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Benefice Blog 2026
Poet John Keats famously described autumn as the “season of mists and mellow fruitfulness.” Well, I don’t know about the mellow part, but as we look at the weeks ahead across the Haven Churches, this season is certainly going to be incredibly fruitful for our benefice!
Life across our churches is bursting with energy, fresh ideas, and new ways to worship and connect. We have a wonderfully packed calendar, and I am delighted to share three brand-new services that reflect the diversity, warmth, and vibrant life of our community.
First up is a celebration for the whole family—including the four-legged, feathered, and scaly members! On 11th October at 3pm, head to St Helen’s Church for our Pet Service. Our animals bring us so much unconditional joy, comfort, and companionship. This service is a chance to give thanks for God’s creation and bring along your beloved pets to receive a special blessing. Whether you have a loyal dog, a quiet tortoise, or a brightly coloured parrot, all creaturely companions are warmly welcome!
Later in the month, we are launching ‘Just As I Am’ on 25th October at 3pm in St Mary’s Church Hall. This brand-new service is designed around inclusion, simplicity, and quiet acceptance. In a world that so often demands we perform or fit a certain mould, this service is a sanctuary. It’s an invitation to come as you are— whether you are unwell, living with memory loss or increased vulnerability - knowing that you are fully welcomed by God and by us.
As the autumn evenings draw in, we invite you to step into a reflective rhythm with ‘The Living Way’, a new Christian Celtic-style service launching on 8th November at 3pm in St Helen’s Church. Grounded in the rich heritage of Celtic spirituality, this worship will weave together scripture, sacred rhythms, and a deep appreciation for God’s presence in nature and daily life. It offers a gentle, contemplative space to anchor your soul as the winter months approach.
Beyond these exciting new services, there is even more news on the horizon. Keep a close eye open for the upcoming re-launch of St Peter’s Church Hall! The space is undergoing an exciting transformation and will soon re-open as ‘The Assembly’—a brand-new, flexible church and community events hub designed to serve as an exciting new home for local gatherings, activities, and celebrations.
There is so much life, hope, and connection unfolding across our parish right now. Whether you're looking for a quiet place to pray, a lively celebration with your pets, or a space to serve our wider neighbourhood, there is a place for you here.
Investing in the Next Generation: The Youthscape Course
Children and young people are not just the future of the church—they are a vital part of who we are today. To help us build a sustainable, creative, and sound foundation for our Children and Families Ministry across the benefice, I am embarking on the Youthscape training course run by our diocese over the next few months.
Youthscape is renowned for helping churches engage deeply, thoughtfully, and relevantly with young people and families. My hope is that this course will equip us with a sound base of practical tools, theological insight, and strategic vision. From this strong foundation, we can continue to grow a warm, welcoming ministry where our children, young people, and families feel truly rooted and nurtured in God’s grace.
Walking with the Saints: Franciscan Wisdom at Sarum College
Alongside this, I will be participating in an online course with Sarum College exploring the faith and ministry of St. Francis of Assisi and his spiritual sister, St. Clare.
Francis and Clare offered the world a radical vision of faith—one marked by deep simplicity, joy, peace, creation care, and a heart for the margins. As we reflect on their transformative ministry, I look forward to bringing back inspiration for our own walk of faith here in Haven Churches. Their example reminds us that true renewal begins with a gentle, humble heart turned completely toward Christ.
Pause and Refresh: Benefice Quiet Day
Amidst all the planning and learning, we also need spaces to simply be. You are warmly invited to join us for our upcoming Benefice Quiet Day:
• Date: Saturday 3rd October. Time: 10:00 am – 2:30 pm Location: St Helen's Church
Our theme for the day focuses on Christ as the Living Water.
In the busyness of daily life, our souls often feel dry or weary. Jesus offers us a stream of living water that satisfies our deepest thirsts and restores our spirits. This Quiet Day will be a gentle space of tranquil prayer, reflection, shared worship, and personal quiet time. Whether you wish to spend time in quiet contemplation, walk slowly in prayer, or simply sit peacefully in the presence of God, this day is for you. Please contact me (07591 240640 or revdkarenwilson(at)outlook(dot)com) to book yourself a place.
Coffee Morning at Brading
Mark your calendars and bring a sweet tooth! We are hosting a Benefice Coffee Morning in Brading, and everyone is warmly invited.
• Date: Saturday 10th October
• Location: St Mary the Virgin Church Hall, Brading
There will be a spread of delicious homemade cakes, freshly brewed hot drinks, and plenty of friendly faces. You will also have the chance to browse a variety of stalls and try your luck at our raffle.
It promises to be a relaxed, joyful morning of community fellowship. Bring a neighbour, bring a friend, or pop in on your own—you will be guaranteed a warm welcome!
Choral Evensong at Yaverland
As the weekend draws to a close, take time to pause, rest, and reflect through one of the church’s most beloved musical traditions.
• Date: Sunday 18th October
• Time: 5:30 pm
• Location: St John the Baptist Church, Yaverland
Set in the tranquil surroundings of Yaverland, this service of Choral Evensong will offer space to lift your heart in worship through magnificent music, scripture, and quiet prayer. Whether you attend regular church services or simply appreciate sacred music in a beautiful setting, you are deeply welcome to join us as the evening falls.
