Benefice Blog 2025
Dear reader, the time I had set aside for writing this has been rather abruptly interrupted by my little dog, Willow the Pug. She just trotted into my office after what I can only surmise was a rather enthusiastic roll in fox excrement. A rapid bath with strong shampoo and a generous spritz of doggy perfume have ensued, and the office windows are now wide open in an attempt to ventilate. To say she was overwhelmingly malodorous would be a significant understatement; my sinuses have certainly been decongested! I think that the word I used to her was ‘Stinky’!
We have two resident foxes who are regular visitors to the garden at dusk, where they feast on worms and partake in the cat’s snacks and water. I even receive a distinctly displeased glare from one of them if the cat’s snack bowl happens to be empty.
It’s already been over six months since Chris and I moved to the Island and I began my new ministry here. These past six months have truly sped by. I’ve always believed God has a sense of humour, and while I don’t think this move was a divine joke, my carefully considered plan for the initial six months at the Haven churches... That initial plan of mine seemed to perfectly illustrate Allen Saunders’ 1957 observation (not John Lennon’s), ‘Life is what happens when you’re making other plans.’ His words underscore how unforeseen events and shifts can derail our intentions, often leading to richer experiences than we could have envisioned. I can almost picture God having a good chuckle and shaking his head at my meticulously laid-out schedule. It seems His plan for my first six months was to direct my ministry towards the actual needs, rather than my preconceived notions. My personal motto had been ‘observe for six months before suggesting any changes to see how things are.’ Clearly, God’s timeline was considerably more accelerated!
As the Vicar of four churches in a multi-church benefice, I often find myself navigating a delicate balancing act. One of the key lessons I’ve learned over the years is the simple yet profound truth that I cannot be omnipresent. Despite my desire to be everywhere at once, it’s simply not feasible, a reality that both I and my parishioners must continually acknowledge. I often think of it as having four beloved children, each equally dear to me. Just as with children, sometimes one church requires more focused attention and support during a particular period. In those moments, my energies need to be temporarily directed towards that specific community to help them through their needs.
I maintain an ‘open’ Vicarage policy, which means that whenever I am home and available, parishioners are warmly invited to drop by for a cup of tea and a chat. Whether they wish to discuss their concerns, explore their faith, or simply talk about anything they feel the Vicar might be able to offer guidance on, my door is open. I strive to create a safe and welcoming space where parishioners can come to me directly.
One of the delightful aspects of serving a multi-church benefice is the wonderful variety it brings; no two days ever unfold in the same way. Yesterday, for instance, I led the Prayer Circle at St Peter's Church, followed by returning home to write a sermon. Then came a meeting with one of my candidates for Ordination training (in my role as an Assistant Diocesan Director of Ordinands), responding to a flurry of emails, and making arrangements for both a wedding blessing and a Christening. The day culminated in hosting a meeting with my churchwardens. In the midst of all this activity, Chris and I completely overlooked the approach of dinnertime and ended up preparing fish and chips rather late, around 8 pm. I truly appreciate this unpredictable nature of my work, where unexpected events frequently weave their way into the day’s tapestry. Consequently, my mental list of things to thank God for at the end of each day is invariably extensive!
Throughout the day, there’s a constant stream of emails and phone calls requiring responses, or messages needing to be returned. Chris is an incredible source of patience and unwavering support for my ministry. It’s a common occurrence for me to be engrossed in work in my office, only to have a comforting cup of tea quietly appear before me, courtesy of his thoughtfulness.
The busyness of life is offset by my time in the garden, a vital element in maintaining my work-life balance. Chris, who professes to dislike gardening and does not enjoy it, can be encouraged to take a trip to the garden centre with me. Here, I am growing, amongst other plants, Sweet Peas (my absolute favourite), along with roses and tomatoes. There’s a profound satisfaction in feeling the earth between my fingers and witnessing the miracle of growth from a tiny seed – it truly grounds me. The garden also provides a peaceful sanctuary for reflection, moments I cherish as my personal ‘nod with God’, a lovely expression I learned from a friend’s vicar father. The fresh air and the simple act of being present quiet the internal noise and offer a true balm for my soul.
