Embedded Files
Welcome to the Ouse Valley Benefice
Welcome to the Ouse Valley Benefice
Welcome to the Ouse Valley Benefice - a group of Churches in West Norfolk that are part of the Diocese of Ely. The Benefice comprises seven rural villages and their churches in or close to the Norfolk fens: Bexwell, Crimplesham, Denver, Hilgay, Ryston, Southery, and Ten Mile Bank. The Benefice came into existence in January 2022 succeeding several earlier groupings to make more coherent geographical sense.
Sermon Blog
Sermon Blog
Doing a Few Things Well
Doing a Few Things Well
In a world that constantly demands we run faster, do more, and pack our schedules to the brim, we often measure success by our busyness. This pressure affects not only our personal lives but also our churches, leading us to believe that the solution to any challenge is simply to increase our activities. However, this frantic pace risks burning us out individually and collectively.
The Healthy Churches Handbook offers a refreshing, counter-cultural alternative: healthy churches are characterized not by constant activity, but by doing a few core things exceptionally well. This quality-over-quantity approach invites us to trade the heavy burden of institutional exhaustion for a focused, intentional life centered on Christ. When we stop frantically trying to achieve and impress, a deep sense of joy returns to our fellowship and shared work.
We see this illustrated beautifully in the gospel story of Mary and Martha. While Martha was distracted and stressed by her extensive hospitality preparations, Mary chose to sit at Jesus' feet. Jesus reminded Martha that only a few things—indeed, only one—are truly necessary. When we put Jesus at the center of everything we do, whether it is our Sunday worship, coffee mornings, or parish social events, we align ourselves with that one necessary focus.
By stepping out of the kitchen of constant striving and choosing to sit at the feet of Christ, we allow Him to take the lead, to prune us, and to direct our paths. Jesus offers us an easy yoke and a light burden, promising rest for our weary souls. Let us dedicate ourselves to doing the right things with warmth, quality, and love.
Rolling Notices
Rolling Notices
Parish Giving
Parish Giving
We are in the process of setting up Parish Giving for each of our churches. This scheme enables people to set up regular giving or make a one-off donation. The advantage of using this scheme is that gift-aid is automatically claimed on our behalf and all of the money that you donate (including the gift-aid) is passed directly onto the church. There are no administration costs involved (except for one off donations).
Baptisms, Wedding and Funerals.
Baptisms, Wedding and Funerals.
If you would like to arrange a baptism, wedding or funeral in any of our churches, please see out Life Events pages. There you will find more information about how these can be arranged. For baptisms we would like to point you in the direction of our baptism coordinator who will guide you through the process. For weddings, your first point of call would be our Vicar, the Revd Nigel Moat. Funerals would normally be arranged via your chosen funeral director - but equally, you can contact Revd Nigel directly if you would like more information.
Deepening Your Relationship with Jesus
Deepening Your Relationship with Jesus
You will find some links below to various resources that you might use to deepen your relationship with Jesus. If you would like to suggest some other resources please let us know!
A free bible app that is available online and on your smart phone.
Pray consistently for the people and causes you care about.
The daily prayer app from the Church of England.
Connect with God with the new Everyday Faith app. Journey daily with reflections to inspire, equip and encourage you in your everyday faith.
A free daily devotional with Bible teachings.
If you would like a copy of the Our Daily Bread bible notes, please complete this form.
Weekly Church of England Online Service
Weekly Church of England Online Service
Do you know someone who is unable to get to church?
If so, why not point them in the direction of the weekly online service from the Church of England. They can sign up to a weekly mailing with details of the service and watch each of the services online. Click the button below for more details and to sign up.
Daily Prayer from the Church of England
Daily Prayer from the Church of England
You can catch up with the Church of England daily prayer here.
Page updated
Report abuse