Welcome to the Quintet Benefice, a family of five churches in North Norfolk, serving the local community in Aylmerton, Beeston Regis, Gresham, East Runton, West Runton and offering a warm welcome to visitors.
All our churches are open daily.
Many thanks for your interest, we hope to see you soon.
HELLO FROM WILLIAM
Dear Friends,
Life often seems to change more than we expect.
I remember my first lecture at Hull University. I had chosen Hull because it had a very traditional syllabus. The first thing our Professor said was had we all heard about the new replacement syllabus. We had not, but the new one worked out well and was more interesting and varied.
Parallel with this I had a definite plan for my life and the work I would like to do. Like the syllabus, that also changed quickly – and I ended up in Holy Orders. Changes continued to happen, new ideas develop and attitudes in society, as a whole, evolve significantly. Life is never static. The difficulty seems to be able to keep up to date with everything.
For the Christian, the one constant that is present is God’s love for his creation, including all humans. Along with this is Christ’s example of being alongside all people.
Lent is coming and Ash Wednesday is 18th February. At any stage in life, some parts seem more settled while others are changing. Lent is always a chance to reflect on what is fine and what one would like to improve. Something that seemed appropriate at one stage in life may not continue the same and change may be needed. Whatever it may be, the one constant is always God’s love and Christ walking with us.
Christ had his own uncertainties; his ministry had moved in a way that was to lead not only to his crucifixion, but also his resurrection. In all this, God’s love was constant for him.
Returning to change, much has changed during my ministry for the Church, the clergy and society. The size of groups of Churches (or Benefices) have escalated; Church services have changed (I was ordained before the ASB – Alternative Service Book). Opportunities and expectations of service have evolved for both clergy and laity. What was appropriate then is no longer possible but equally new possibilities have taken their place.
Lent can also be refreshing if one can think of new developments as well as reflecting on the past. In my first Parish (Holt) several people said they were worried for me as things had changed so much, particularly in the Church and society. I remember then feeling that there are challenges to meet and now I am the same age as those friends I still feel there is hope and optimism.
God has plans for all of us, one’s life can change – perhaps significantly – but His presence and love remains constant. Perhaps this Lent we can gain new encouragement and hope for us all.
William
A PRAYER FOR LENT
Let us pray:
God of our deepest selves,
as we walk with Jesus in the wilderness,
as we face our fears and doubts,
as we leave behind all that has weighed us down,
may we tread with lightened step,
through the forty days of Lent,
knowing that we are dust,
and to dust we shall return,
but will come to Easter filled with joy,
knowing that we are loved
and meant for life with you for ever.
Amen
PRAYER CORNER
In a world filled with chaos, we pray because prayer is the antidote to anxiety.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”.
Philippians 4: 6-7.
Please pray--
For our government and political leaders, that those who govern may be governed by God’s love. May those who lead be led by God’s directing; and may the whole world come to know its need of God, by making us a caring world, honest in promises, far-sighted in the management of resources, and open-hearted in charitable giving.
For all the countries that are going through conflict and political instability: we ask for peace, and that their citizens be free from fear and know stability once more.
For all who are affected by natural disasters, from earthquakes, floods, fires, devastating mudslides that destroy homes and livelihoods, putting lives at risk.
For all who are struggling financially; for those who are worried about how they will pay their bills, how they will afford to eat, how they will keep their homes warm this winter.
For people throughout the world who struggle to get enough food. May God inspire us all to reach out with small acts of love, making a big difference, so that no one goes hungry.
For our Benefice and Parishioners, especially those who are suffering with their health; and the recently bereaved.
For our church buildings that funds may be found for their urgent repair.
BISHOP’S LENT APPEAL 2026
This year the Bishop of Norwich’s Lent Appeal is raising money for the people of Papua New Guinea.
More specifically, all money raised in 2026 will directly help children from clergy families to complete their education at the Martyrs Memorial School, an Anglican school near Popondetta.
In September 2025, a group led by the Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Revd Graham Usher, took part in a pilgrimage to Papua New Guinea, visiting a training college for ordinands and the Martyrs Memorial School.
Reflecting on this visit, Bishop Graham said:
“Education is key to empowering young people to find life in all its fulness, as well as play a part in the future wellbeing of their families and communities. I was struck, when I visited Papua New Guinea, how many clergy children have to miss a year of school because their parents can’t afford to send them. Your support will step in to support families at such times of need, so as to provide a continuous education.”
Clergy families in Papua New Guinea do not receive a stipend and so are reliant on their congregations to support them with gifts. Therefore, the money raised from the Lent Appeal will help to provide and complete education for children of clergy.