These gatherings are a central part of our shared life—spaces where friendships are deepened, faith is nurtured, and our doors are opened wide to all.
Please hold both of these events in your prayers, and help us spread the word. We look forward to sharing coffee, cake, and song with you throughout October!
God Bless
Revd Karen
24 September 2026
Whilst I was at the recent Clergy Conference, the Ven Steve Daughtery gave two incredibly inspiring and pastoral Bible studies. I should have taken shorthand at school; I couldn’t take notes quickly enough to capture these wonderful sessions! I have written a reflection upon Steve’s words which I hope gives you a taste of his loving and uplifting message.
Yours in Christ,
Revd Karen
Reflection on Steve Daughtry’s Clergy Conference First Bible Study
Rejuvenating a Community of Jesus-Centred Disciples
The Bible study led by Steve Daughtry at the Clergy Conference served as a profound invitation to step back, re-examine our spiritual core, and consider what it truly means to build and sustain a community of Jesus-centred disciples.
At the heart of Steve’s message was a fundamental truth: Jesus is not merely an addition to our lives, but the very way of life itself. When we speak of being formed by Christ, we are talking about a deep, structural transformation—one where our daily rhythms, priorities, and community life are entirely anchored in His presence.
1.The Call to "Remain in Me" (John 15)
Throughout the study, the resonance of John 15 was unmistakable. Jesus calls us to "remain in me" and to "follow me." Yet, Steve’s teaching gently prompted a searching question for every one of us in leadership and ministry:
How much time do we actually spend simply being with Jesus in our daily lives?
In the busyness of parish administration, service planning, and community outreach, it is remarkably easy to work for God without spending quality time with God. Rejuvenation in our churches cannot be engineered through strategy alone; it must flow out of a posture of abiding. True fruitfulness comes only when we are deeply rooted in the Vine.
2. Formed by the First Love (John 15:9)
Steve reminded us of the critical sequence of the Gospel: God loved us first.
"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love." — John 15:9
Our calling to love others—and to shepherd a loving church community—is not an duty we generate through our own effort. It is a response. We can only love as Jesus has loved us when we continually allow ourselves to be filled by His prior love. When a congregation is grounded in this assurance, duty gives way to joy, and tiredness gives way to holy rejuvenation.
3. Vision for The Haven Churches
As we look to the future of the benefice, this study offers a clear beacon. To be "bold and courageous builders of the kingdom," our first work is not doing, but being—centering our personal devotion, our PCC deliberations, and our shared fellowship around the person of Jesus.
When we remain in Him, our life together is naturally formed by Him, drawing others into a vibrant, living community of faith.
At the heart of the Gospel is a question that cuts straight through the noise of our daily lives:
Do we truly know how deeply and outrageously we are loved by God?
Writing in Ephesians 3:7, Paul speaks of becoming a servant of the Gospel by the gift of God’s grace—a grace given through the working of His power. It is a powerful reminder that the Christian life does not start with what we can achieve for God, but with what God has already lavished upon us.
God Delights in You
God does not merely tolerate us; He delights in us. His love stretches far beyond anything we can humanly conceive, measure, or earn. What is even more wonderful is that God delights in our love for Him—as fragile or imperfect as it may feel at times.
We are invited to truly rest in that truth.
Yet, so easily, the relentless demands and stresses of everyday life squeeze that peace right out of us. We slip into the world’s lie that our worth is measured by our productivity. But let this be declared clearly and gently: Your worth is NOT your output. You are not a human doing; you are a human being, loved into existence by a Father who simply desires your heart.
Making Space for the Living Christ
To be a Jesus-centred disciple means letting His words abide in us—taking root so deeply that they shape our very identity. But for Christ’s words to remain in us, we must make space. We must make ourselves available to be loved.
• Does God appear only as an item on our relentless ‘to-do’ list?
• Or is He the one with whom we walk, breath by breath, through each and every day?
Jesus calls us to sit with Scripture not as a chore to check off, but as a meeting place with a person. He asks us to turn prayer from a formal ritual into an ongoing, unbroken conversation throughout our day.
A Joyful, Shared Walk
Jesus-centred discipleship was never meant to be a heroic, solo effort. Discipleship is a team game. We walk together, upholding one another, continually anchoring each other back in the Vine.
Jesus longs for His joy to be reflected in us, and He desires for us to live genuinely joyful lives—not a life burdened by religious exhaustion, but one animated by grace. Jesus is not a distant historical figure or a weekend concept; He is the living Lord who walks beside us through every ordinary moment of every single day.
As we build the kingdom together, let us first pause, breathe, and simply allow ourselves to be loved by Him.
Reflection on Steve Daughtry’s Clergy Conference Second Bible Study — John 13:1–17
Theme: Would Your Kingdom Come in Us: Christ-Centred, Kingdom-Seeking Leadership
John 13 opens with a profound revelation of Christ’s self-awareness and authority. Jesus acts from a position of absolute certainty—knowing who He is, where He has come from, and where He is going. Yet, rather than using this knowledge and divine authority to exalt Himself, He uses it to serve. He translates divine understanding into physical action: He takes off His outer garments, wraps a towel around His waist, and washes the feet of His disciples.