Growing up with a builder for a dad meant power tools were part of my life from an early age. I can also build a good brick wall but that’s another story... There’s a real satisfaction I get from using them, and nothing beats the feeling of tackling the garden with my strimmer or hedge trimmer. I do have to watch myself, though, as my enthusiasm can sometimes lead to a rather drastic pruning of the shrubs and hedges!
A recent joy in my life is the addition of a small patio pond. I’ve even installed a little solar fountain, affectionately named ‘Squirty’. However, poor old Squirty is currently struggling to operate effectively, a situation not helped by the dogs using the pond as their personal water bowl or the local pigeons treating it as a public bath! I had initially intended to introduce fish to the pond, but I can already imagine God's amusement at that particular aspiration...
As we look ahead with hope and faith into the coming six months and beyond, I want to reaffirm that my purpose here, echoing the words of Jesus, is ‘not to be served but to serve.’ It is a true privilege to serve the Haven churches. In doing so, I constantly seek to discern God’s will for these churches and their surrounding communities, and I approach this service always from a foundation of love. Please be assured of my ongoing time, my unwavering dedication, and my heartfelt care as your shepherd within the Haven churches.
Revd Karen
June 2025
This May, we reach the 80th anniversary of VE Day, a date that resonates deeply. The churches in the Haven Benefice will be marking this significant occasion, and I will be with the congregation of St Peter's in Seaview.
On VE Day itself, at 6.00 pm, there will be a Service of Remembrance in the quiet space of the church memorial garden. Then, on Sunday, 11th May, we will gather again at 11.00am for a special service of remembrance.
For me, the act of remembering those who gave their lives, the ultimate sacrifice, has always been deeply ingrained. Growing up with parents who were a little older, I was surrounded by relatives who had served: my Dad was in the Army, as was his younger brother.
I remember hearing that Dad's older brother was among the first to witness the horrors of Bergen-Belsen in April 1945. Two other uncles followed their father into the Royal Navy, and my Aunt Phyl was in the WRNS.
My great aunt's story is particularly poignant; she and her Belgian husband were both interned in separate camps, enduring the anguish of not knowing if the other was alive until the Red Cross brought them back together.
What struck me most was how little they spoke of what they endured. They all carried the weight of knowing those who had lost so much. VE Day remains a vital time for us to pause, to remember the fallen, and to reflect on the end of World War II.
Brace yourselves... May will see the Haven churches ministry team diving into Christmas planning. That’s right – we’re getting a head start, complete with Christmas jumpers and mulled wine to fuel our festive brainstorming for our services and events. I like to get the initial planning done in plenty of time.
May brings with it the anticipated arrival of the wedding season, highlighted by the upcoming marriage of Dominic and Hattie at St Helen's Church. This occasion is particularly special as Dominic is the son of our own Elizabeth Chandler, and St Helen's holds deep significance for their family, serving as their cherished 'family' church. It will be a joy and a privilege to join the couple in holy matrimony.
Speaking of occasional services, the Haven churches will hold three Christenings during May. These are significant moments as we joyfully welcome new pilgrims to the Christian faith, alongside their families and godparents. I will Christen each child using the same shell (to scoop up the water) that I have had since I was ordained a Priest. A shell is a symbol of Christian pilgrimage, and I keep a list of all those whom I have Christened with it so that I can pray for them. Praise God, my prayer list gets longer each year!
At the Vicarage, work continues on the garden, and we are just starting to develop a small orchard of fruit trees. It is a very small orchard at the moment, but I have grander plans! I have also planted gooseberry bushes in the hope that we will have enough fruit for at least one crumble! The garden is a haven for wildlife, and we now have a male pheasant and his three ‘wives’ visiting us daily, as well as a fox. I'm not so sure about the fox, as we have two cats, but they seem to co-exist happily enough, with the fox helping himself to the cats’ bowl of snacks!
