On Palm Sunday we recall Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem riding a donkey, and this year we will be doing this as a Team, with a Procession of Palms starting in the Burley Road Car Park, and crossing Cutts Close to All Saints Oakham. Please therefore, if you can, assemble at the car park for a 10:30am start, ready to follow Jesus…

Donations for Easter Lilies are invited, and should be put in an envelope marked ‘Easter Lilies’ and given to any member of the flower guild, the verger or the churchwardens. Lilies cost approx £2.00 each. Further information from Jackie Vecqueray.

Julie & Phillip’s new address is: High Framland Rectory, 5 Croxton Lane, Harston, Grantham, NG32 1PP. Tel: 01476 870083. Julie’s licensing at Croxton Kerrial will be on Tuesday 6 March at 7:30pm,

The Midland leg of the Student Cross Pilgrimage, an annual event will be walking from Leicester to Walsingham during Holy Week stopping at various churches along the way. On Saturday 24 March they will be walking through Braunston and will stop for Vespers in All Saints at 4:00pm. Anyone wishing to join them will be more than welcome. See www.studentcross.org.uk for more…

Please be aware that the meeting planned for tomorrow (Thursday 1 March) to discuss provision for homeless people has been cancelled due to the bad weather.

Dear All, we are just overwhelmed by all the effort that went into last week’s service and the very generous gifts to all of us. Things are very unsettled in our new home so we will write more fully later in Lent. But in the meantime – THANK YOU and we wanted you to have our new address which is: Bishop’s House,…

There will be a stall each week at the Christian Aid Lent Lunches – if any one would like to order from the wide selection of fairly traded Easter eggs I will be taking orders both there and at the regular Sunday stall here at All Saints. Please do speak to me if you would like more information on the Easter Eggs…

I would just like to thank everyone for their contribution last Sunday. After five years of Lee banging on about community, I felt on Sunday, I really get it. Life is difficult in so many ways, give me ten people and they will tell me in ten different ways how challenging life can be, but when we all put our challenges aside…

People in Oakham churches worry about how best to care for homeless people in Oakham, especially over this harsh winter. While Rutland County Council’s social services provide a range of services to care for and support people in difficulties, often in ways we are not aware of. A small group from the churches have been exploring how we can partner with RCC:…

The Lent groups start this week, and you will know by now which group you are in. However, if you are not able to take part in a group, there is still an opportunity to join in the discussion online through a special forum which has been set up on the Churches Together website. Even if you are in a group, you…

Kairos will be repeating last year’s very successful mission to Stocken Prison from 12-16 March 2018, and will be seeking help to bake biscuits, create a prayer chain, and to join the visiting team during the week itself. Cathy Dyson will be preaching at Oakham about the mission on Sunday 25 February. Kairos is a Christian Mission which goes into prisons to…

On the Feast of Candlemas we said goodbye to Team Vicar, Revd Canon Julie Hutchinson, and her husband, Reader, Phillip, as she moves to a new house-for-duty post in the Leicester Diocese. A supper of baked potatoes and delicious fillings was followed by a reflective service led by Ann Blackett, including music from Taize and Iona.

You may have seen the signs, but please be aware that parts of Church Street will be closed for resurfacing works during the weeks beginning 12th and 19th February (Monday to Friday only). During the first week (12-16 February) the northern part will be closed, from a point halfway between the entrance and exit to the car park and Station Road (as…

If so, could you offer a lift to someone who can’t get here otherwise? We have a handful of regular worshippers who are becoming unable to walk or drive themselves, and would much appreciate offers of help. Few of us could offer a lift every single week, but don’t let that hold you back – all help will be gratefully received. Please…

At the 10:30 Family Service at Oakham next Sunday, 11th February, we will be preparing for Ash Wednesday. Traditionally, we use ash from burning last year’s palm crosses. If you have kept a palm cross from last Easter, please would you bring it to church?