Jesus demonstrates that true authority lives what it knows. He embodies His teaching, setting a tangible example for all who follow Him. In doing so, He models a radically reoriented form of authority: towel-shaped leadership. Completely void of ego, Jesus shows that the power of the Kingdom is found not in status or dominance, but in the humble posture of a servant. His grace, extended so freely to those who sit at His feet, never disappoints.
As leaders and disciples, we are invited into this same posture—to become like Jesus and to do as He does. His example provides a clear pathway for intentional discipleship:
• Encounter: Experiencing the transformative grace and presence of Christ.
• Engage: Meeting people where they are in authentic service and relationship.
• Establish: Rooting believers in sound faith and community.
• Equip: Empowering others to carry out the work of the Gospel.
Like John the Baptist, our primary calling is to "prepare the way of the Lord." When we respond to Christ’s call to "Follow me," we must continuously ask ourselves: Who is God calling us to serve today? By embracing towel-shaped leadership, we allow the Kingdom of God to be established not only around us, but within us.
21 September 2026
1. Pet Blessing Service Sunday 11th October 3.00pm St Helen's Church
All are warmly invited to join us for a special Pet Blessing Service as we gather to celebrate and give thanks for God’s creatures who bring so much companionship, comfort, and unconditional love into our daily lives. Our beloved pet companions are most welcome to attend—we kindly ask that dogs be kept on leads, and cats or other small creatures be brought in secure pet carriers. Come along for this short, joyful celebration as we honour the special place our pets hold in our hearts and receive a blessing for the animal friends who enrich our homes and families.
2. ‘Just As I Am’ Service Sunday 25th October 3.00pm St Mary's Church Hall
Our ‘Just As I Am’ service is a short, warm, and gentle time of worship designed especially for anyone who finds attending a traditional, formal church service difficult. Held in a relaxed ‘cafe style’ setting, it offers a welcoming space for individuals experiencing health challenges, cognitive loss, or mobility issues, alongside their carers, partners, and loved ones. With familiar prayers, favourite hymns, and plenty of time to catch up over coffee, tea, and delicious cake, it is a place to come exactly as you are and share in simple, accessible fellowship.
3. Advent Course: Walking With Angels
Join us for this year’s four-week Advent course as we explore Walking With Angels by Eleanor Sanderson, chosen as the Archbishop of York’s Advent Book. Running over four consecutive Wednesday evenings starting on the first Wednesday in Advent, the course offers a meaningful space to reflect and prepare together for the Christmas season. All necessary course materials will be provided for attendees, so buying the book is completely optional, though copies are available from major booksellers for those who wish to have their own. Everyone is warmly welcome to come along and share in this journey.th More details will follow.
4. Benefice Harvest & Retirement Service
Please join us for a special Benefice Service on Sunday, 4th October, at 10:00am at St Peter’s Church, Seaview, as we gather to celebrate Harvest and mark the retirement of our dear organist, John Cheverton. It will be a wonderful occasion to give thanks for John’s seventy years of dedicated service, with refreshments served after the service to celebrate together. Donations toward John’s retirement gift can be made in any of our churches or dropped directly into the Vicarage. In the spirit of Harvest thanksgiving, we are also collecting non-perishable food items and toiletries, which will be donated to the local FoodBank to support those in need across our community.
5. New Eco Church Service at St Helen’s
I am delighted to announce the relaunch of our Eco Church offering with a fresh, new service at St Helen’s Church, starting on Sunday, 8th November at 3:00pm. Rooted in the gentle, nature-focused spirit of the Celtic Christian tradition, this informal and contemplative service offers a peaceful space to connect with God, reflect on the beauty of creation, and explore our call to care for the earth. Whether you are seeking a quieter form of worship or are passionate about environmental stewardship, all are warmly invited to come and share in this quiet, grounded time together.
Revd Karen
11 September 2026
Chris always says that I will speak to anyone when we are out and about. "Well, it is part of my ministry!" I always counter back.
Just the other day, when we were in Cowes on my day off, Chris went into a restaurant to pay our bill, and when he came out, I was already chatting away to a couple who are on holiday in Bembridge. I had complimented the woman on her very pretty and cool-looking linen outfit, and our conversation just took off from there. There followed a chat about Seaview with the owner of the luggage shop, and another with the local bookshop owner. You just never know when God will break into someone's life through a completely random chat.
Just recently, I met a lady from Bembridge at the Hovercraft terminal in Southsea because she recognised me from my magazine picture! A delightful chat about faith, churchgoing, and my husband naturally followed.
Take the other day when Chris casually mentioned that I would literally talk to anyone. At that exact moment, our dogs looked at one another, and you could practically hear their unspoken thoughts:
"Did he just say that out loud? Lord have mercy... let's walk away, this is going to get crunchy."
I could genuinely see the sheer panic in their eyes. We both burst out laughing, but the dogs wisely made a run for it before I could rope them into a debate about their places on the bed at night!
Now, by nature, I am actually an introvert. Because of this, I often have to take a break from all the talking and carve out a silent half an hour for myself after being out and about.
Writing for our parish magazine is one of the absolute highlights of my month, but it always comes with one big challenge: the new 500-word limit! Articles written for the magazine are now being limited to 500 words.
As much as I try to pack every edition full of news, updates, and reflections, there is simply never enough space to tell you everything that is going on across the Haven Churches. There are always extra stories to share, deeper thoughts to explore, and exciting community happenings that get left on the cutting-room floor.