Children who are educated at the Martyrs Memorial School go on into careers such as medicine, governance and teaching.
The Diocese of Norwich and Papua New Guinea have had close links for a long time, since a man raised in Norfolk became the first Archbishop there.
Bishop David Hand, whose father was the vicar of Tatterford, near Fakenham, travelled to Papua New Guinea in 1946 inspired by the story of a missionary priest in the Second World War.
If you would like to donate to the Bishop’s Lent Appeal via the website, go to https://www.dioceseofnorwich.org/donate/ and you will be redirected to the donations page. When you arrive there, you will simply need to select ‘Bishop’s Lent Appeal’ from the ‘project, appeal or charity’ drop-down selection before filling in your payment information.
THE LENT COURSE
“THE LONG ROAD TO HEAVEN”
This year’s Lent course will be following a course entitled “The Long Road to Heaven” by Tim Heaton and based on the film “The Way” which is a fictional story starring Martin Sheen about a pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago in Spain.
Jeremy is planning to put on a viewing of the film on Wednesday 11th February at 2.30pm at The Rectory and can lend the film to anyone who would like to take part in the course, but who cannot attend on that day.
The course itself will start on Wednesday 4th March at 2.30pm at The Rectory.
Jeremy has a number of second-hand copies of the course book priced at £3.50 each.
Please let Jeremy know if you will be attending the showing of the film or the course itself or if you would like a copy of the book.
SERVICE FOR ASH WEDNESDAY
St Andrew’s – East Runton
18th February at 10.30am
Eucharist for Ash Wednesday with Imposition of Ashes
The imposition of ashes on Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, symbolizing repentance, mortality, and the call to spiritual renewal.
During the Ash Wednesday service, congregants are invited to come forward to have ashes applied to their foreheads in the shape of a cross. As the ashes are imposed, the priest recites the words, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19). This acknowledgment of human fragility prompts us to reflect on our spiritual lives and the transient nature of existence.
All our churches are open daily.
Many thanks for your interest, we hope to see you soon.
HELLO FROM WILLIAM
Dear Friends,
Life often seems to change more than we expect.
I remember my first lecture at Hull University. I had chosen Hull because it had a very traditional syllabus. The first thing our Professor said was had we all heard about the new replacement syllabus. We had not, but the new one worked out well and was more interesting and varied.
Parallel with this I had a definite plan for my life and the work I would like to do. Like the syllabus, that also changed quickly – and I ended up in Holy Orders. Changes continued to happen, new ideas develop and attitudes in society, as a whole, evolve significantly. Life is never static. The difficulty seems to be able to keep up to date with everything.
For the Christian, the one constant that is present is God’s love for his creation, including all humans. Along with this is Christ’s example of being alongside all people.
Lent is coming and Ash Wednesday is 18th February. At any stage in life, some parts seem more settled while others are changing. Lent is always a chance to reflect on what is fine and what one would like to improve. Something that seemed appropriate at one stage in life may not continue the same and change may be needed. Whatever it may be, the one constant is always God’s love and Christ walking with us.
Christ had his own uncertainties; his ministry had moved in a way that was to lead not only to his crucifixion, but also his resurrection. In all this, God’s love was constant for him.
Returning to change, much has changed during my ministry for the Church, the clergy and society. The size of groups of Churches (or Benefices) have escalated; Church services have changed (I was ordained before the ASB – Alternative Service Book). Opportunities and expectations of service have evolved for both clergy and laity. What was appropriate then is no longer possible but equally new possibilities have taken their place.
Lent can also be refreshing if one can think of new developments as well as reflecting on the past. In my first Parish (Holt) several people said they were worried for me as things had changed so much, particularly in the Church and society. I remember then feeling that there are challenges to meet and now I am the same age as those friends I still feel there is hope and optimism.
God has plans for all of us, one’s life can change – perhaps significantly – but His presence and love remains constant. Perhaps this Lent we can gain new encouragement and hope for us all.
William
A PRAYER FOR LENT
Let us pray:
God of our deepest selves,
as we walk with Jesus in the wilderness,
as we face our fears and doubts,
as we leave behind all that has weighed us down,
may we tread with lightened step,
through the forty days of Lent,
knowing that we are dust,
and to dust we shall return,
but will come to Easter filled with joy,
knowing that we are loved
and meant for life with you for ever.
Amen
PRAYER CORNER
In a world filled with chaos, we pray because prayer is the antidote to anxiety.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”.
Philippians 4: 6-7.
Please pray--
For our government and political leaders, that those who govern may be governed by God’s love. May those who lead be led by God’s directing; and may the whole world come to know its need of God, by making us a caring world, honest in promises, far-sighted in the management of resources, and open-hearted in charitable giving.