We are privileged that dozens of people bring their children to All Saints Oakham every year for baptism. We keep in touch with these families after the baptism, and we need some more volunteers for this work. Could you join this team? The role is not onerous: you would be asked to take on perhaps half-a-dozen children – to send a card…

The Foodbank is currently short of the following items – sponge puddings, packets of smash, long life fruit juice, long life milk, deodorant, shower gel/soap, shaving foam/gel, washing-up liquid, washing powder/gel, large size nappies & toilet rolls. We have plenty of cereals and porridge, baked beans, tea, sanitary items, pasta and pasta sauces, fizzy drinks & cordials and most tinned goods at…

It has been announced that the new Rural Dean of Rutland, to succeed Lee, will be Revd Jane Baxter, Vicar of Lyddington.

If you can help with knitting chicks for Easter please can you contact Margaret Tyler (01572 724799 or margaret.tyler@oakhamteam.org.uk). Pattern available.

We are organising a collection Julie and Phillip Hutchinson as they leave us in a couple of weeks’ time. They have been involved with All Saints Oakham and the Oakham Team for some 40 years and this is the end of an era for them. All monies should go to Debbie Sowter or Hilary Knight, churchwardens at Langham, or can also be…

St John & St Anne is an Almshouse Charity providing quality homes for retired people in receipt of a state pension. If you can live independently, and are looking to downsize but cannot afford to buy property locally, please call for further information – 01572 756950 or visit our website www.stjohnstanne.co.uk.

In addition to the regular Wednesday concerts, there will be a short series of four Friday concerts this winter, in which John Dobson will play Edward Macdowell’s four piano sonatas, which symmetrically surround the set of Woodland Sketches that give Edward Macdowell the Fur Elise moment – the ever popular and beautifully simple To a Wild Rose. Each of the sonatas will…

The Friends of All Saints Church is a social group, which conducts events and outings throughout the year for all members of the church community and also helps to raise money for a chosen charity each year. The committee are still looking for someone, who could act as Treasurer, to join their small and friendly group. This would not be an onerous…

The Foodbank is currently short of the following items – sponge puddings, packets of smash, long life fruit juice, long life milk, deodorant, shower gel/soap, shampoo, razors & shaving foam, toothbrushes & toothpaste, washing-up liquid, washing powder/gel, nappies & toilet rolls. We have plenty of cereals and porridge, baked beans, tea, sanitary items, pasta and pasta sauces, fizzy drinks and cordials at…

We never cease to be amazed at the generously of people in this area in helping those who, for whatever reason, have need of the Foodbank in Rutland. A special mention to those who did reverse advent calendars and those who sponsored a hamper. Many, many thanks to you all – it means so much to people less fortunate. Rutland Foodbank.

An amazing amount of £1066 is the total for sales from last year’s Christmas catalogue, thank you SO much to everyone who made a purchase, it really does make a difference.

The stall will be in Oakham Church after the 10:30 service on the following dates – 7th January, 21st January, 4th February, 11th February. Thank you for your continued support. Denise (722729).

The Heritage Lottery funded Bats in Churches Project has confirmed that it will provide funding in 2018 to implement temporary blocking of the bats’ access routes from the south aisle ceiling space into the church and the subsequent surveys in 2018 to confirm there is no impact on the bats. The 2017 surveys concluded that the bats did not need to go…

The team that provide coffee and tea after the 10:30 service at Oakham could do with a few more members – if you feel that you could help, please contact Jill Welsh (01572 722123 or jill.welsh@oakhamteam.org.uk)

After two workshops, we are pleased to report we have group of volunteer visitors. We plan to continue to meet monthly to learn from each other, pray and support each other. The next meeting will be 7:00pm on Tuesday 9th January in the Church Hall. If you have any questions, please ask Susan Osborne (07926 833684), Sian Cheverton (01572 755286) or Madeleine…

The Foodbank is currently short of the following items – sponge puddings, packets of smash, tinned tomatoes, tinned potatoes, tinned meat, tinned carrots and peas, jam, long life fruit juice, long life milk, deodorant, shower gel/soap, shampoo, razors & shaving foam, toothbrushes & toothpaste, washing-up liquid, washing powder/gel, nappies & toilet rolls. We have plenty of cereals and porridge, baked beans, tea,…

The Carol Service at Hambleton this afternoon has been cancelled due to the weather, and the difficulty in getting into the village.

