Network Suffolk

Retired priest Canon Michael Hazell, who lived in Ipswich, has died after a long battle with cancer, Bishop Alan Hopes announced on March 25. Writing to Diocese of East Anglia clergy, Bishop Alan said: “I am writing to inform you of the sad news that Canon Michael Hazell died this morning after a long battle with cancer. Canon Michael was...

The funeral of Dr ‌Margaret‌ ‌Mary‌ ‌(Maire)‌ ‌Heley, Life campaigner, founder member of the Guild of Our Lady of Ipswich and a parishioner at St Pancras in the town for more than 60 years takes place today (March 26), writes Jean Johnson, her friend for more than 40 years. Margaret Mary Heley – called Maire by her mother and some...

Community Action Suffolk are working with a number of partners, including Suffolk County Council, to connect established and new community groups to those who need their help at this current time. They are urging groups to register with them. There are so many stories of people helping the most vulnerable and isolated during the current crisis, whether it be cards...

We have perhaps become more aware of the needs of so many people in our local community at this time like never before. This is especially true for the thousands of elderly and most vulnerable people living in longer term isolation during the pandemic. Suffolk County Council, in association with other community groups, have announced a new initiative to...

As most of the world faces a sense of uncertainty like never before, Elaine Coltham's prayer remembers that God gives reassurance, of which we are to play a visible, active part. Father in these days of continuing uncertainty May we be filled with Your reassurance. As our troubled nations battle an invisible war May your people root seeds of peace. As the world’s hungry...

Churches across the county have found ways of utilising on-line tools to keep in touch with their congregations, providing a range of resources for Christians to keep connected through the current time. Phil Stollery reviews some of those available. The speed at which Churches have embraced the digital age has varied considerably over the years, but the Coronavirus pandemic has...

Liz Beaton from Ipswich in Prayer has written this prayer for the current times... Father God, Help us to keep our eyes lifted above the horizon of this day, in your hope and promises, not to lose sight of you. Help us to keep our minds, our thoughts fixed on Jesus, trusting completely in him, even when uncertainty is all around us. Help...

The Coronavirus is filling the news and disrupting everyone's lives in one way or the other all around the world. Its impact is going to be felt for a long time to come. Suddenly our ways of life have been turned upside down. Many are perplexed and worried in these uncertain times. Graeme Duncan urges us to be agents...

Churches Together in Ipswich gathered for an event called “Enjoy the Bible - Sensing the Sacred Through Music and Art” on Saturday March 7, as part of the God Who Speaks initiative, reports Fr Alan Hodgson. The culmination of months of work between the central churches of Ipswich, and led ably by Fr John Thackray of St Mary-at-the Elms, the day...

The climate crisis is one of the most critical issues of our time. Young people everywhere are showing real insight and leadership on this issue. Together with churches and youth groups, Christian Aid wants to share students’ reflections with the leaders of our world. Do you work with any young people who would be happy to use their creative skills...