Whatever May brings to you , may it be blessed.
Revd Karen
May 2025
Easter, a cornerstone of the Christian faith, transcends a simple springtime celebration. It’s a complex tapestry of religious significance, cultural traditions, and deeply personal meaning, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, as described in the New Testament.
At its heart, Easter represents the triumph of life over death, good over evil, and hope over despair. For Christians, the resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate affirmation of his divinity and the promise of eternal life. It signifies the fulfilment of prophecies and the establishment of a new covenant, offering salvation and redemption to those who believe. This central tenet of Christianity provides a foundation for faith, inspiring believers to lead lives of love, forgiveness, and service.
Beyond its religious core, Easter has woven itself into the fabric of cultural traditions across the globe. The springtime setting, with its blossoming flowers and renewed sense of vitality, naturally complements the theme of rebirth and renewal. From vibrant Easter eggs, symbolising new life and the empty tomb, to traditional Easter meals shared with family and friends, these customs serve as tangible expressions of the season's joy and celebration.
The symbolism of Easter extends beyond the purely religious. The idea of overcoming adversity and emerging stronger resonates with people of all backgrounds. The themes of hope and renewal offer a powerful message of resilience, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, there is always the possibility of new beginnings.
Furthermore, Easter provides an opportunity for reflection and introspection. It encourages us to contemplate the deeper meaning of life, to examine our own beliefs, and to strive for personal growth. The period leading up to Easter, known as Lent, is often marked by fasting, prayer, and acts of charity, serving as a time for spiritual preparation and self-examination.
In a world often marked by uncertainty and strife, Easter offers a beacon of hope, and a reminder of the enduring power of love and faith.
It’s a celebration of life, renewal, and the promise of a brighter future, a message that continues to resonate across cultures and generations. Whether observed through religious rituals, cultural traditions, or personal reflection, the significance of Easter remains a powerful and enduring force.
This will be our first spring here, and the Vicar’s view into the garden from my study is changing all of the time, as trees and shrubs put on their spring garb.
When I get the time I like to sit with a cup of Earl Grey on the garden bench, along with ‘the girls’, and just soak up the sights and sounds. I’ve bought myself some pastel pencils and a drawing pad to try and capture some of nature on paper. I was inspired after attending Eco Church at St Helen’s last month, where an opportunity to paint and draw was offered. I drew a snowdrop but it ended up looking like the cartoon character Deputy Dawg! I am certainly no Claude Monet, but I’m going to try something new.
Spring has well and truly made me come over all poetical as well....!
God’s creation has well and truly awoken from its slumbers and is bursting into life. The world exhales, a soft, green sigh.
After winter’s stark canvas, spring paints with a delicate hand. Tiny buds, clenched fists of potential, unfurl into blossoms, a riot of pastel pinks, creamy whites, and sunshine yellows. The air, once sharp and biting, softens, carrying the sweet scent of damp earth and burgeoning life. Birdsong, a chorus of returning melodies, fills the mornings, a vibrant counterpoint to the gentle hum of bees. Sunlight, no longer a fleeting visitor, lingers, warming skin and coaxing forth the vibrant green of new leaves. A gentle breeze whispers through emerging foliage, a promise of warmer days and longer evenings. Spring is a fragile, fleeting beauty, a reminder of renewal, a whisper of hope carried on the wings of a butterfly.
I do hope and pray that church will be part of your Easter tradition, and a warm welcome awaits in all of our churches. All of our services and events across the benefice are advertised in this magazine. There is a great breadth and depth of choice, and heartfelt thanks goes to our volunteers who help at this very busy time of year.
May I take this opportunity to wish you and those you love a Blessed Easter.
Revd Karen
April 2025
It only seems like yesterday that I was writing about Christmas and here we are with Lent hoving on to the horizon!