Thank you to everyone who has so far placed orders from the catalogue as well as buying at the various stalls. Sales are looking healthy and I will advise a total figure in the New Year. The last date for the stall before Christmas will be after 10:30 service at Oakham on 17th December. Denise.

Kairos will be repeating last year’s very successful mission to Stocken Prison from 12-16 March 2018, and will be seeking help to bake biscuits, create a prayer chain, and to join the visiting team during the week itself. Cathy Dyson will be preaching at Oakham about the mission on Sunday 25 February. Watch this space for more information…

Thank you very much to the Co-op for donating our splendid Christmas Tree.

The Foodbank have been thinking about how they might provide for homeless people, and this is a list that Heather has compiled from suggestions and looking at websites. The main concern is how much they can carry and keep dry. Socks, gloves, scarves, hats, t-shirts (as vests), boxer shorts; Kendal mint cake, energy bars, chocolate, chewing gum (mouth refresher), food vouchers e.g.…

On Thursday 21 December we join with the town for our Carol Service and offer mince pies and a bevvy afterwards. Can you help? If so, please bring your offerings before the 7:30pm service (or earlier if you are unable to come to it). We never know how many to do, but it always seems to work out well. Thank you in…

Following many years of service as PCC Secretary, Derek Ufton will be retiring at the end of year. We are therefore seeking a new person to take up the post, which is not an onerous one – if you feel you might be the person, please have a word with the clergy, churchwardens or with Derek. We are also seeking someone to…

We had a good gathering at the meeting last Saturday to start the process of focussing on our hopes for the future and our vision of where we feel the church should be heading under the leadership of a new Team Rector. Under the astute and encouraging leadership of Revd David Newman, Warden of Launde Abbey, we looked at our strengths, weaknesses,…

We are pleased to inform you that the Autumn Sale this year raised £2,315.22. Thank you to all who helped in any way whatsoever. It was a most enjoyable event which brought in the local community and put All Saints at the heart of a lovely Saturday in town. Elaine and Graham Peel. Thank you also to Elaine & Graham for organising…

Rutland Foodbank are looking for a Trustees meeting Secretary. This is someone who can come six times a year, presently on Wednesdays, to take Minutes and write them up promptly. The person should have some experience of this, see confidentiality as paramount, would not have to be part of decision taking, and see our work as very important! Please contact Helen Baggott…

Thank you to those who have volunteered to help with the delivery of the Welcome and Christmas Leaflets. Patrick Wilson will be giving out the leaflets and street lists to you after the 10:30am service today.

We are pleased to be able to tell you that the toilet in the Mayhew Room in Oakham Church has now been replaced. Apologies for the inconvenience of it not being available over the last couple of weeks.

Congratulations to Joyce Halliday, who on Wednesday last week at the Rutland Care Village communion service was presented with a certificate to commemorate 60 years membership of the Mothers’ Union by the Peterborough President, Barbara Haynes. pictured here with them is her son David, and some of our Oakham branch members.

The practise for the Nativity Tableau is on Saturday 16 December 2017 at 2:00pm in the Church. All children wanting to take part should be there. Megan Davis is in charge. Please let her know if you are coming though it is alright to turn up on that day. The Tableau will be performed during the 10:30am service on 17 December.

