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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.
Ffald-y-Brenin Retreat
Ffald-y-Brenin Retreat
I write this pastoral letter from Ffald-y-Brenin, a Christian retreat centre and house of prayer nestled in the Preseli hills of West Wales.
The very name Ffald-y-Brenin, meaning ‘sheepfold of the king’, speaks to the heart of this place that provides rest and refreshment from life's demands.
As I sit here, I'm reminded of the vision given to Phyllida Mould that, ‘this would be a backwater where people may come to rest and recuperate, where they may find beauty, love and peace and where they go away refreshed and healed’.
That vision continues to shape the very essence of Ffald-y-Brenin today. Each day revolves around a rhythm of daily prayer, where you are invited to breathe in God's Spirit - to stop, rest, and be restored - and to breathe out His love, carrying His presence and blessing to others.
People have shared how they have encountered the Lord as they experienced refreshment, revelation, direction, and healing. I've certainly found this to be true for myself and I would like to encourage you to do the same as you find space in your day-to-day lives to seek that encounter with God. Let us be a people who not only receive God's blessings but also become channels of those blessings to others as we are called to lives centered on the presence of God where we are continually being restored and sent out to bless the world around us.
May we all experience God's presence, both in the quiet moments and in the midst of our daily lives.
With love and blessings, Revd Nigel Moat.
Rev Nigel's Sermon Snippet
Rev Nigel's Sermon Snippet
John 10.22-30 - Navigating Through our Season of APCMs
John 10.22-30 - Navigating Through our Season of APCMs
As we navigate through our season of APCMs, the passage from John 10:22-30 resonates deeply with us all. Set during the Feast of Dedication, a winter scene in Jerusalem, we find Jesus facing persistent questioning: "If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly."
We often seek definitive answers and tangible proof. Yet Jesus responds by pointing to his works and his actions as testimony. "I did tell you," he says, "but you do not believe." He then shifts focus to his relationship with his followers: "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me."
This image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd is powerful. It's not one of distance or detachment. He knows us intimately. He calls us by name. And most importantly, his sheep recognize his voice. Are we listening for that voice amidst the noise of the world? Are we actively seeking his guidance in our daily lives?
This passage reminds us that being Christ's sheep requires discernment and obedience. We are called to engage with scripture, to recognize his voice in God's word. And our obedience stems from adhering to that word. As we navigate life's decisions, big and small, we must ask ourselves: are we truly listening for the Shepherd's voice? Are we following his lead?
Just as Jesus and the Father are one, we are called to unity, to a shared purpose. May we approach our interactions with grace, humility, and a collective desire to serve as one flock, guided by the voice of our Good Shepherd.
News and Events
News and Events
For all our latest news and events, please see our News and Events page which is regularly updated.
You can also catch up on all the latest information in our monthly newsletter. Click the button below to see the latest edition.
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.
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.
Bexwell Online Services
Bexwell Online Services
Some of our services from Bexwell can be found online. Everyone is more than welcome to join us. Please see the calendar for the online services - the zoom link and Meeting ID's can be found in the calendar entries for each. If you have any problems accessing the zoom service please drop as a line by contacting is using this online form.
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.
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