opportunity to have a look and find out more about their place in the community. There are two beautiful churches in our benefice – Belton and Burgh Castle – each church different, but both having a wonderful history. Between the 3rd and 10th of August Burgh Castle will open its doors between 10:00 and 4:00 and welcome people to come in and look at the church. If you’ve never been in, now is very definitely the time, you’d be very welcome. The village hall will also be open for light refreshments
If you would like to visit the church at worship – the times of the services are usually at 9.30, except for 10th August when the service will be at 16:00 which will be a Songs of Praise service. Come and join in singing your favourite hymns as we celebrate the end of Open Churches week
In Belton, the church won’t be open during the day. However, there are services taking place on Sundays at 10.30. During August the services are slightly changed as instead of our café church taking place on the first Sunday, it will be on 17th August. If you would like to come to a really informal service that is one you might enjoy. But we would love to see you at any of the others.
Mary Ives, Licensed Lay Minister, Belton and Burgh Castle Churches
courtesy of Village Voice
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