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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.
Sermon Blog
Sermon Blog
The Abundant Harvest
The Abundant Harvest
As we journey through autumn and look across our countryside, we see the tangible evidence of a gathered harvest. The crops are safely in storage, and the fruits of hard labour are visible all around our agricultural community. It is right and natural to give thanks for the harvest that sustains our daily lives. Yet, the biblical witness - especially as we turn to 2 Corinthians 9 - reminds us that harvest is ultimately much more than celebrating a good crop of the earth. It provides a powerful picture of our spiritual journey.
Paul lays down a timeless principle: Whoever sows sparingly will reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will reap generously. Generosity is not merely an expense or a reluctant duty; it is an active investment in God’s kingdom. Just as seeds stored in a barn produce nothing, our spiritual vitality, joy, and impact reflect the generosity we put into practice. God delights in cheerful givers, and His grace operates on an entirely different scale from human wisdom.
Human logic tells us to hold tightly to what we possess, fearing that sharing will leave us with less. Spiritual wisdom, however, reveals that what we offer in faith is multiplied. When we give joyfully, meet practical needs, and share our resources, we make the love of Jesus visible to a world searching for hope.
This practical expression of faith extends far beyond financial stewardship. It encompasses our daily posture: how we offer grace to a neighbour in distress, how we extend difficult forgiveness, and how we share Christ's hope. When we cultivate open-handed living, we dismantle the anxiety of self-sufficiency and trust in the God who supplies seed to the sower and increases the harvest of our righteousness.
Harvest is ultimately about the state of our hearts. Let us sow generously, trust God’s endless provision, and live as everyday agents of His grace.
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.
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