Our new noticeboard is the gift of Bulphan-in-Bloom (B-i-B) in memory of the late Alan Cox, who tirelessly supported both B-i-B and St Mary’s, always mowing grass. Alan lived on the opposite corner from the church and said that he was privileged to have the best view in Bulphan and the least he could do is help to keep it looking its best.

The black noticeboard that this replaced was decades old and had been manufactured by Ron Porter’s father. But time had taken its toll and much of it was held together with injected resin. Its time had come.

The new noticeboard was fixed into place by a team from Bulphan: Rod, Graham, Frank, Reverend Sue (placing the concrete), and Ron ( mostly behind the lens).

The Easter Sunday service at Bulphan, as well as being a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, marked the point at which 8 young people from the Benefice took part in their first Holy Communion. The children met at with Rev Sue Mann at the Rectory, to prepare for this.. Through some fun activities and discussion, they learned about the different parts of the service of Holy Communion and why we receive the bread and wine at church. and we look forward to seeing them at future services. The children received a certificate, a candle and other things including an invitation to join the Youth HUB.

After the service there was a traditional Easter Egg Hunt and the usual marvellous spread laid on by Traudi in the Parish Room, including Hot Cross Buns and a Simnel Cake.

On Good Friday, a Walk of Witness and Stations of the Cross workshop took place in Bulphan. Members from all 3 Anglican churches in the Benefice and from the Zion Chapel in Bulphan took part.

Bulphan residents saw the large wooden cross being carried throughthe village and short ceremonies taking place at Bulphan School, the Zion Chapel, the Community Cafe and the far end of the Recreation Ground. Cafe customers took part and sung When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.

The walking group returned to the Parish Room,to join those who had taken part in some artistic interpretations of the Stations of the Cross, and all enjoyed some Hot Cross Buns.

The theme for this session was based on the story of the woman who was going to be stoned for committing adultery and Jesus being tested while he wrote in the sand followed by his question to the gathering crowd of “Let the one who is without sin cast the first stone”.   This effectively gave the woman a second chance, as those preparing to do the stoning left.

The children did several activities ; they gave things a second chance recycling tins and cups and making them into desk-tidies ; they decorated biscuits with emoji faces to show the emotions of those at the stoning; wrote messages in the sand about Jesus’ thoughts and made woollen bracelets for a friend to express love for each other and the love of God. They also did the Big God Question – which has been used at all Messy Church sessions.

A successful event with 8 teams including one from the Youth HUB.

The winning team on the night had two members who had birthdays that day, so a good night for them, walking away with a selection of wine and Easter Eggs.  The Youth HUB came last and were rewarded with lollipops for their efforts, however they got the highest score for the second marathon round with solving 22 out of 25 of Disney film anagrams

The evening raised £400 for youth activities.  A very big thank you to everyone who attended…