Oakham All Saints Scout Group is back running the local Oakham only Christmas Post scheme this year. For a small donation for each card (20-30p is our suggested donation but we are flexible and appreciate all the donations we receive) we will hand deliver your cards to addresses in Oakham. We will be in church morning services to collect cards on the…

We are sorry to report that Brain Nicholls sadly passed away on Saturday 25 November following a time of illness. Brian was well known to many of us as he was a regular celebrant at many of our Team Churches, and he will be sadly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Liz and rest of his family at this time. Brian’s…

Oakham Late Night Shopping will be on Monday 11th December, and All Saints will be open as an oasis of calm amid the bustle of the rest of the town. If you are able to help serving mulled wine and mince pies, or can just be in church to meet people, please speak to Araminta Mathias. Meanwhile, at the Buttercross, Oakham Baptist…

Today, Advent Sunday, the travelling nativities start their journey from Oakham and Langham, and last night from Whissendine, going from house to house. If they are to visit you, you will know, but this year everyone can join in by following their journeys on the special blog page on the website. If you are hosting the Holy Family, you will find an…

At the meeting on 20 November Gordon reported the results of the stewardship campaign (see separate post) – there would be a letter of thanks from Lee to all givers; alms box – we now have agreement for a new one, which will be installed as soon as possible; church toilet – this would be completely refurbished soon, thanks to funding from…

We want to say thank you to God, and to all parishioners involved, for the response to the recent stewardship campaign. The highlights are: 75% of those who responded have increased their giving. The total annual giving by gift aid, (which is an important figure to track, as it represents our regular committed income), should increase from what we expect to be…

St Peter’s Brooke has recently had about 20ft of lead guttering stolen, so please be aware and vigilant with regard to lead theft – it’s obviously still happening.

The annual meeting to determine how this year’s Mission Giving from All Saints Oakham will be allocated takes place on Wednesday 13 December, and you are invited to let us know if you have a charity that you would like to be considered. Please speak to Lee, the churchwardens or Peter Hill, or directly to Michael Wilson (01572 720853 or michael.wilson@oakhamteam.org.uk) or…

Oakham Late Night Shopping will be on Monday 11th December, and the church will be open as an oasis of calm amid the bustle of the rest of the town. If you are able to help serving mulled wine and mince pies, or can just be in church to meet people, please speak to Araminta Mathias.

Ecclesiastical, who insure the church, are celebrating their 130th anniversary by offering a donation of £130 to the church for every new home insurance policy taken out before December 2018. If you think it would be worth getting a quote for your own house insurance, please see the website for more details.

Revd Canon Julie Hutchinson. We are pleased to announce that Julie has been appointed to a house-for-duty post at Harston in the High Framland Benefice, a rural benefice between Grantham and Melton Mowbray. She and Phillip will be moving at the end of January – details will be advised soon. Revd Canon Lee Francis-Dehqani. Lee, Guli and family will be moving to…

The Oakham churchwardens are organising leaving presents for Lee and Guli, and if you would like to make a contribution you can do so directly to them, or via the village churchwardens.

Foodbank At the recent meeting, we were advised that the Rutland Foodbank needs more volunteers and contributions of both food and cash as the numbers of recipients increase following the changes to benefits. Welcome Leaflet The leaflets to welcome newcomers to Oakham with information about the churches, together with the Christmas Services leaflets and a small gift to hang on a Christmas…

Many thanks to all who in any way supported yesterday’s sale. A great deal of help was readily given and was much appreciated. We shall be able to give details of the total amount raised after Saturday’s market stall sale. Elaine and Graham Peel

An invitation to reflect on Advent themes through art, poetry and music as well as Scripture, using the popular Mapping Advent material. There will be both an afternoon and an evening group, meeting on alternate Tuesday and Wednesdays from Tuesday 28 November to Wednesday 20 December. More details.  

Just a short note to thank all those people who help set up chairs, moved pews and helped before, during and after the service. The Church was full with in excess of 600 people attending. The arrangements would not have gone so well without your help. Kind regards, Peter Kinal

Christingle at Oakham this year is on Sunday 10 December at 4:00pm, it is a wonderful occasion and I hope you will all come and bring neighbours and friends to join us at this celebration. We make the Christingles the day before, on 9 December at 2:00pm, in the Mayhew Room in the Church. It really is fun and the more people…

On 6 January 2018, we are going to the RATS (Rutland Arts Theatre Company). They are putting on Snow White, at Brooke Priory School Theatre, in Station Road, Oakham, starting at 2:30pm. Tickets are £8 for adults and £5 for children, the Church will pay £5 towards Sunday School, ASH or ASK pupils. Afterwards we shall have fish and chips together. Please…