Lent begins on Wednesday March 5th this year and ends on Thursday 17th April. Lent is the 40 days (not including Sundays) from Ash Wednesday to the Saturday before Easter
Lent is often described as a time of preparation and an opportunity to go deeper with God. This means that it’s a time for personal reflection that prepares people’s hearts and minds for Good Friday and Easter.
Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent. You may have noticed people with a smudged, black cross on their foreheads. Those are ashes from the Ash Wednesday service. The ashes symbolise our sadness for the things that we have done wrong or that we are not proud of.
Let’s go back a day, though, and not forget Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday. Pancake Day is the nickname for Shrove Tuesday, which is a day when many people eat pancakes.
The tradition of eating pancakes on Shrove Tuesday may have originated in Olney, Buckinghamshire, in 1445. The story goes that a woman was so busy making pancakes that she ran to church for a Shrove Tuesday mass while still carrying her pancake in the pan. The tradition may have come about because people were using up rich ingredients like eggs, flour, and milk before the 40 days of Lent.
Pancakes on Shrove Tuesday was always a tradition in our house, and Chris and I continue that tradition. We are also very traditional in that we have sugar and lemon juice on ours, just as we did as children.
My Mum had a tiny china milk jug covered in painted rosebuds that I was allowed to use to pour lemon juice over my sugary pancakes when I was little. It was light enough for me to pick up and it had belonged to my beloved Nanna. I inherited it and have since collected the rest of the tea service that would have gone with it. The pretty little milk jug still comes out every Shrove Tuesday and is a treasured possession.
Writing about my Nanna reminds me that she was in Service. She was born in 1896 and after leaving school (her father had died whilst working on the railways in Northumberland) she went in to Service at 13.
During the Middle Ages, the custom developed of allowing people who had moved away from where they grew up to come back to visit their home or ‘mother’ churches, and their mothers, on the fourth Sunday of the Christian festival of Lent.
At the time it wasn't uncommon for children to leave home to work when they were as young as 10 years old, so this was an opportunity for families to meet up again. This became Mothering Sunday in Britain.
Those in Service were given the day off to visit home and to go to church in their ‘mother’ churches. On Mothering Sunday I often think of my Nanna and her family (she was one of 11 children) all coming together again in Alnmouth.
The discipline of being in Service never left my Nanna and she had a special ‘gopher’ iron (that looked like a pair of hair tongs) to iron the frills of Oxford pillowcases. Denim jeans were ‘workmen’s overalls’, and she was very particular about how things were to be done. Her work ethic was incredible. She was widowed in 1939 and brought my Mum up alone.
I adored her and always remember that she rarely wore long sleeves as they got in the way of her housework! Her arms and hands were work worn and I always thought looked strong. I was her first grandchild and we spent a lot of time together. Those hands could heave loads of washing in and out of a twin tub but hold mine with such gentleness.
It’s funny the memories that stick in our minds; Nanna kept a washboard in her bath tub and loved to watch Mick McManus on the Saturday evening wrestling programme!
Mothering Sunday will be celebrated in St Peter’s Church on Sunday 30th March at 10.00 am, and all are welcome to join us. This will be a benefice service, when all of our churches join together to worship.
I am very conscious that Mothering Sunday is not always an easy day for some. It may, for many different reasons, be a day that is difficult or impossible to celebrate. Please know that you are being upheld in prayer.
Please do keep an eye on the Haven Churches website www.havenchurches.org.uk for updates on the services and events that are being planned for Holy Week and Easter across all of our churches. There will be plenty of services and events that are family friendly, as well as our offering of more traditional services.
Whatever March brings for you may it be blessed.
Revd Karen
March 2025
Christmas seems as if it is in the dim and distant past now. However, the fairy lights are still up in the Vicarage because it is not yet Candlemas and the Christmas season is not yet over!