That is why I’ve decided to start writing this monthly "extra." Right here on the website, we can go beyond the magazine page and keep the conversation going all month long.
Writing these articles is such a joy for me, and a huge part of that is because of how I picture the process. When I sit down at my desk to write, I don't just stare at a blank screen. Instead, I imagine that I have parishioners from all around the benefice right here with me in my study, sitting across from me while we chat in person over a cup of tea.
It makes the writing feel warm, personal, and connected—because, in a very real sense, we are connected.
Another wonderful part of putting these thoughts down on paper is what happens after the magazine hits your doormats. When a new edition comes out, people actually reach out and want to speak to me about my article.
Whether it sparks a good conversation after a Sunday service, brings a smile, or gives someone encouragement, it means the world to know it resonates. I am deeply grateful for how kindly you receive these monthly musings.
First, it is with a heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of the much-loved and respected Revd David Low. David meant a great deal to many, and his loss is deeply felt. Please keep his wife, Sheila, and all of his family and friends in your prayers as they navigate this painful time of mourning and grief. May they find comfort and strength in the days ahead.
On a brighter note, our late-summer calendar is packed with community milestones:
- Sunday the 23rd at 10:00 AM: Join us for our special Regatta Service of Worship at St Peter’s Church in Seaview. It’s always a wonderful, uplifting service celebrating our coastal community!
- Sunday, August 30th: We will gather for our Joint Benefice Service. It’s a fantastic opportunity for all our church communities to come together under one roof.
- A Special Baptism: During this season, I also have the immense privilege of baptising little E, who happens to be the granddaughter of our wonderful Church Warden, Nigel.
As we turn the page into September, our weekly rhythms kick back into gear:
- Wednesday, September 2nd at 11:00 AM: Our Prayer Circle resumes at St Peter’s Church. All are welcome to join us in quiet prayer and fellowship.
- Wednesday, September 2nd at 4:00 PM: Later that same day, we will gather at St Helen’s Church for the interment of ashes for Evelyn, a much-loved member of our community who will be dearly missed.
From September 7th to 9th, I’ll be packing my bags and heading off to a Clergy Conference with fellow ministers from across the diocese. We’re heading to High Leigh in Hoddesdon, on the North Island.
Now, confession time: I am an unashamed homebody who loves my own bed! But this trip comes with a heavy dose of happy nostalgia. High Leigh is only about 20 minutes from where Chris and I used to live in Harlow, and it's the very place we used for residential weekends back when I was training for ministry.
As much as I know I'll enjoy the conference and catching up with old friends, there is one undeniable truth: I will be massively looking forward to getting back to my own bed and my own bathroom!
I will certainly miss Chris and our "girls" while I'm away. Though, to be completely honest, at least for a few nights I won't have to share my side of the mattress with two dogs who snore like a pair of freight trains. Silver linings, right?
So, grab a cuppa and stay tuned—there is always more happening in our church family than we can squeeze into print!
Of course, if you would prefer to connect face-to-face rather than online, my door is always open. I am more than happy to pop the kettle on and have a proper chat. I promise I'll even crack open the 'good' biscuits for the occasion!
Whatever your September holds, may it be blessed.
Revd Karen
September 2026
If you happened to catch sight of me before a service in early July, you might have mistaken me for a melting candle. Let’s be honest: this recent heatwave has been an absolute test of endurance. I am firmly, unapologetically not made for the heat these days. I am entirely convinced that somewhere down the line, I must have a strain of Irish blood coursing through my veins. My constitution is perfectly suited to soft, rainy days, overcast skies, and damp peat bogs. Give me a bracing autumn wind over a scorching summer afternoon any day.
The heat always sends my mind drifting back to the summers of my youth. I used to spend hours on Shanklin beach during the school summer holidays. Sometimes, I would take a notebook down to the shoreline and spend hours writing poetry or short stories. That childhood spark never really left me. Whenever I sit at that desk, running a pen across a blank page, I can't help but think of the great letter writers of our faith, chief among them the Apostle Paul.
Paul wrote many letters to the early Christians, and, if you read them closely, you get a vivid picture of a fascinating, complex character. Paul was not a mild-mannered man. He was fiercely passionate, intensely intellectual, and utterly uncompromising in his devotion.
His letters are incredibly multi-layered: Deeply Affectionate: He frequently pours out his heart, full of profound love, tenderness, and a yearning for fellowship with the fragile new churches. Blunt and Prickly: He did not suffer fools gladly. When the early churches lost their way, Paul dropped all pleasantries. His writings are packed with sharp admonishments, exasperated corrections, and direct call-outs.
Paul was a man on fire for his mission. He was a brilliant strategist, a deeply sensitive pastor, and occasionally a bit of an administrative headache for those who crossed his path. Yet, every single word he wrote, whether comforting the suffering or scolding the wayward, was driven by an overwhelming love for Christ and a desire to see these tiny communities survive.
There is a beautiful, terrifying parallel in what we do. Both Paul and I share a calling that requires us to write directly to the Christian communities we love. For Paul, it was the fragile, blossoming churches of the Mediterranean. For me, it is the vibrant, wonderful people right here in our parish.