As you know, Lee and his family will be leaving us early in 2018, and we should be thinking about the next stage in the life of All Saints. On Saturday 25 November from 2:00-4:30pm, there will be a gathering in the Church Hall to look at our hopes and vision for the next few years. This will feed into the Parish…

I am starting to compile the lists for the Nativity – if you would like to give shelter to the Holy Family for one night during Advent please do get in touch. Equally if the idea is new to you and you would like more information about our wonderful Mothers Union annual project please do speak to me or any member of…

I have a good choice of Advent Calendars available to order, and there are ones for grown-ups as well as children and even one without chocolate in! Please do get in touch if you would like to order one. Denise (01572 722729, 07981 639649 or fairtrade@oakhamteam.org.uk)

The Oakham churchwardens met with the Archdeacon of Northampton last week, since Archdeacon Gordon is on sabbatical, to discuss how we should proceed with the Parish profile. The meeting was very useful and he gave us some helpful advice. The profile is now in progress with a hope to be ready to advertise when it becomes possible. As part of the profile…

This harvest must be a record breaker for the Foodbank. We had 1.77 tons of food donated from 26 different churches, schools and nurseries which will help our clients for a good two months. Amazing, so a huge thanks to all concerned.

St Nicholas Day – Welcome Morning and Holy Communion – 10:00am 5th December Every Wednesday at 10:00am there is a celebration of Holy Communion in the chapel of the St John and St Anne’s almshouse charity, in St Anne’s Close, Oakham. This offers a warm, simple celebration of the Eucharist: short, with no hymns or sermon, and the chapel has toilet facilities.…

This is a series in Christian discipleship produced by the Church of England, commended in The Times as a skillful blend of ancient and modern. There will be an introductory presentation in the church hall on the evening of Tuesday 21st November at 7:30pm, which will then be repeated on Wednesday morning, 22nd November at 10:00am, in the church. Each presentation will…

Please let Gordon have your response to the Stewardship Campaign by Sunday 5 November if you have not done so already. Thank you to all those who have responded positively so far.

More sheep are required for the Oakham Advent Travelling Cribs. If you can help please contact Margaret Tyler (01572 724799) for the pattern.

Once again, Rutland Foodbank will be giving Christmas Hampers to those in our county who may struggle to buy those small luxuries that make Christmas a celebration. The hampers will include mince pies, Christmas puddings, chocolates and even family games. We are seeking cash donations. £20 will sponsor one hamper but any amount is welcome – cheques made payable to ‘Rutland Foodbank’.…

We are expecting in excess of 600 people to attend the County Remembrance Service next Sunday at 2:30pm (armed forces personnel, public dignitaries & general public). To seat them all will involve moving pews and putting out chairs. If you can help for 10/15 minutes after the 10:30am service it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Peter Kinal.

This is a last-call notice for anyone else who wishes to prepare for confirmation. Bishop John is coming on Sunday 14th January, and we will be preparing candidates between now and Christmas. An adult group will meet on Wednesday evenings at 7:30pm (beginning Wednesday 1st November and running to 13th December), with Lee and Iain. A young people’s group (secondary school ages)…

Launde Abbey is hosting a series of three advent themed evenings and everyone is welcome to attend any or all of the evenings, as follows: Thursday 30th November 6:15pm – Explore the themes of Compassion and Friendship with Revd Helen Newman (booking not required), with the option to enjoy one another’s company afterwards at the 7:30pm Launde Food Night with dishes from…

At the meeting on 26 September the following items were discussed: (1) New chalice assistants were approved; (2) Susan Osborne presented the plans for the new bereavement counselling scheme; (3) The financial report for September was presented, which showed an improvement in levels of income; (4) The budget for 2018 was approved; (5) The stewardship campaign details were confirmed, with presentations on…

The new Pray with the World Church and the Transmission magazine for the USPG are by the South Door. Please collect them.