This Christian festival, which takes place this year on 2nd February, commemorates the presentation of Jesus at the Temple of Jerusalem, referring to him as the light of the people of Israel. On this day, Christians take candles to be blessed in church and the new church candles are also blessed.
I do love still having some twinkling lights around the Vicarage in the darker months of the year.
I have the blessing of my study having a wonderful view of our garden from three windows. I have put up my bird table so that I can see it from my desk, and I am also awaiting the delivery of a rather fancy new bird feeding station.
The garden is next to the Eco Gold Award winning churchyard of St Helen’s church. I would recommend to you a visit to the churchyard (it’s available for all to enjoy), relishing the peace and tranquility as well as the labyrinth to walk around and the pond to enjoy. There is an abundance of wildlife, and there is always something new to look at.
It is a very special place which takes a lot of work to maintain and to retain its Gold Award. Thankfully we have a dedicated team who ensure that the churchyard is not only a sanctuary for wildlife but a place where people can come and visit the graves of their loved ones in beautiful surroundings. As you can imagine, this does take money as well as time and expertise to maintain.
Many of the birds pop over the fence to make use of my bird table, which is a joy and a distraction to my work! I have also installed a bird box, a squirrel feeder (they are elusive little creatures!) and a hedgehog hotel. The more the merrier is our motto where nature is concerned! I found the hoof prints of a deer in the muddier parts of the garden this morning, which is very exciting!
I have been taking time to attend meetings of local organisations since Christmas and have been asked to become an ex officio governor of Brading School. I have had the pleasure to meet with The Friends of St Helen’s, The Nettlestone and Seaview Community Partnership and plan to meet others as the next few weeks unfold. Part of my role is not only to minister here by leading services, but to engage with the communities and to work alongside them. ‘Feet on the Ground’ is important to me.
Having four churches and their communities to look after is about balance. It is important that all four churches feel as if they have their own Vicar, and being a visible presence in the communities goes some way to achieving this. Naturally there are going to be times when one church will need more of my time and energy than the others.
We have a wonderful team of lay worship leaders in the benefice, and we have also been meeting to talk about what and how our services and events will look like this year. They have some great ideas, so look on the church noticeboards, the Haven churches website, and pew sheets for news of what is coming up.
I have had the pleasure of meeting with the choir leaders from St Peter’s church to talk about how they will play an integral part in ministry this year. It was a very congenial meeting over food and dry Martinis!
Children and young people have always played a large part in my ministry, and I have been praying as to how we can engage them more with our churches. There are conversations to be had and plans to devise but it is definitely on the Haven churches’ radar.
We hope to hold Confirmation classes this year, and our Curate, Revd Bev, is keen to get a group together and to make a start. If you have been considering your next step in faith and would like a chat about becoming Confirmed, please do speak to Revd Bev or myself.
We are blessed to have a great magazine, website and pew sheets, which keep everyone informed of what is happening in the Haven churches. A huge thanks to all who put these together and keep them going. I have never lived and ministered in a place where there is so much going on! I would like to take some time to visit more local groups and to find out what is happening in the communities. There are so many of them it may take me a while, but ‘have comfy shoes will travel’...
Over time I hope to become more familiar with the people I am meeting as I get out and about. I have met so many people in the short time I have been here it is not unusual to draw a blank over a name! I do apologise, and please do introduce yourself if you see me out and about.
Whatever the month of February brings I pray that it is blessed.
Revd Karen
February 2025
We would like to thank everyone who has supported the Bell Restoration Appeal over the last year.
We are now gearing up for a new year of fund-raising and this starts with our 8 Bell Club.
If you would like to renew your membership or join for the first time please contact Margaret at Brading or Yaverland after the services or email Marghanita at bradingbells(at)hotmail(dot)com.
It costs just £12 per ticket for 12 months and each month your number(s) get entered into the draw where you could win either £15, £10 or £5.
All the profits are for the Bell Restoration Appeal.
Brading Bellringers
January 2025