In the Church of England, a priest is given what is traditionally called the "Cure of Souls", which doesn't mean a magical remedy, but rather the deep, intentional care of every single soul in our communities. It is a staggering mandate. I have been called by God to love each and every person in this parish, whatever happens.
Now, let’s be realistic. We are all grown-ups here. Loving a community doesn't mean we live in a perpetual state of glossy, picture-perfect harmony. Human beings are beautifully complex and occasionally stubborn. We are going to disagree. There will be times of challenge and moments where we don't see eye to eye.
Paul knew this better than anyone. His letters are famous for their sudden shifts from profound affection to sharp, exasperated admonishments. He wasn't afraid to tackle the messy realities of community life head-on. But here is the crux of it: a disagreement does not stop the calling, and a challenging season does not pause the mandate. None of it stops me from doing exactly what God has asked me to do: to love you, just as Jesus, the ultimate Good Shepherd, loves every one of us.
Being a shepherd in the modern world is an exercise in radical grace. It means showing up on the sunny days on Shanklin beach, and it means standing fast during the stormy ones. It means holding space for everyone: the seekers, the faithful, the doubters, and the fiercely independent.
I like to think that even in the sweltering heat of the Mediterranean, huddled over a piece of parchment with a stylus, Paul found the same focus and joy that I find at my pull-down desk. Though, for his sake, I highly hope he wasn't wearing wool vestments while he did it.
Revd Karen
August 2026
As July rolls around, the Island is gearing up for its annual transformation. The schools are breaking up, the suitcases are being unpacked, and our roads and beaches are about to get a whole lot livelier as holidaymakers join us for some well- deserved sunshine.
While the Island gets busier, it’s worth remembering that there are still plenty of beautiful, quiet places to be found if you know where to look. And frankly, some of us desperately need to find them.
I don’t know about you, but my brain is permanently on the go. It’s a bit like that old internet browser joke: - I currently have 20 tabs open, one of them is completely frozen, and I have absolutely no idea where the music is coming from. If I don't intentionally find the time to decompress, chaos ensues. Just last week, I went looking for the strawberries, only to find I’d absentmindedly stored them on top of the fridge instead of inside it.
My late mother used to warn me that if I didn’t slow down, I would "meet myself coming back". As a child, I never quite understood the physics of that, but nowadays, I get the drift. She was full of unforgettable advice, mind you. She also mandated that I carry a clean handkerchief (a habit I still keep) and declared that one should never, under any circumstances, eat whilst walking. Wise words indeed...
But back to finding that peace and quiet. In ministry, there is a lot to be said for getting out into nature, trying not to think, and simply learning to listen. For me, it’s about creating the space to listen to God. Sometimes we all just need a bit of a spiritual reboot. Making time for silence in your favourite spot does the soul an immense amount of good.
Admittedly, finding my inner peace doesn’t always look peaceful from the outside. I must confess to not having a good ‘resting face’. When my face is completely in repose, it looks incredibly serious — a bit like my bulldog when she’s eating. If I’m not actively concentrating on smiling, people frequently ask if I’m in pain, if I have "the hump", or if something is terribly wrong. Having seen a few unsmiling photos of myself, I can’t really blame them. I will say, it did come in useful for the odd class of teenagers during my time working in education! But when I’m alone in nature, I gladly let the old visage drop into its natural resting phase. Trying to look cheery all the time is exhausting.
Fortunately, there are plenty of upcoming events to put a genuine smile on all our faces. Wedding season has arrived in the Benefice. There is an undeniable magic in the air when the sun shines, the church bells ring, and two people stand before God, their family, and a congregation of well-wishers, to start a brand-new chapter of their lives together.
Presiding at weddings is a joy I never take for granted. It is a privilege to stand at the front, watching the nervous anticipation transform into sheer delight. However, experience has taught me that being a vicar at a summer wedding requires more than just knowing the liturgy; it requires a very specific set of tactical survival skills.
Chief among those skills is what I like to call "Hankie Logistics".
As I said, I was raised by a mother who firmly believed that one should never leave the house without a clean handkerchief. That maternal wisdom has saved the day more times than I can count, but never more so than during wedding season.
Weddings are beautiful, emotionally charged occasions, and they inevitably trigger a cascade of "happy tears". Sometimes it’s the groom when he catches his first glimpse of the bride walking down the aisle. Sometimes it’s a proud parent in the front pew. And quite often, it’s the bride herself as the emotion of the vows catches up with her.
Because I am nothing if not prepared, I always carry a spare, pristine handkerchief tucked away, ready to be deployed at a moment's notice to mop up those joyful tears. I like to think of myself as a spiritual first-responder for smeared mascara.
Over the years, however, I have come to realise that a wedding handkerchief is strictly a one-way transaction. I have lost many a good hankie to the tear-ducts of grateful brides and emotional grooms.
But there are exceptions. I will never forget one particular wedding where, mid-service, the emotion completely overwhelmed the bride. Sensing the moment, I smoothly produced my spare handkerchief and handed it over. She accepted it with immense gratitude, thoroughly wiped her eyes, gave her nose an enthusiastically loud, resonant blow... and then, with a sweet, radiant smile, promptly handed it right back to me.
Now, the liturgy doesn’t quite cover what a vicar is supposed to do when handed a freshly used handkerchief in front of a hundred staring guests. Do I put it back in my pocket? Do I hold it delicately like a soiled piece of evidence?