For all the countries that are going through conflict and political instability: we ask for peace, and that their citizens be free from fear and know stability once more.
For all who are affected by natural disasters, from earthquakes, floods, fires, devastating mudslides that destroy homes and livelihoods, putting lives at risk.
For all who are struggling financially; for those who are worried about how they will pay their bills, how they will afford to eat, how they will keep their homes warm this winter.
For people throughout the world who struggle to get enough food. May God inspire us all to reach out with small acts of love, making a big difference, so that no one goes hungry.
For our Benefice and Parishioners, especially those who are suffering with their health; and the recently bereaved.
For our church buildings that funds may be found for their urgent repair.
BISHOP’S LENT APPEAL 2026
This year the Bishop of Norwich’s Lent Appeal is raising money for the people of Papua New Guinea.
More specifically, all money raised in 2026 will directly help children from clergy families to complete their education at the Martyrs Memorial School, an Anglican school near Popondetta.
In September 2025, a group led by the Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Revd Graham Usher, took part in a pilgrimage to Papua New Guinea, visiting a training college for ordinands and the Martyrs Memorial School.
Reflecting on this visit, Bishop Graham said:
“Education is key to empowering young people to find life in all its fulness, as well as play a part in the future wellbeing of their families and communities. I was struck, when I visited Papua New Guinea, how many clergy children have to miss a year of school because their parents can’t afford to send them. Your support will step in to support families at such times of need, so as to provide a continuous education.”
Clergy families in Papua New Guinea do not receive a stipend and so are reliant on their congregations to support them with gifts. Therefore, the money raised from the Lent Appeal will help to provide and complete education for children of clergy.
Children who are educated at the Martyrs Memorial School go on into careers such as medicine, governance and teaching.
The Diocese of Norwich and Papua New Guinea have had close links for a long time, since a man raised in Norfolk became the first Archbishop there.
Bishop David Hand, whose father was the vicar of Tatterford, near Fakenham, travelled to Papua New Guinea in 1946 inspired by the story of a missionary priest in the Second World War.
If you would like to donate to the Bishop’s Lent Appeal via the website, go to https://www.dioceseofnorwich.org/donate/ and you will be redirected to the donations page. When you arrive there, you will simply need to select ‘Bishop’s Lent Appeal’ from the ‘project, appeal or charity’ drop-down selection before filling in your payment information.
THE LENT COURSE
“THE LONG ROAD TO HEAVEN”
This year’s Lent course will be following a course entitled “The Long Road to Heaven” by Tim Heaton and based on the film “The Way” which is a fictional story starring Martin Sheen about a pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago in Spain.
Jeremy is planning to put on a viewing of the film on Wednesday 11th February at 2.30pm at The Rectory and can lend the film to anyone who would like to take part in the course, but who cannot attend on that day.
The course itself will start on Wednesday 4th March at 2.30pm at The Rectory.
Jeremy has a number of second-hand copies of the course book priced at £3.50 each.
Please let Jeremy know if you will be attending the showing of the film or the course itself or if you would like a copy of the book.
SERVICE FOR ASH WEDNESDAY
St Andrew’s – East Runton
18th February at 10.30am
Eucharist for Ash Wednesday with Imposition of Ashes
The imposition of ashes on Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, symbolizing repentance, mortality, and the call to spiritual renewal.
During the Ash Wednesday service, congregants are invited to come forward to have ashes applied to their foreheads in the shape of a cross. As the ashes are imposed, the priest recites the words, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19). This acknowledgment of human fragility prompts us to reflect on our spiritual lives and the transient nature of existence.
If you would like to make a donation and help us to keep our churches open, please click on the button below:
SAFEGUARDING, HELP AND ADVICE
Safeguarding means protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of children and adults at risk of, or experiencing, emotional, psychological, physical or spiritual harm and/or neglect.
Safeguarding means enabling those who are affected to live safely, free from any kind of abuse or neglect. It is about people and organizations working together to prevent and reduce both the risks and actual experience of abuse in all of its forms.
We take safeguarding very seriously, at all of the Benefice Churches and care about all those we seek to serve within our churches and our communities.
We conform to the policy of Norwich Diocese which can be found at https://www.dioceseofnorwich.org/about/safeguarding
If you believe that either yourself or someone you know may be at risk of harm or neglect, please contact the Benefice Safeguarding Officer Rev. Paul Yeomans 07437203535 to discuss your concerns and what the next steps might be.
Alternatively, you may contact the Norwich Diocese Safeguarding Team by email at [email protected] or by telephone on: 01603 882345.
If you yourself or someone you know is in immediate danger of being harmed then please call 999 to be advised by the emergency services.