Message from Stephen Grahl Dear Diocesan Choral Festival Singers, I very much enjoyed today’s choral festival. As ever, your energy and commitment resulted in a most enjoyable service, and spoke of your ongoing ministry of music. My grateful thanks to the members of the working group, who have once again been tireless in their preparation and execution of the festival day. I…

Following a recent Committee Meeting of The Friends it is reassuring to know that the official offices can be filled after election when Beryl Kirtland steps down in March 2018. HOWEVER, Committee Members are URGENTLY needed to help plan and organise events. If you consider you might like to do this please contact Beryl (beryl@oakhamteam.org.uk), Liz Plummer or Brenda Blandford.

This is advance notice that we will run a parish camping trip to Greenbelt 2018 – 24-27 August 2018 (Bank Holiday weekend) – or you can go for just one day. This is a Christian music/arts/politics/culture festival which runs just outside Kettering. See http://www.greenbelt.org.uk/ for a taste if you don’t know what it’s all about. A group of us went for a…

Are you involved in visiting the sick or frail, giving lifts, helping with shopping…? Or with taking communion to people in their home? Would you like to be? The parish’s pastoral forum has not been meeting recently, but we want to re-start so as to make sure we are giving pastoral care where it is needed, as well as provide a forum…

More sheep are required for the Oakham Advent Travelling Cribs. If you can help please contact Margaret Tyler (01572 724799) for the pattern.

Sales for the last 3 months have amounted to £625.86, a very good figure and averaging out at nearly £70 for each time the stall was held at Oakham over that period. As always a VERY big thank you to everyone who has made a purchase. Please see the separate notice for details of future stall dates. Denise (722729).

The Autumn catalogue is now out with all the usual wonderful range of Christmas cards, foods and present ideas. If you would like a copy please do get in touch. I will be in Church running the stall after the 10:30 service on 15th October, at Langham for the Team service on 29th October and back in Oakham again on 5th November.…

What are we planning? We are launching a new bereavement support service in the Parish. The plan is to * offer visits to bereaved families who have funerals at All Saints; * provide support and a listening ear; * signpost to other resources. Why visit? Bereaved people can feel isolated. Sometimes we find it difficult to join organised activities or find a…

The Foodbank is currently short of the following items – sponge puddings, packets of smash, tinned tomatoes, tinned potatoes, instant savoury meals e.g. pasta, couscous, rice etc in packets, small sugar, jam, long life fruit juice, long life milk. We have plenty of cereals and porridge, baked beans, tea, toilet rolls and sanitary items, pasta and pasta sauces, fizzy drinks and cordials…

Members of the Oakham congregation should have received this week an invitation from Lee to the stewardship presentation next week. If you haven’t received one, and feel that you should have, please let the office know. Also, if you received it by post, but would be happy to receive such communication by email in future please let us know.

This event has unfortunately been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. ‘Better than Hallowe’en’ will be an event for 5-10 year olds, in the Church Hall on Saturday 28th October from 4-5pm. If you feel able to help at this in any way, please do come to a meeting in the Mayhew Room this Thursday September 28th from 7:30-8:30pm to help plan and…

As we all return from our Summer break, the Rutland Fairtrade Steering Group is looking forward to its Autumn meeting on Tuesday 10th October at 7:30 pm in the Oakham Methodist Church in Northgate. Our Group works to ensure a fair deal for farmers and craftspeople from the most vulnerable countries around the world, and we are always grateful for the support…

Can you help us please? A small team from Oakham Methodist Church have been taking Bible stories into Assemblies at Brooke Hill, Catmose, Brooke Priory and English Martyrs Primary Schools over the past seven years. The visits are popular with the pupils and are at the invitation of the Heads. We use the national Open the Book scheme now used in over…

Would you like to join a confirmation preparation class, to prepare for confirmation next year? Or would you like to join in the course (with people of your own age) as a ‘refresher’ of Christian basics? We will confirm dates and details depending on how many candidates we have and their needs – at this stage we are just looking for expressions…

George’s funeral service will be held at All Saints Oakham on Monday 2nd October at 11:00am.