Despite the occasional occupational hazard of used linen, I wouldn’t trade it for the world. To usher a couple into their new life together, surrounded by love and prayers, is a beautiful thing.
So, as the summer rush begins, I encourage you to close a few of those mental tabs, find a quiet corner of our beautiful Island, and take a moment to just slow down.
Every blessing for a peaceful, joyful July,
Revd Karen
July 2026
As the calendar turns to June, a familiar and beautiful hum begins to fill our churches. The organists ore practising their marches, the flower arrangers ore dreaming in pastels, and there is a distinct sense of anticipation in the air. Yes, we ore officially entering Wedding Season across our parishes!
There is something profoundly moving about watching a couple Stand before God, surrounded by family and friends, to trade the "I" for "We." It is a season of joy, fresh starts, and the solemn, beautiful intention to walk side-by-side for the rest of their lives.
But as I've been reflecting on these new beginnings, my mind kept wondering back to a classic piece of wisdom from Margery Williams' "The Velveteen Rabbit". In the story, the Skin Horse explains to the Rabbit that being "Real" isn't how you are made. It's something that happens to you.
"It doesn't happen all at once," said the Skin Horse. "You become. It takes a long time... Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair hos been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby."
Isn't that the perfect description of a long, faithful marriage? On a wedding day, everything is pristine. The dress is white, the suits ore sharp, and the vows ore brand new. But the true beauty of marriage - the "Real" part — happens in the decades that follow.
Marriage is the process of becoming "Real" together. It's about being loved so deeply and so consistently through the highs and lows that you start to show a bit of wear and tear. You weather the storms of life, the sleepless nights, the stresses of moves and the simple passage of time.
And, if I'm being honest, I think my own husband, Chris, must be incredibly "Real" and very much loved! If the Skin Horse is right, and becoming Real means your hair gets "loved off," then Chris is a walking testament to a life of devotion. His hair has certainly become a bit, ahem, ... sparse... over the years! I like to think it's just the physical evidence of being cherished for a long time!
We pray that our wedding couples will embrace the "shabbiness" that comes with a life fully shared — knowing that when bits start to drop off and the joints get a little loose, it's simply because they have been truly, deeply, and unconditionally loved.
Revd Karen
June 2026
I hope you all had a truly blessed and joyful Easter. Reflecting on our time together across the benefice, my heart is full. From the solemnity of our Holy Week services to the sheer, unadulterated chaos of the Sheep Treasure Hunt and Easter Egg hunts, it was a season to remember. Seeing so many families and children filling our pews, with Chris and I sporting the obligatory (and highly stylish) bunny ears! Events like these don't just "happen", and I want to extend a massive thank you to every single person who volunteered their time and energy. You made our Easter celebrations across the four churches feel incredibly special.
Once the whirlwind subsided, Chris and I managed a couple of days away, followed by some quiet time at home with the girls. Now, I'll be the first to admit: I am not very good at sitting still. I find it a genuine challenge to truly switch off and relax but I did manage to spend some time pottering in the garden, dreaming of summer blooms. Looking ahead, May is shaping up to be just as vibrant. We have some wonderful events coming up that I'd love for you to support. More about what is happening across our churches can be found in the May Edition of What's On.
As the days lengthen, I find myself filled with a renewed sense of optimism. I feel a fresh energy for the ministry God has called me to here, moving forward with a real "spring" in my step.
Speaking of steps... many of you know about my affinity for Crocs. I know they are a bit like Marmite - you either love them or you really, really don't - but for my arthritic toe joints, they are a godsend. The days of high heels are a distant, torturous memory! I look longingly in shoe shop windows at the towering heels and give myself a stiff talking to. I would certainly constitute a medical emergency if I dared to try and totter a few steps in them. My poor toes would be screaming for mercy.
I have realised, with some joy, that as long as I am upright, functional, doing my best and maybe even dressed in something vaguely matching I am winning at life. The rest I leave to the generous love of Christ and caffeine.
I've recently expanded the collection to include a sparkly lilac pair (to match the gold ones) and a risky pair of white ones - though I'm told they are dishwasher safe, so wish me luck! I've even gathered some new Jibbitz (those little pop-in charms) for a very special upcoming wedding. My size eights might not be the height of glamour, but they allow me to stride across the benefice pain-free. My trusty black pair, adorned with "Rev" in charms, has already covered many miles, helping me get out and do what I love most, to meet you all exactly where you are.
Whatever your May holds, i hope it is a month of growth, sunshine, and many blessings. I look forward to seeing you out and about - look for the new sparkles on my feet!
With every blessing,
Revd Karen
May 2026
Dear Haven Churches Family,
As the shadows of Lent begin to lengthen and we turn our hearts toward the dawn of Easter, I find myself reflecting on the journey we have shared. This season is the heartbeat of our faith—the most significant moment in our church calendar—where we move from the profound solemnity of the cross to the radiant joy of the empty tomb.
Reflecting on Immense Love
At the centre of our Easter celebration is a love so vast it defies human measure. We see this love in Jesus’ willingness to lay down his life for each of us. It was not a distant, abstract sacrifice, but a personal act of devotion intended to bridge the gap between heaven and earth.
To help us sit with this mystery, I encourage you to visit the Haven Churches Website. There, you will find our Holy Week reflections, which are rooted in the ‘Draw Near’ booklet from our recent Lent Course. May these words provide a space for quiet contemplation as we follow the path to Calvary.
A Community of Service and Celebration
Looking back on these past weeks, my heart is full. Our Lent Lunches were a resounding success, and the sense of fellowship in the room was palpable.
- A heartfelt thank you to everyone who came along, to those who donated so generously, and especially to the volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make these events so wonderful.
We are also blessed by the energy of our local schools. It is a joy to see the Easter story through the eyes of our young people:
- Nettlestone School: On March 26th, the Year 6 children led their own service based on the Resurrection. Their leadership and insight are a gift to us all.
- St Helen’s School: We recently enjoyed a marvellous assembly, complete with the wonderful blessing of the quail chicks—a perfect, fragile symbol of new life and God’s hand in creation.
Drawing Near Together
My deepest hope this year is that we, as a community, will draw nearer to God. We have curated a breadth of services designed to meet you wherever you are on your spiritual journey. Whether you find God in the quiet or the quirky, there is a place for you:
- The Sunrise Service at St Helen’s: Witnessing the light break over the horizon as we proclaim "He is Risen".
- The Sheep Treasure Hunt in Seaview: A joyful way for families to engage with the season.
- Traditional Services: Found throughout our parishes, honouring the depth of our liturgy.
Easter is the fulfilment of a promise—a promise of life eternal and a love that never lets us go. My prayer for each of you is that you feel the warmth of Christ’s presence this season. May the reality of the Resurrection settle in your hearts, bringing you peace, hope, and renewed purpose.
Let us celebrate together. Let us draw near to Him.
With every blessing,
Revd Karen
Easter 2026
Warm Welcome from the Vicarage.
The view from my window this morning is quite the comedy act. As I sit here writing to you, our cat Dibley (with a name like that, he really had no choice but to be a character!) is currently stalking imaginary prey in the garden. He’s just given me a proper chuckle; he misjudged a leap into a particularly thick patch of ornamental grass and vanished entirely for a second. Emerging a bit ruffled, he's now ‘styling it out’ - walking away with that exaggerated feline dignity that says, ‘I absolutely meant to do that'. Dibley’s antics are a gentle reminder of the joy and new life that April brings to the Haven Churches. As the garden wakes up, we find ourselves entering the most significant season of the Christian year: Easter.
Easter is the cornerstone of our faith, It is the moment we celebrate the Resurrection - the promise that light overcomes darkness and that hope is never lost. Whether you are a lifelong member of our congregations or have never stepped through our doors before, please know that you are welcome here. Easter is a story for everyone, and our doors are open to all who wish to share in this season of renewal. All our service times are listed on this website, and we truly look forward to seeing some new faces alongside the familiar ones.
We have a wonderful array of activities planned across our villages to celebrate the season:
Seaview: Join us for our whimsical Sheep Treasure Hunt.
Brading: Get your searching eyes ready for the Egg Hunt.
St Helens: We have both an Egg Hunt and the Decorated Easter Basket Competition.
For those who don't mind an early start, I invite You to join us at the crack of dawn for our Sunrise Service at St Helens Old Church on Easter Day. There is something profoundly moving about watching the sun crest the horizon as we celebrate the feast of the Resurrection together.
Once the Easter bells have fallen silent, Chris and I are hoping to snatch a few days of rest. As many of you know, our schedules often mean we are like ‘ships in the night’ - he arrives home from work just as I’m heading out for evening meetings or pastoral visits. It will be such a treat to simply be in the same place at the same time for a few days!
We plan to head to the coast with ‘the girls', Marnie and Willow. While I am still debating whether I’m brave enough to dip my toes back into the sea (it’s still a bit brisk for me!), the girls have no such hesitation. Once they're in the water, it’s a battle to get them out!
We’re also hoping for a beach picnic. For me, a picnic isn't quite right without a hard-boiled egg - that unmistakable scent as you unwrap it is pure childhood nostalgia. Of course, we’ll have a flask of hot coffee for us, and a supply of cooked sausages for the dogs so they don't feel left out of the feast.
Looking slightly further ahead into April and May, we will be holding our APCMs (Annual Parochial Church Meetings). This is the time when we look for volunteers to join our PCCs (Parochial Church Councils).
I often describe the PCC as the ‘engine’ of the church. While much of the work happens unseen, it is vital. These dedicated teams ensure that our buildings stay open and welcoming, and that we can continue to provide the weddings, funerals, and christenings that sit at the heart of our community.
A note on volunteering: being on the PCC is not an onerous task, but it is a crucial one. We are always looking for new perspectives. As the saying goes, ‘many hands make light work’, and spreading the load ensures our church remains a vibrant, functional space for everyone.
If you’re curious about what’s involved, or feel a nudge to help out in any capacity - big or small - please do let me know. I am constantly mindful that it takes a whole team of dedicated volunteers to keep the Haven Churches sailing smoothly.
Wishing you all a blessed, joyful, and perhaps slightly ‘daft’ April (courtesy of Dibley).
With every blessing,
Revd Karen
April 2026
As we turn the corner into February, the pace of the year seems to shift. We move from the celebration of Epiphany into a season of deeper reflection.
Shrove Tuesday falls on 17th February, followed immediately by Ash Wednesday on 18th February. It is a rhythm of ‘feasting and fasting’ that has guided the Church for centuries.
Pancake Day is the last hurrah! You might know it as Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Day. Historically, this was the day to ‘shrive’ (confess) and to clear the cupboards of rich foods like eggs, sugar, and fats before the 40-day fast of Lent. Traditionally we enjoy our pancakes and lemon on the 17th.
Is it just me, or does the arrival of February always feel like a high-stakes culinary transition? We go from the dizzying heights of sugar-laden batter to the sobering reality of ‘remember you are dust’ in exactly twenty-four hours.
The Great Vicarage Flip-Off... In the Vicarage, Shrove Tuesday is a marathon, not a sprint. My ritual involves mixing a vat of batter large enough to coat a small car and standing over the stove until Chris finally admits defeat. It is a battle of wills: my arm’s flipping stamina versus Chris’s appetite.
I know some of you are traditionalists, sticking to a modest squeeze of lemon and a dusting of sugar. But why stop there? We live in an age of culinary enlightenment! I suspect some of you are secretly hiding chocolate sauce, sprinkles, maple syrup, or even crispy bacon behind your kitchen doors. Go on - be exotic. It’s the last hurrah!
Of course, I don’t cook alone. I am closely supervised by ‘the girls’, Marnie and Willow. If you think a Vicar is immune to temptation, you haven’t seen two dogs wielding pleading chocolate-button eyes while I’m mid-flip. Naturally, a few morsels of pancake ‘accidentally’ fall their way. I’m only human, and those eyes are a spiritual trial in themselves.
Please be mindful of the Ten Commandments of the Frying Pan:
- Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s toppings, even if they have the fancy maple syrup and you only have a lowly lemon.
- Thou shalt honour the first pancake, for it is a sacrificial lamb and usually looks like a topographical map of the Moon.
- Thou shalt flip with ‘Accomplished Aplomb’, or at least with enough height to clear the extractor fan.
- Thou shalt not bear false witness about how many pancakes thou hast actually consumed.
- Thou shalt remember the ‘Dogs’ Tax’, for Marnie and Willow are watching, and their chocolate-button eyes see all.
- Thou shalt not use a cold pan, lest thy pancake become a sad, pale frisbee.
- Thou shalt experiment with bacon, for it is the path to culinary enlightenment.
- Thou shalt scrape the ceiling if the flip goes awry, for cleanliness is next to godliness.
- Thou shalt keep the batter flowing until your supply is exhausted or your family admits defeat.
- Thou shalt prepare thy heart for tomorrow, for once the last crumb is gone, the ashes beckon us to Lent.
Then we go from Syrup to Soot. The party ends promptly on Wednesday, 18th February, as we gather at St Mary’s and St Helen’s churches for our Ash Wednesday services (see the item in the February 2026 Edition of What's On for further details).
If Tuesday is for filling our stomachs, Wednesday is for checking our souls. We’ll be performing the ‘imposition of ashes’, where I smudge a charcoal cross on your forehead.
‘Why the messy forehead?’ you might ask. Well, it’s the ultimate reality check. When I say, ‘Remember that you are dust’, it’s a way of admitting we aren’t the centre of the universe. It’s a bit of a ‘spiritual exfoliation’ - stripping away the ego (and the maple syrup) to remember that we belong to God. We wear the cross of ashes because it’s a sign that even in our messiest, dustiest moments, we are claimed by Christ. We are clearing the decks, physically and spiritually, to make room for God.
This is one of the most poignant services of the year. It marks the start of Lent - a season of 40 days (mirroring Jesus’ time in the wilderness) where we examine our hearts, practise self-discipline, and prepare for the joy of the Resurrection.
Lent isn’t about being miserable; it’s about being honest. It’s an opportunity to strip away the distractions and noise of modern life to see what really matters.
Whether you are a regular at church, or haven't stepped through our doors in years, you are warmly invited to join us on 18th February. Come as you are - dust, ashes, and all.
The Haven Churches will be holding a Lent Course based upon the book of reflections, ‘Draw Near’, over four Wednesday evenings at 6.00 pm, starting on 25th February (see the item in the February 2026 Edition of What's On for further details).
Revd Karen
February 2026
Dear Friends
As you stand at the threshold of this New Year, may you feel the steady presence of the One who is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
May the hope of Christ be more than a distant wish for you; may it be an anchor for your soul, firm and secure. In the quiet coastal beauty of your parishes, may you hear the whisper of the Spirit promising that you are never alone.
As the calendar turns, may you be filled with:
❖ The Promise of Renewal: That in Christ, all things are being made new, and His mercies are fresh every morning.
❖ The Promise of Peace: A peace that surpasses all understanding, guarding your hearts and minds regardless of what the year brings
❖ The Promise of Purpose: The assurance that you are called by name to be a light in your community, reflecting the warmth of His love.
May the Haven Benefice truly be a haven - a place of safety, rest, and radical hospitality. May your churches be vibrant witnesses to the truth that the darkness has not overcome the Light.
"Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
(Matthew 28:20)
Wishing you a year filled with the grace, joy, and the unmistakable peace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Revd Karen
January 2026
